'Doc' Neeson, The Angels, has died aged 67

[David48]

Some sad news ...

Bernard 'Doc' Neeson, singer-songwriter for veteran Australian rock band The Angels, has died aged 67.

Neeson, who had been suffering from a brain tumour, died in his sleep this 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," a statement from his family 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."

Here

Sadly I never got to see him perform live.

RIP Doc ... the australian music industry has lost a legand.

.

[krisb]

Oh man that's really sad.

What a real legend, great frontman.

RIP 17, 28, 59

[Will27]

Yep,

I saw The Angels many times.

IMO, they were one of the best live acts of all time.

[chooka]

Yep,

I saw The Angels many times.

IMO, they were one of the best live acts of all time.

Saw them a couple of times in Townsville, loved the Angels and Doc.

I am ever going to see your face again a timeless classic that will never die.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=i_py6WbMV1k

[krisb]

Am I ever gonna see your face again was about his friends gf who died on a motorbike, a sad song. The no way get effed bit was not what he intended but fans kept singing it for the wrong reason.

[chooka]

Am I ever gonna see your face again was about his friends gf who died on a motorbike, a sad song. The no way get effed bit was not what he intended but fans kept singing it for the wrong reason.

Yes but Doc and the Angels adopted the additional line. If you notice the words on the shirt he (DOC) is wearing in the clip I posted above.

[chooka]

For those that missed Australia Story 2 weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAnmxk4uI8Q&feature=player_detailpage

[Splint10155]

_{Dam another legend gone, I grew up listening to the Angels amongst others, a very sad day for Australian Music}

[MrWorldwide]

RIP - agree that he and the band were fantastic - the Brewster brothers remain very underrated guitarists. The Liveline album remains one of my favorites and I wondered how he was getting on after last year's benefit concert.

[Kooweerup]

Am I ever going to see your face again has always been thier signature song. Wherever they played in the world the crowd would always sing those classic aussie lines of noway get....... You inspired millions DOC and deserved your OAM. RIP and know your music will live on for generations to come.

[Chris Lawrence]

Hi David

Thanks for posting this. Very important news for a lot of Aussies. I posted this in General and thought it might get moved into world news.Never thought of looking in the pubs section of TV, but then again maybe no mod Aussies?

I saw Doc last year in Royal North Shore Hospital caferteria; didn't recognise him at first and unaware of the brain tumor. He was in Hospital clothes with a black leather jacket. Old habits die hard.

He had a lot of problems from a car accident as I understood, so I thoughy that was why he was there. Didn't go up to him and say hello, but now wish I did. Different man to the one on stage in the 70's and 80's.

But, what a showman. First saw the Angels at Macquarie Uni about 1979. Just fantastic. The steam and sweat coming off him at the end. Also saw them in a smaller venue at Leppington; wow wasn't that great. Small venue but packed. It was like pure thearter watching them. A Few mates just travelled everywhere to see them, like 30-35 times. I was fortunate to see them live 5 times. But every show was about the energy they brought and shared on stage with their music. And Doc was the front man, a real entertainer.

Great singer, good man RIP 'Doc'

Edited June 4, 2014 by Chris Lawrence

[Will27]

For those that missed Australia Story 2 weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAnmxk4uI8Q&feature=player_detailpage

Thanks for that chooka.

Just watched it, sensational show.

[chooka]

For those that missed Australia Story 2 weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAnmxk4uI8Q&feature=player_detailpage

Thanks for that chooka.

Just watched it, sensational show.

My pleasure Will, catch you on the AFL forum for some serious ribbing.

[chooka]

He has just got the highest accalades from the Queen via the Governor General.

[MK1]

Not only were Doc Neeson’s ANGELS one of the most popular Australian live bands, they were also one of the loudest. After every show, it took at least three days for my hearing to regain normality…I will never forget that ringing sensation of the Angels in my ears. Thanks Doc for showing us how to have a good time..You will be sadly missed by the fraternity...RIP

[WitawatWatawit]

A colleague tells a nice little yarn about Doc. His friend owned a guitar shop in Sydney and Doc was a regular customer. Doc was there one day when a Japanese girl came in to check out guitars and he spent the better part of an hour or two with her explaining what would be best to buy and then teaching her some chords.After Doc left and the girl asked who he was, she was quite speechless and asked the friend if he had Doc's phone number.

This is a sad day. Time for another Oz/Kiwi rock night at home with my old friend Johnny Walker.

[ripstanley]

For those that missed Australia Story 2 weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAnmxk4uI8Q&feature=player_detailpage

Thanks chooka. I just watched it. Good show. Good to see our new GG giving his side to Doc's life.

[marcusd]

For those that missed Australia Story 2 weeks ago.

Thanks for that chooka.

Just watched it, sensational show.

My pleasure Will, catch you on the AFL forum for some serious ribbing.

I was not what you call an Angels fan. However, as an Aussie, I was often inspired on travels to hear their sings.

Thanking you Chooka as I really enjoyed the Australian Story episode.

I like many will miss losing one of our very famous rascals

[WitawatWatawit]

Finally got time to watch this vid - and I'm glad and sad. It popped up names that have faded from an era of music that is unsurpassed. But I witnessed that era, and I will go to my grave in gratitude at having the chance to be there. I had a very fringe involvement in that era through my work in radio and TV, It was nice to rub shoulders with the likes of, say, Peter Garrett, but in the grand scheme of things (my career, I mean) it was ultimately insignificant, and as your life moves in other circles, you tend to put these memories behind you (until a vid like this comes along). So the vid is a chance to look back - I was working in radio station 2JJJ when Doc came through one day (early 80's). I was excited. but many rock stars (and crims - Raymond Denning?) were passing through that William Street building at that time - and I had a job to do, so it was a case of "wow, it's Doc", but "will someone <deleted> check what's on the <deleted> teletype machine because I have to go on air in 5 <deleted> minutes?".

So thanks for posting the vid and reviving some memories.

Wit.