North Shields 800 bench in tribute to Hilton Valentine

The North Shields 800 bench

Have you spotted the new bench at the entrance to Northumberland Park on Tynemouth Road?

It’s more than just a seat — it’s a celebration of North Shields 800 in tribute to Hilton Valentine, legendary guitarist of The Animals and proud son of North Shields. The bench honours Hilton’s lifelong love of the town where he grew up, played, and found musical inspiration.

We were delighted that ITV Tyne Tees visited the park to speak with Hilton’s widow, Germaine Valentine and his childhood friend Peter Elsdon, who grew up beside him on Coburg Street.

Hilton’s iconic intro to “House of the Rising Sun” helped define the sound of the 60s. His final music video, “River Tyne,” was a love letter to the place that shaped him.

Germaine Valentine and Peter Elsdon on the bench