John Steel (drummer) Jones and Art Blakey. They switched from jazz to embrace the new rock 'n' roll explosion. In March 1959, Steel met Alan Price at a church hop in Byker, Newcastle, and with Hilton Valentine (guitar) and Chas Chandler (bass) formed a band; by 1960 the Alan Price Combo had acquired a reputation in Newcastle. Burdon joined in 1962 from a band called the Pagans, and the Animals were born. Steel went on to play and record with them until February 1966. His last charted single with the group was "Inside Looking Out". Subsequently, Steel returned to Newcastle and became a
Avenue (band) in "The X Factor". After the break-up of the band, he joined the successful chart topping boy band The Wanted. George was engaged to actress Michelle Keegan, but called off the engagement. Despite the calling off of their engagement, the couple remained together for some time. However, they have now split up due to rumours spreading about Max cheating. In 2006, Avenue auditioned for the third series of "The X Factor", singing an a cappella version of "Leave Right Now", a song by Will Young. They made it through to bootcamp and judges' houses, and were mentored by Louis Walsh.