http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/doc-neeson-of-the-angels-performs-on-stage-during-the-news-photo/76521511
Lead singer for the Australian hard rock band The Angels, Doc Neeson has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.
A statement released on Neeson’s Facebook page this morning says the singer passed away in his sleep today at 7.15am. “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, 4th June 2014,” the statement reads.
“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 concludes with heartwarming words from his family. “We love you Dad. 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,” signed with the names Dzintra, Daniel, Aidan and Kieran.
Souter ends the statement with a quote. “Good Night, Sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. With love forever, Annie – borrowed from William Shakespeare – Hamlet.”
Neeson was first diagnosed with a brain tumour back in 2012, and was given only 18 months to live. In April, Neeson told the ABC that an MRI scan conducted in February 2014 revealed that the tumour had returned, and that it may be life-threatening in the next three to six months.
The 67-year-old Belfast-born vocalist formed The Angels in 1976. They released albums under various names — The Angels, Angel City (In America), The Angels From Angel City, The Original Angels Band, and The Angels 2006. The group’s bassist, Chris Bailey, passed away in 2013 at age 62, from throat cancer.
More on this as news develops.
Doc Neeson's partner Annie Souter would like to thank everyone for their support #RIPDoc #Newsroom pic.twitter.com/qIgZPXQcP4
— Triple M Adelaide (@TripleMAdelaide) June 4, 2014
