Vikram Singh Antion

Antion, former lead guitarist Vic Briggs with Eric Burdon and the Animals, was introduced to Sikhism and its sacred music by Yogi Bhajan. He was then known as Vikram Singh. He has now succeeded in adding Hawaiian music to his eclectic repertoire. His inner vision has brought all these sources together in a sound uniquely his own. He ended his association with the Animals in 1968, after playing the Hollywood Bowl and touring the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Europe. After 2 years he says he had had enough of sex, drugs, rock and roll and a dishonest manager. They had a big fight and along with the bass player he moved on. At 24, he headed in an entirely different direction. "I decided I wanted to be spiritual, so I became spiritual," he said. He studied Kundalini Yoga with Yogi Bhajan, who remained his spiritual teacher for 20 years. He became a master of yogic chanting and mantra yoga. He became a Sikh and learned the sacred music of his new religion. Along with this new religion came a new name. He was called Vikram Singh Khalsa. He played regularly with the Khalsa String Band - an ensemble that included artists such as Livtar Singh and Singh Kaur. It was only after he left the 3HO organization in 1990 that he changed his name to Antion. However, he continues his spiritual practice as a Sikh, still sings in temples and remains friends with many in the organization.