Animal Nightlife was a British group in the 1980s. It consisted of Andy Polaris on vocals, Leonardo Chignoli on bass, Steve Brown on guitar, Billy Chapman on saxophone and Paul Waller on drums.
Founded in 1980 in the London night club scene,their sound has been described as white funk or cool jazz – a 1980s dance sound that is rooted in blues, soul, R&B and jazz.
They are described by one reviewer as "a staunchly Labour collective" whose instrumentals tended to impart escapism.
The group started as friends who enjoyed the nightlife at various clubs, including Blitz and Le Beat Route. They decided to create a group with their "love of swing, jazz, and funk", but needed a lead vocalist. They joined up with Andy Polaris, who at the time was Boy George's roommate. By 1983, they had opened for bands like Blue Rondo à la Turk and gained a following in gay clubs.
Their debut single, "Love Is Just The Great Pretender" and the follow-up "Native Boy", came out on the Innervision label. Th...