The rock band The Angels has been commemorated with their own laneway in Adelaide’s CBD, marking a significant tribute to the band’s contributions to Australian music. The formal dedication of The Angels Lane was on Monday, but that didn’t stop the street closure from becoming a hot destination for fans and local luminaries. Located in Adelaide’s vibrant west end, the laneway celebrates the legacy of a band that has shaped the city’s cultural landscape since its formation in the 1970s.
Founding members John Brewster and Rick Brewster were on hand for the ceremony. They were accompanied by Jane Lomax-Smith, a former Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly, and academic and activist. The event was an opportunity to recognize the band’s intangible cultural heritage, as much for its historical legacy as for its profound impact on modern music today.
A Permanent Mark in Adelaide
Clearly, John Brewster took great pride in the recognition he received. To him, it would stand as a permanent testament to the city that had made his childhood. He celebrated the history of The Angels, whose formative years were spent in his hometown of Adelaide. Their music still speaks as forcefully to audiences today as it did then.
“It wasn’t a very big deal at the time but it seems to have become a big deal — that was incredible,” – John Brewster.
…Despite its anticlimactic undercurrent, the Angels’ music would go on to have an immeasurable impact on Australian music. Their iconic anthem “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” just shot to number 12 on last month’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. Brewster expressed his astonishment at the song’s continued resonance, underscoring its impact more than 50 years after its creation.
Celebrating a Rich Legacy
The Angels were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998, a well-deserved honour. That induction confirmed their place as living legends of Australian rock. The band’s story has been just as full of swag as it has sorrow, especially with the departure of iconic core members. Bass player Chris Bailey succumbed to throat cancer in 2013, followed by lead singer Bernard “Doc” Neeson, who passed away from a brain tumor in 2014.
With the unveiling of The Angels Lane, we are shown this band’s undying spirit. Although these losses, their contribution to music is cemented and continues to set a powerful precedent. Minister Jane Lomax-Smith underscored the importance of this tribute by saying,
“This is special because The Angels are not just iconic, they actually produced an anthem for the whole of Australia,” – Jane Lomax-Smith.
The event jubilantly honored The Angels’ musical accomplishments with a special ceremony including their very own day! It acknowledged that role as cultural icons, bringing Australians together through their anthemic music.
Looking to the Future
The Angels have just come off celebrating their 50th anniversary and are starting an exciting new chapter. Concertmaster John Brewster shared his excitement for where the band is headed.
“Fifty years [anniversary] last year and this is year one, this is year one of the next chapter,” – John Brewster.
He pointed out the special link between their music—a bouncy style of punk meets ska—and Australian wit. He portrayed it as the ultimate expression of larrikin spirit that really strikes a chord with listeners. Brewster continues to loudly jam on with fellow founding member Rick and his sons, Sam and Tom. Featuring frontman Nick Norton alongside some of the best players to ever hail from Australia, The Angels are one of Australia’s most vital artists.
