Doc Neeson from The Angels fighting cancer.

For those who dont know The Angels.

The Angels are an innovative Australian rock band that formed in Adelaide, Australia in 1974. The band later relocated from Adelaide to Sydney and enjoyed huge local success until well into the 1990s. The Angels have been cited by bands like Guns N’ Roses, and a number of Seattle grunge bands, including Pearl Jam and Nirvana, as a key influence. For the purposes of international release, their records were released under the names Angel City and later The Angels from Angel City.

After spending most of the 2000s apart, in April 2008, the original 1970s line-up of The Angels reformed for a series of tours.

In late 2010, vocalist Doc Neeson announced he was pursuing a solo career.

In May 2011, The Angels revealed they had recruited The Screaming Jets singer, and MMMFM radio DJ, Dave Gleeson to front the band and were recording new songs for the first time since the late 1990s.

In June 2011, the Angels released the EP, Waiting for the Sun and toured Australia in support of the new EP through late 2011 and 2012, clocking up numerous sold-out shows. In January 2012, the Angels recorded a new live album, their first in two decades, at the QPAC theatre in Brisbane, Queensland.

In March 2012, the Angels announced they finished recording a new studio album with Dave Gleeson. The album, Take It to the Streets, was released on August 31, 2012, debuting at number seven on the ARIA Australian albums chart.

In November and December 2012, the Angels with Dave Gleeson joined the Baby Animals and the Hoodoo Gurus for the national ‘Day on the Green’ tour, and announced the ‘Take It To The Streets’ national tour, beginning February 22, 2012.

‘The Angels 100% Tour’ tour with Doc Neeson, Buzz Bidtrup, Bob Spencer, James Morley and Jim Hilbun was announced in November, 2012 for early 2013.

In preparation, ‘The Angels 100% Tour’ played a private show to 1000 people at a mining installation in Western Australia in late 2012.

On Thursday, 10th January, 2013 it was announced that Doc Neeson has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and will undergo immediate treatment.

A statement from ‘The Angels 100% Tour’ management said:

“To all The Angels friends, fans, venues and media,

“It is with deep regret and shock that (we) have to announce that Mr Doc Neeson was admitted to hospital over the recent Christmas/New Year period. He has just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, (brain tumour). This will require immediate intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatment and will continue for the next 6-7 months.”

‘The Angels 100% Tour’ was cancelled on January 10.

Posted: 26 January, 2013 by Rock News
Doc Neeson Wins OAM
Angels singer wins top award

The Angels, Doc Neeson, Order of Australia Medal

Doc Neeson recognised for his commitment to rock (Getty Images)

Doc Neeson, vocalist of The Angels, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Bernard Patrick Neeson, 66, was awarded the honour for service to the performing arts as a singer and songwriter, and to the community.

As the lead singer of The Angels he was one of the legendary voices in Australian rock. Songs like “No Secrets” and “Long Line” cited as a massive influence on bands like Guns N’ Roses.

Doc Neeson was due to play with Guns N’ Roses on their upcoming Aussie tour but was forced to cancel that and all other commitments after being recently hospitalised with a brain tumour to undergo immediate intensive chemotherapy.

“First my cousin Ned Kelly gets a decent burial. Next, I get this remarkable award,” Doc said from hospital.

“I’m honoured. What a week for the Irish.”

Bandmate Buzz Bidstrup said it was great news for a mate battling poor health.

“That positive frame of mind is something which has been explained to me as being one of the most important things for people who are battling this,” he said.

“He’s ready for a fight. The Irish love a fight.”

We congratulate Doc on his award and wish him all the best with his treatment and recovery.

