THE ANGELS frontman and Australian rock icon Doc Neeson has been hospitalised with a brain tumour.

Neeson, who turned 66 on January 4, was admitted to hospital over the Christmas/New Year period complaining of pins and needles.

Angels drummer Buzz Bidstrup said tests revealed the aggressive brain tumour.  “On a scale of one to four it’s a four,” Bidstrup is quoted as commenting. “But he’s incredibly stoic and accepting, he’s in great spirits.  Doc’s looking at it as he’s one of the 20-per-cent that can make it, which is the only attitude you can have.”

Neeson was determined to continue with tour plans under the THE ANGELS 100% banner, due to start nationally in February, but medical advice swayed him to begin chemotherapy sooner.

“It was only two days ago he got a doctor’s report and sat down with his medical specialists team,” said Bidstrup.  “They said he needed very, very aggressive treatment to get this thing under control and the last thing he needed was to be doing is jumping around in front of a rock band.

“He’s a remarkable fellow. I’m sorry to the fans we have to cancel the shows but I’m sure everyone understands why.”

The Angels bass player Chris Bailey is also battling cancer in the jaw.

“I guess you get to our age and this stuff happens,” Bidstrup reflected.  “You never know what cards you’re going to be dealt.”

Doc Neeson’s former bandmates John and Rick Brewster and Chris Bailey, now playing together as The Angels featuring Dave Gleeson, with the former Screaming Jets frontman, said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear of Neeson’s illness.

“We are thinking of all the good times we’ve had and the camaraderie that came with them, the hard work that we all did over so many years.  Our thoughts are with Doc, his family and others close to him, and we wish him a speedy and complete recovery.”

Bidstrup expressed some hope that Neeson’s illness might end the feud between Neeson and the Brewster brothers.

“Hopefully we can leave that all behind, some things are more important than all that. It takes these kind of things to find out who the good guys are.” said Bidstrup.

Treatment is likely to involve intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and take up to seven months.

The band issued the following statement: “The Angels would like to thank all the fans for their continued support and we wish Doc all the best for his treatment during this difficult time. The Angels look forward to seeing everyone again once Doc is given the all clear to return to the stage.”

100% ROCK MAGAZINE wishes Doc a full and speedy recovery.

Category: News