Stepping into the shoes of the legendary Doc Neeson, as well as rocker Dave Gleeson, would be tough for anyone.
But, Nick Norton is confident he’ll fill the breach when The Angels return to the region this month.
The band’s 50 Years In The Making tour will land at the Shoal Bay Country Club on Friday 13 October and the Toronto Hotel on Saturday 21 October.
While no one could ever replace the energetic Neeson, who died in 2014 after battling a brain tumour, or Novocastrian Gleeson, recently returned to The Screaming Jets, Norton’s a familiar face to fans.
The former drummer’s been a part of the line-up since 2011.
“Nick is an incredible musician and a great singer and songwriter,” founding member John Brewster said.
“He obviously knows the songs like the back of his hand.
“Fans already know and love him, so he’s the perfect fit.
“We can’t wait to hit the road.”
Performing in The Angels, the band responsible for some of the most unforgettable songs in Australian music, takes a musician with remarkable talent.
Norton will not only be fronting the group on vocals but will play alongside Rick and John Brewster on guitar.
As ticket holders to the Brewster Brothers Electric shows from earlier this year can attest, he is more than ready to assume one of the greatest gigs in Aussie rock.
“Our relationship with the audience means everything to us,” Norton said.
“So, I’ll never take that for granted.
“There’s such a heritage of great music there, classic songs, killer riffs.
“The legwork is already done, I just have to get up and sing them.
“Twelve years in the band behind the kit has provided the pedigree, not to mention learning at the School of Rock from the honourable Dave Gleeson.
“I look forward to sweating it out at venues with the fans.
“But, it’s always been about the songs and the power of the guitars.”
With a setlist of catalogue classics that are ingrained in the hearts of every Australian, including Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, Take A Long Line, No Secrets, Shadow Boxer, Marseilles, I Ain’t The One, Comin’ Down, Mr Damage, After The Rain, Night Attack, Dogs Are Talking and We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, it is no wonder the famous American critic David Fricke called The Angels “a guaranteed great time anywhere”.
Ian McFarlane, the author of The Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop, echoed that sentiment.
“The Angels helped re-define the Australian pub rock tradition,” he said.
And, now, John Brewster, Rick Brewster, Sam Brewster, Tom Brewster and Nick Norton are giving it another twist.
For more entertainment stories:
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- The Screaming Jets’ new album to honour Paul Woseen
- Hunter region brimming with events for all tastes
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