Doc Neeson dead: Angels frontman dies after suffering from aggressive brain tumour

The Angels' debut single, "Am I Ever Going To See Your Face Again", went on to become an unofficial anthem for generations of Australian youth

Bernard “Doc” Neeson, singer-songwriter for Australian rock band The Angels, has died at 67 after suffering from an aggressive brain tumour.

"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," a statement from his family read.

"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.“

"We love you Dad," it continued. "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."

The statement was signed off with the names Dzintra, Daniel, Aidan and Kieran.

Neeson, who was famed for his brash and energetic on-stage performances, emigrated to Adelaide, Australia from his home in Belfast at the age of 13.

After attending university and enduring a brief spell in the army, he founded The Keystone Angels in 1974 as the frontman.

The band later dropping the ‘Keystone’ to become ‘The Angels’, and went on to have a string of successful hits spanning two decades.

Their debut single, "Am I Ever Going To See Your Face Again", released in 1976, went on to become an unofficial anthem for succeeding generations of Australian youth.

"In a way, I'm really delighted to hear that, because it's Australian audiences making a song their own," Neeson told Australian Story during an episode of the TV show aired earlier this year.

"When the band had first started, we were trying to write strong songs for Australian audiences... They've made it their own in a way I never would have thought possible."