Died On This Date (June 4, 2014) Doc Neeson / Lead Singer Of The Angels (Angel City)
themusicsover Bernard “Doc” Neeson
January 4, 1947 – June 4, 2014
Doc Neeson was a singer who is best remembered as the front man of the legendary Australian pub rock band, the Angels (Angel City outside of Australia as to not be confused with the then-popular American glam-metal band, Angel). Born in Belfast, Ireland, Neeson moved with his family to Adelaide, Australia when he was 13. Before long, he found himself in the Moonshine Jug & String Band which morphed into the Angels in 1974. The band scored several hits throughout Australia and beyond, including “Let The Night Roll On,” “Take A Long Line,” “Dogs Are Talking,” and their biggest, “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” whose live performances prompted crowds everywhere to shout “No way, Get fucked, Fuck off,” when Neeson sang, “Am I ever gonna see your face again?” Although the exact origin of the chant remains unclear, it has become part of the Australian lexicon, so much so, that it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see a group of nuns participating. The band continued to record and play in front of ecstatic arena and stadium sized crowds over the next two decades. But in 1999, Neeson left the ban due to a back injury he suffered in a car accident. Known for his wild live performances, his doctors advised him against continuing or risk landing in a wheelchair. He ultimately reunited with the original members of the Angels in 2008 and have recorded and performed live ever since. In 2006, the band graced an Australian postage stamp, and in 2009, Neeson was included in the Irish Echo‘s list off the Top 100 Irish People in Australia of All Time. In January 2013, Neeson was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Doc Neeson was 67 when the cancer took his life on June 4, 2014.
Thanks to Craig Rosen or Number 1 Albums for the assist.
What You Should Own
Chris Bailey was the longtime bassist for legendary Australian pub-rock band, the Angels. Also known as Angel City so as to not be confused with Angel outside of Australia, the Angels formed in 1974, with Bailey coming on board when original bassist, Doc Neeson moved over to lead vocals in 1977. Often compared to as well as helped along by AC/DC, the Angels went on to release a string of hits at home and abroad. They are said to have been an influence on Guns N’ Roses, Great White, and many of the Seattle grunge bands. Bailey was part of the band throughout their peak years of the late ’70s and early ’80s. He can be heard on their two biggest releases, Face To Face and No Exit. Bailey left the group in 1982 and went on to play in other bands before returning in 1982. He continued on and off with them until his final days. Chris Bailey lost a long battle with throat cancer on April 3, 2013. He was 62.