Doc Neeson, legendary Australian musician and singer/founder of the iconic rock group The Angels, has passed away following a battle with cancer. He was 67.
Neeson, along with bandmates Rick and John Brewster formed the band that would come to be known as The Angels in 1971. After touring in support of AC/DC, Bon Scott and Malcolm Young recommended them to record label Albert Productions, and the band’s career took off.
A band with unprecedented influence within Australian rock, as well as internationally – Guns N Roses, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana all cited the group as an influence – the group had a string of successful, enduring hits, including Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?, Take A Long Line, No Secrets and We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.
The band is responsible for arguably the most famous audience chant in Australian rock history, with crowds responding to the choral question “Am I ever gonna see your face again?” with “No way! Get fucked! Fuck off!“
Neeson remained active with The Angels until 1999, when a serious spinal injury forced him to leave the band. Though he constantly kept active as a performer right up until his health began to decline.
Neeson, along with The Angels, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998.
A true legend of Australian music, whose legacy will live on for decades to come.
Photo: Kristian Dowling via Getty Images.
