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Biography: The Angels Band
'The Angels Band' - a reunion of Rick and John Brewster with Chris Bailey and Buzz Bidstrup, 4 of the original celebrated lineup which recorded the first four albums from The Angels - Face to Face, No Exit, Darkroom and their debut album The Angels. In 1975 an Adelaide band called The Keystone Angels supported AC/DC during a South Australian tour. The band featured brothers John and Rick Brewster on guitar, Doc Neeson on bass and Charlie King on drums. Both John and Doc shared lead vocals. On the recommendation of Bon Scott and Malcolm and Angus Young, they were offered a publishing and recording deal with AC/DC's Sydney label Alberts. In 1976 Graham Buzz Bidstrup joined John, Rick and Doc in the band, renamed The Angels in 1975. Later, with the addition of bass player Chris Bailey, the band began recording their first album, The Angels. The musicians in the band worked tirelessly on the road and in the legendary King Street studios to shape and refine their sound under the guidance of George Young and Harry Vanda. In 1978, following a recorded 2JJ concert at St Leonard's Park, The Angels released their landmark album Face to Face, which remained in the charts for 76 weeks. Their popularity exploded throughout Australia with sell-out shows and stadium tours with Meatloaf and David Bowie. Subsequently No Exit in 1979 and Dark Room in 1980 became major albums and were released in the USA, UK and Europe, where the band achieved success, both live and on radio. These records contained many hits, including Take a Long Line, Shadow Boxer, Marseilles, Straightjacket, Coming Down, I Ain't the One, After the Rain, Be with You, Out of the Blue, Mr. Damage, Devil's Gate, No Secrets and Face the Day. Buzz left the The Angels in 1981 and Chris in 1983. These two went on to be founding members of another iconic Australian band GANGgajang. The Angels popularity continued for the next 20 years or so, and still continues with record sales and Angels-related websites on the internet. Sometime after a live performance at the turn of the millennium concert in Darwin, Doc announced he was quitting the band to pursue a solo career. In 2001, a benefit show for another Alberts label colleague, Ted Mulry, brought John, Rick, Buzz and Chris, 4 of the original well known band, together for a one- off performance as Members of the Angels, with Jim Hilbun joining them to sing lead vocals. In January 2002, there was a further performance in Perth at a benefit concert for victims of the Bali tragedy. This time the 4 performed with John on lead vocals. The success of their reunion and the strength of John?s vocals encouraged the band to embrace both their music and heritage and continue as a 4-piece, playing songs in which John, Rick and Buzz played a major role in writing. Reviving the unique twin guitar assault of the Brewster Brothers and the no holds barred, rock solid rhythm section of Bailey and Bidstrup, they have played to a full house at the Civic in Perth where the audience response was overwhelming. In December 2003 the 4 performed two successful shows in Sydney with a similar response and critical acclaim under the name The Angels Band. Now anyone who has missed seeing The Angels perform should hear the awesome power of The Angels Band.Contributed by: Darrel Baird
Contributor e-mail: bluetongue1@optusnet.com.au
Contributor organisation: Blue Tongue Management
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