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The Angels
The Angels roared out of the 1970s with multi-platinum albums, hits and record-breaking tours. The band was formed by the trio of Rick and John Brewster and Doc Neeson. Songs from their classic albums are as pertinent today as they were when they were released, thanks to John and Rick, the genius songwriting team, who, together with Doc, generated some of the greatest rock ever produced in this country.
During the 2000s the Brewsters and Doc fell out and legal battles ensued. Eventually they settled differences and reformed, but Doc was ill and died in 2014.
The Angels have since risen phoenix-like, with Screaming Jets front-man Dave Gleeson on vocals. With the Brewsters’ twin-guitar attack in full flight and passion and ambitions reignited, they are once again at the top of the rock ’n’ roll greasy pole. New albums, sell-out tours, rock festivals with thousands singing every song and roaring the infamous chant during the evergreen ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’.
Over the past two years they’ve regaled long-time associate Bob Yates with the inside story, warts and all. The result is the definitive book about one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands.
About the Author
While recuperating from an operation, Bob Yates opened a folk club in a Balmain church hall in 1974 which led to him promoting small concerts and big dances with Skyhooks, Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Radio Birdman, Saints, Sports, Ferrets . . . and The Angels. For two years, Bob was managed New Zealand band Mi-Sex and toured them throughout US with the likes of Iggy Pop and the Ramones before leaving the music industry and growing his own croissant-delivery business in Sydney.
Bob has been friends with The Angels since the mid-70's. The Angels is his first book.
During the 2000s the Brewsters and Doc fell out and legal battles ensued. Eventually they settled differences and reformed, but Doc was ill and died in 2014.
The Angels have since risen phoenix-like, with Screaming Jets front-man Dave Gleeson on vocals. With the Brewsters’ twin-guitar attack in full flight and passion and ambitions reignited, they are once again at the top of the rock ’n’ roll greasy pole. New albums, sell-out tours, rock festivals with thousands singing every song and roaring the infamous chant during the evergreen ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’.
Over the past two years they’ve regaled long-time associate Bob Yates with the inside story, warts and all. The result is the definitive book about one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands.
About the Author
While recuperating from an operation, Bob Yates opened a folk club in a Balmain church hall in 1974 which led to him promoting small concerts and big dances with Skyhooks, Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Radio Birdman, Saints, Sports, Ferrets . . . and The Angels. For two years, Bob was managed New Zealand band Mi-Sex and toured them throughout US with the likes of Iggy Pop and the Ramones before leaving the music industry and growing his own croissant-delivery business in Sydney.
Bob has been friends with The Angels since the mid-70's. The Angels is his first book.
- GenresMusic
448 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 1, 2018
A well-written book with many interviews with Rick and John in particular. What a pity the author didn't bother to contact some of us who are mentioned in the book but the stories and facts concerning them are totally erroneous. When the author totally gets the physical description of someone wrong, you know he has never met nor spoken to that person and in this case, confused him with someone else who interacted with the band who had the same first name. We were told we'd be contacted by the author and were not. Those people include me and my husband. It was good to relive the good times we shared with the guys, particularly in the early years of their careers but those errors left a sour taste.
RIP Chris and Doc.
RIP Chris and Doc.
December 27, 2024
“Doc gave a particularly extended acceptance speech.
Writing it had been a joint effort. In the process, they'd found it a profound experience looking back over the highlights of their long career, and the toll of blood, sweat and tears in getting to where they now were.
The band were then escorted to a hospitality room to chat with some of the gathered music press, while Chris, Buzz and Bob returned to their seats in the theatre.
John: A journalist asked a very reasonable question: 'You started out in Adelaide, so tell us a bit about growing up there. Doc, who I think was a bit inebriated, said, 'It was a great place to leave.'
There was dead silence as everyone gaped. Doc realised what a derogatory remark hed inadvertently made, and began a stuttering explanation of what he meant to say, but John and Rick jumped in.
Rick: We said it was a great place to grow up. The music scene was unbelievable. That's why so many successful bands came out of Adelaide - because there was music in the streets.”
Writing it had been a joint effort. In the process, they'd found it a profound experience looking back over the highlights of their long career, and the toll of blood, sweat and tears in getting to where they now were.
The band were then escorted to a hospitality room to chat with some of the gathered music press, while Chris, Buzz and Bob returned to their seats in the theatre.
John: A journalist asked a very reasonable question: 'You started out in Adelaide, so tell us a bit about growing up there. Doc, who I think was a bit inebriated, said, 'It was a great place to leave.'
There was dead silence as everyone gaped. Doc realised what a derogatory remark hed inadvertently made, and began a stuttering explanation of what he meant to say, but John and Rick jumped in.
Rick: We said it was a great place to grow up. The music scene was unbelievable. That's why so many successful bands came out of Adelaide - because there was music in the streets.”
November 8, 2017
A great read of what it was like to be on the road as The Angels. Playing at every pub in Australia and giving an account of themselves and their antics, the shows & venues from the east coast to west coast and beyond. True Aussie rock and I will forever miss you Doc.
September 2, 2017
The ecstasy and the utter pain!
I thought I understood a little how some felt growing up in Glasgow after reading "Working Class Boy" by Jimmy Barnes.
This book is the musical symphony of my very average Australian life!
I've always connected with The Angels, and I was at the Sydney Opera House concert in 1980; a vast leap from kid to the adult world for me.
I'm bawling my eyes out atm.
I've seen Doc & the boys at many venues in Australia, I miss Doc & recognise they all deserve far more than they've ever earned.
My tears & respect could count for some of your fortune?
I thought I understood a little how some felt growing up in Glasgow after reading "Working Class Boy" by Jimmy Barnes.
This book is the musical symphony of my very average Australian life!
I've always connected with The Angels, and I was at the Sydney Opera House concert in 1980; a vast leap from kid to the adult world for me.
I'm bawling my eyes out atm.
I've seen Doc & the boys at many venues in Australia, I miss Doc & recognise they all deserve far more than they've ever earned.
My tears & respect could count for some of your fortune?
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews