ANIMAL is the band created by ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist Randy Piper and named after his former act's most notorious song 'Animal- Fuck Like A Beast'. The 1987 incarnation of ANIMAL was fronted by Kyle Michaels, erstwhile singer for Chicago's RAVAGE as well as BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler's solo band. Michaels decamped to join BIRD OF PREY then the ALEX MASI band. ANIMAL re-emerged in June 1988 boasting Rich Lewis of BIG AMERICAN DOGS on vocals, Shredder on guitar, BLUE JOHNNY's Burn Coldewey on bass and Steve Solon on drums. A new rhythm section of bassist Jack Livengood and drummer Frank Garisto was involved by 2000.

However, some two years later the band finally struck a record deal with the Perris label. The line up would take many W.A.S.P. fans by surprise as now alongside Piper would be two of the classic era W.A.S.P. personnel guitarist Chris Holmes and drummer Tony Richards. The latter's tenure was fleeting though, lasting for just one gig. Holmes was linked as possible replacement to Tracii Guns to deputise for the L.A. GUNS guitarist in order to salvage a November UK tour. The liaison never transpired.

ANIMAL, with Frank Garisto manning the drums, took to the North American club circuit in 2003 as promotion for the album '900lbs Of Steam'. Ex-singer Kyle Michaels was working with the DAVID SHANKLE GROUP in July of 2004, subsequently forging ROSEWATER and BIRD OF PREY. The ANIMAL line-up changed too, the group pulling in new guitarist Chris Laney of SCRATCH, UNAMEUS, 17, GODSACHE and ZAN CLAN repute. The trio of Lewis, Piper and Laney entered the recording studio in November to cut a second album.

Mid 2005 found Laney colluding with UK Glam veterans TIGERTAILZ on album recordings. ANIMAL regrouped, adding bassist Jackie Livengood in December.

ANIMAL released their third album, 'Virus', in September 2008. Chris Laney exited in February 2009.