Angels frontman Doc Neeson dies
Angels frontman Doc Neeson has died after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 67.
A post on the singer’s Facebook page confirmed the death on Wednesday morning.
“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,” the post said.
“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.
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“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.
READ MORE: Tributes pour in for Doc.
The Angels’ frontman recently revealed on the ABC’s Australian story that he was suffering from a brain tumour.
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The band, which was very influential both in Australia and overseas, had its origins in Adelaide in the 1970s before relocating to Sydney.
Neeson was being treated for an aggressive brain tumour and had been undergoing intensive radiation and chemotherapy for the past year.
The singer was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1947 and migrated to Adelaide with his family when he was 13.
His first band was the Moonshine Jug and String Band with John and Rick Brewster.
In 1976, Neeson and the Brewsters became The Angels and released their debut single Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again in 1976.
Their string of hits included Take A Long Line (1978), Shadow Boxer (1979), No Secrets (1980), Fashion and Fame (1980), Stand Up (1982), Nature of the Beast (1986), Don’t Waste My Time (1986), We Gotta Get Outta This Place (1987), Finger On The Trigger (1988), Let The Night Roll On (1990), Dogs Are Talking (1990), Back Street Pickup’ (1990), Tear Me Apart (1992).
Neeson left the band in 1999.
He went on to form Red Phoenix with David Lowy, Peter Northcote, Jim Hilburn and Fab Omodel.
