Australian rock icon Doc Neeson has died at age 67, just 17 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Neeson, the former livewire lead singer of pub rock greats The Angels, passed away peacefully today at 7.15am according to a statement released by his friend and publicist Catherine Swinton at 11.30am on Wednesday.
“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.”
“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.”
The statement also added: “We love you Dad,” and included the names “Dzintra, Daniel, Aidan and Kieran”.
“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.”
Annie Souter movingly ended the statement with: “Good Night, Sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. With love forever, Annie – borrowed from William Shakespeare – Hamlet.”
Neeson, born in Belfast in 1947, brought a flair for the dramatic to the Angels, the band which came to define a style of Australian music which was fuelled by energy more than anger, and performance which was never shy.
In a piece he wrote for Fairfax this year Neeson said he collapsed before Christmas Eve 2012 and after scans showed a tumour had surgery on New Year’s Eve 2012.
Tributes were pouring into Twitter for Neeson. David Cambell said: “RIP Doc Neeson. What a giant of Aussie Rock. The soundtrack to many memories,” while Richard Wilkins simply said “#Legend”.
Sadly, some of the remaining members of the Angels were said to be estranged from Neeson.
The current lineup has just commenced a national tour and played in Victoria twice last week. The band is due to next perform at Old Bar, NSW, on Friday. Former Screaming Jets’ frontman Dave Gleeson is The Angels’ current lead singer.
