https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/article/hero_image02-2017/the_angels_700p-cropped.jpg

Vale Bernard 'Doc' Neeson

The passing of an Australian rock icon
BY
 Thorsten Kaeding

 

https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/uploads/2014/06/04/The_Angels_700p.jpg
The Angels – promotional image, 1986. NFSA title: 503907

 

With the passing of Doc Neeson we have lost an icon of Australian rock.

As the charismatic and mesmeric front man for The Angels, Doc seduced a generation and brought danger and sophistication into our pubs and homes.

Along with bands like Cold Chisel and Rose Tattoo, The Angels came to define the unique sound and style of Australian hard rock in the 1970s and 80s.

 

The NFSA was fortunate enough to record an oral history interview with Doc, undertaken by music journalist Anthony O’Grady, in August 2013.

In this excerpt Doc talks about arriving in Australia for the first time in 1960, and the contrast between Adelaide and the home he had left behind:

You can listen to the complete interview, which lasts over five hours, on our SoundCloud page:

Thanks to Albert Music for supporting the production of this interview.