The Angels

The formation of The Angels dates back to 1973, with Doc Neeson (vocals) and Rock Brewster (guitar) first playing together in the acoustic covers act, the Moonshine Jug and String Band. After adopting a more electric sound, they changed their name to The Angels and brought in John Brewster (guitars), Chris Bailey (bass) and Graham “Buzz Throckman” Birdstrup (drums) to bolster their lineup. Playing Adelaide’s pub circuit, they were spotted by Angus Young and Bon Scott in 1976, which prompted them to enter the studio and record their debut single, “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.” The single became a major hit and the band then secured a support slot for AC/DC in 1977.

They released their self-titled debut that same year which stormed up the charts, quickly becoming a favorite in their home country. It was with their third album that the band started to gain attention worldwide, with 1979’s “No Exit” gaining acclaim in the US and Canada, prompting an extensive tour in the northern hemisphere.

In 1979, after only three records, they released a collection of their “Greatest Hits,” before unleashing their fourth outing, “Darkroom.” The album spawned their first number one hit with “No Secrets,” and by the end of the year, The Angels were playing a riotous concert at the Sydney Opera House to a legion of fans. Bailey left for Jim Hibun in 1983, just before the band unleashed two experimental albums, “Watch the Red” and “Two Minute Warning,” a concept album exploring nuclear war.

Original member John Brewster left shortly after, replaced by ex-Skyhooks, Bob Spencer, with the impact being felt upon their next album, “Howling,” in 1986, which scored several hit singles. A 16-month tour followed, paving their way for the massive success of 1990’s “Beyond Salvation,” which earned the band four Top Ten singles. Spencer and Morley left in 1991 to forge solo careers, with Hulbun and John Brewster brought back to the fold. Yet issues with record companies caused problems in releasing new material. After the comeback success of “Call That Living,”

The Angels disbanded at the end of the decade. It was not until 2008 that they were to return, reuniting to play a number of shows that summer, reigniting interest in the band, Neeson left to explore a solo career in 2011, finding a replacement in Dave Gleeson, whose first feature alongside The Angels was 2012’s “Take It to the Streets.” In 2014, the band marked their 40th anniversary with the release of the album, “Talk the Talk.”