The Angels

The Angels were among the longest-lasting and most beloved bands ever to emerge from the Australian pub circuit. Their roots date back to 1973, when singer Doc Neeson and guitarist Rick Brewster first teamed at university in an eccentric acoustic covers group dubbed The Moonshine Jug and String Band. By the following year they began adopting a more straightforward and electric approach, rechristening themselves The Keystone Angels. Soon abbreviated to simply The Angels, their original line-up consisted of Neeson and Brewster, along with the Brewster’s brother John on guitar and drummer Graham "Buzz Throckman" Bidstrup.

In 1976, the Angels' were discovered by AC/DC's Angus Young and Bon Scott, and soon entered the studio to record their debut hit single 'Am I ever gonna see your face again'. With the addition of bassist Chris Bailey a tour opening for AC/DC followed. In 1977, The Angels' self titled debut LP was released to enormous success. A second album, Face to face, appeared in 1978 and preceded a national headlining tour. After 1979's 'No exit' became an even bigger hit, the group toured the U.S. and Canada, renamed Angel City for the Northern Hemisphere to avoid confusion with the glam band Angel.

After just three LPs, The Angels issued their first Greatest Hits collection in 1979; with their next studio album, 1980's moody Dark Room, they scored their first Australian number one hit, 'No secrets'.

Following this the band opened in America for The Kinks, then returned home to begin work on their next album Night attack, their first outing with new drummer Brent Eccles. A subsequent tour exchanged Bailey for bassist Jim Hilbun, and was followed in 1983 by the odd, experimental Watch the Red.

Upon returning to Australia, founding member John Brewster exited, and was replaced by ex-Skyhooks guitarist Bob Spencer. Howling followed in 1986, launching the hit singles 'Don't waste my time' and 'Nature of the beast'; in support of the record, The Angels mounted a 16-month tour, which in 1988 yielded the double concert LP Liveline. With new bassist James Morley, they next travelled to Memphis to record 1990's chart-topping Beyond Salvation, which notched four top ten singles 'Let the night toll on', 'Back street pick-up', 'Rhythm rude girl' and 'Dogs are talking'. After 1991's Redback fever, both Spencer and Morley departed for solo careers, opening the door for the return of Hilbun and John Brewster. However, record company problems then kept The Angels from recording new material for several years. Finally, in 1996, they issued their comeback single 'Call that living', which returned them to the top ten. Skin and Bone followed in 1998.

Reference ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

Links:
Official site: http://www.theangels.com.au/