Eric Burdon, the legendary frontman of The Animals, is celebrated not only for his soul-stirring vocals but also for his headline-grabbing romantic escapades. Throughout his career, Eric’s heart has experienced the highs and lows of passionate relationships, reflecting the glamour and turmoil typical of rock stardom. His current marriage to his wife Marianna Proestou and past connections have enriched his personal narrative, making his romantic life as compelling as his music career.
Marianna Is Not Just Eric’s Partner in Crime But Also His Manager
At the heart of Eric’s vibrant life is the fabulous Marianna, a Greek lawyer who became his better half in 1999. Their romance blossomed a year into dating, and they’ve now clocked over 25 years together! Not just his life partner, Marianna wields her sharp intellect and fierce independence as Eric’s manager, making her an indispensable force in his life. The couple’s significant age gap might turn heads, but their connection cannot be ignored.
Their long-lasting partnership shows how strong their bond is, especially considering the pressures of being in the public eye. Their shared love for music is undeniable; Eric often credits her for understanding his artistic needs and helping him stay centered amid the glitz of fame.
The couple isn’t shy about showing their affection in public, frequently attending events related to his music career, where their camaraderie shines. Through the ups and downs, including his struggles with health issues like asthma, she has been his steady support.
Today, they reside in Ojai, California.
His First Wife Left Him for Jimi Hendrix
But before Marianna came along, Eric was married to Angela “Angie” King. They tied the knot on September 7, 1967, at Caxton Hall in London, despite Eric’s wish for a more low-key ceremony. But of course, the media had other plans and turned their wedding into a full-blown spectacle! Angie, an Anglo-Indian hippie and model, was deeply entrenched in the music scene, making their union all the more fascinating.
Unfortunately, the marriage was a flash in the pan; just a year later, in 1969, Angie bolted, and not just to anyone—she left Eric for the legendary Jimi Hendrix! Talk about a love triangle that had everyone buzzing.
Tragically, Angie’s story took a dark turn when she was murdered by an estranged boyfriend in Perth, Australia, on December 19, 1992. It’s a heartbreaking end to a life that was anything but ordinary.
He Has A Daughter With His Second Partner
Following his brief and tumultuous marriage to Angie, he sought stability with his second spouse, Rose Jolinda Marks, whom he married on September 17, 1972. From this relationship, Eric became a father to a daughter named Alexandria, who’s since turned him into a grandfather multiple times! Their relationship faced the usual struggles of a musician’s life, complete with touring, fame, and personal demons.
By 1978, they decided to part ways, but even though their marriage ended in February 1982, Eric has often expressed pride in his daughter and joy in being a grandfather. He even named an album “Mirage” after her, which dropped in 2008, showcasing his love for her.
Things took a dramatic turn when their split led to a messy custody battle. In 1983, Rose and Alex mysteriously vanished while on tour with The Animals, leaving fans and him in shock. It wasn’t until a 2006 interview that he finally managed to reconnect with his daughter.
A Look At His Past Flings
Apart from his well-known marriages, Eric’s memoir, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, details a series of passionate flings. He was romantically involved with figures such as Twinkle, known for her hit Terry, and Emmaretta Marks, who played a significant role in his early career. He also dated Suzi Gardner of the band L7, and had brief encounters with Cassandra Peterson and Sherry Carroll.
One particularly whimsical tale from this era gave rise to his infamous nickname Eggman. The story unfolded one morning as Eric, cooking breakfast naked, was surprised by his Jamaican girlfriend Sylvia.