ROCK FOR THE ANGELS’ DOC NEESON:
The incomparable Doc Neeson is the enigmatic frontman who won The Angels legions of fans from the bands very beginning. For generations, Doc’s on stage theatrics have lured in many loving fans and sold millions of records worldwide. Since co-founding the Keystone Angels in Adelaide in 1974, Doc has now racked up 38 years with the band and it’s many different lineups, released two solo albums, acted in the mini series ‘Spirited’ and ‘Holy Smoke,’ formed bands with friend David Lowy and performed at numerous charity events. Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, The Angels’ 38 years of powerhouse rock’n'roll is etched into the Australian music history landscape.
As a show of respect and support for Doc, The Angels, Bob Spencer, James Morley, Buzz Bidstrup and Jim Hilbun plus a stellar cast of artists including: Rose Tattoo, Jon Stevens and Steve Balbi (Noiseworks), Jimmy Barnes and Don Walker (Cold Chisel), Rob Hirst and Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), Baby Animals, Mark Gable (Choirboys), Diesel, Screaming Jets, The Radiators, Mi-Sex, Red Phoenix with Peter Northcote, Diva Demolition and personalities from all areas of the music industry including Jonesy & Amanda from WSFM, are coming together on this special night to ‘Rock For Doc’. The proceeds from this event will assist Doc through this difficult time with medical treatment and day to day living expenses. Kindly donating their time and support are: The Enmore Theatre for the venue, Catalyst PR Co-ordinating and Publicity, Spitfire Music Promoting/Management, Hyperbole Advertising, PowWow Studios, T-Rex Art, Cards 4 Kids, Jaden Social, Camelion Lighting, Rock Posters, Lizottes, Money Penny Services and friends along with a host of bands and celebrities performing on the night – more to be announced. Proudly presented by Support Act Ltd in association with Spitfire Music. All proceeds from the benefit go to the Doc Neeson Suport Fund.
Get your tickets now for Rock For Doc and support a true legend and the statesman of rock! Where: The Enmore Theatre Monday April 15 / Tix: $89 incl GST & B/F Tickets on sale: February 15 @ The Enmore Theatre enmoretheatre.com.au.
For more information go to The Angels new Website, Facebook & Twitter: http://www.theangels.net / http://www.facebook.com/angelsofficial / twitter.com/theangelsOZ.

Just incredibly sad. I saw him and the Angels in concert so many times. They were always nothing less than brilliant.

Melodicrock.com

R.I.P. DOC NEESON – THE ANGELS:
After an 18 month battle with cancer, Australian rock legend Doc Neeson, vocalist for The Angels (known as Angel City in North America) has passed away earlier this morning local time. The official statement reads:

“It is with deep sadness and regret that the family of Angels singer/songwriter Bernard ‘Doc’ Neeson – loving father, family member and friend to so many – announce he has passed away in his sleep at 7.15am, today, 4th June 2014. He has battled with a brain tumour for the last 17 months and sadly lost his fight this morning. He will be deeply missed by his family and partner Annie Souter who would all like to thank everyone for their support through this dark time. “We love you Dad. You couldn’t have made any of your sons more proud of you if you tried. May your beautiful soul rest in peace sweet angel, fly high.” Dzintra, Daniel, Aidan and Kieran.
“Good Night, Sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” With love forever, Annie – borrowed from William Shakespeare – Hamlet.

From: News.com.au – “Doc Neeson, the lead singer of Australian rockers The Angels, has died of brain cancer. He was 67. The singer behind hits such as Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again? was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2013. Neeson underwent surgery to remove the tumour but he confirmed it had returned in April this year, confirming it might be “life threatening”. “The news is grim, but some people can get through this, and that’s the way I try to think about things,” he told the ABC’s Australian Story. “So I’m looking forward optimistically to the future.”
Neeson said his initial reaction to the tumour had been: “shock of course”. “When somebody puts a use by date on me, but I still hung on to a shred of hope that I’d get back on the stage at some point.”
In March this year he released his first single in seven years, Walking in the Rain, after performing the song to critical acclaim on the SBS TV show Rockwiz. Neeson was born in Belfast and moved with his family to Adelaide when he was 13. The Angels started life in Adelaide as The Moonshine Jug and String Band in the early 1970s. They went on to become the Keystone Angels.
In 1975, they became simply The Angels and a year later they released their breakthrough single Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again. Their other hits included Take a Long Line, Marseilles, Shadow Boxer, No Secrets, and a cover version of the Eric Burdon hit We Gotta Get Out Of This Place. Neeson’s final gig with the bad was in New Year’s Eve in 1999.

Related coverage: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-04/doc-neeson-the-angels-frontman-dies-aged-67/5499582 / musicfeeds.com.au/news/the-angels-frontman-doc-neeson-dead-at-67 / http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/music/angels-frontman-doc-neeson-dies-after-battle-with-brain-cancer/story-fniwj43s-1226942722009.
6 Ways Doc Neeson Helped Change The Face Of Australian Music
Michael Lardie: “It saddens me to report Doc Neeson’s passing. Face the Day and Cant Shake It were originally songs composed by the Angels. Doc was a gentle soul and a rock and roll poet. I will miss his magic. R.I.P. my brother.”

Jon Stevens (Dead daisies/Noiseworks): “It’s a sad day for Australian rock n roll. Doc Neeson was one of the greatest front men of Aussie rock.. he wrote and performed so many timeless classics with The Angels that will never be forgotten. Thank you Doc.”

Craig Csongrady (BB Steal): “R.I.P Doc Neeson – The Voice of The Angels It’s been a great honour for all in BB Steal to have shared the stage with you over the many years. You were a true Gentleman a True Star and a Giant of the Stage. You will be very sadly missed, but never forgotten.”

Nice tribute.