Netflix has announced the upcoming release of The House of the Rising Voice: Eric Burdon’s Journey, a powerful new documentary series exploring the life, music, and legacy of one of rock and blues’ most uncompromising voices — Eric Burdon. The series is set to premiere globally in October 2025, offering an intimate and unfiltered portrait of the legendary frontman of The Animals and War.
The project is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sophie Fiennes and produced by the award-winning team at Lightbox, known for their work on Searching for Sugar Man and Whitney. Across four episodes, the series will chronicle Burdon’s rise from working-class Newcastle roots to global stardom, tracing his artistic evolution, political activism, and lasting influence on generations of musicians.
Burdon’s raw, soulful vocals first captivated the world in the 1960s with The Animals’ haunting hit “The House of the Rising Sun”, a song that not only propelled him to stardom but became a defining anthem of the British Invasion. The series revisits the cultural upheaval of that era through rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes tour diaries, and new interviews with Burdon himself, now 84, offering candid reflections on his decades in music.
“Eric’s voice didn’t just carry songs — it carried the weight of truth, rebellion, and soul,” said Fiennes. “This series is about honoring that voice, and everything it stood for.”
The documentary also dives deep into Burdon’s groundbreaking collaboration with the multi-ethnic funk-rock band War, highlighting their barrier-breaking hit “Spill the Wine” and the social messages woven into their music. Former bandmates, producers, and music historians appear throughout the series, alongside high-profile admirers like Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Jack White, and Brittany Howard, who credit Burdon as a critical influence on their own sound.
In addition to exploring his artistic career, The House of the Rising Voice examines Burdon’s outspoken activism — from marching for civil rights in the U.S. to protesting the Vietnam War and promoting racial unity through his music. These themes are revisited through personal letters, never-before-seen footage, and new commentary that places Burdon’s life firmly within the social movements of his time.
A companion album featuring newly remastered classics, unreleased live recordings, and a new spoken-word piece by Burdon, titled “Shadow & Flame”, will be released alongside the series.
Critics are already hailing the documentary as one of Netflix’s most anticipated music releases of the year. “Eric Burdon’s voice didn’t just change rock — it told the truth,” wrote Rolling Stone UK. “This series finally gives it the stage it deserves.”
With its blend of grit, history, and soul, The House of the Rising Voice is set to reignite appreciation for one of music’s most powerful and enduring figures.
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