Neeson was part of a generation of dynamic frontmen who emerged in the ’70s as part of the pub rock movement. To maintain the puntersʼ attention, they had to be fast moving and captivating. Neeson was one of these.
Bernard (his real name) was the Belfast-born troubadour who loved Irish literature and poetry, eloquently quoted poetry and art films to interviewers and told this writer that he felt totally at home when he visited Ireland. But Doc was the charismatic and confrontational stage craftsman who epitomised Oz rockʼs energy and who lived out his lyrics. Freeze frame: pulling at his long white scarf, goading the audience with “This is it, folks, OVER THE TOP!”
Angels guitarist Rick Brewster posted, “His feverish stage presence was unsurpassed yet beneath the public persona was a gentle soul.”
Neesonʼs father was a soldier who served for 22 years in the British Army. The family lived in Singapore, Malay(si)a, Germany, Austria and England. They moved to Adelaide and set up in the suburb of Elizabeth. Docʼs mother was a nurse. Another nurse at her hospital who spoke with a strong Scottish accent was the mother of Jimmy Barnes.
In 1968, Neeson was conscripted into the army, rising to sergeant and based in New Guinea. Afterwards he returned to Adelaide and studied drama and English. The plan was to become an actor, but acting jobs were rare. Due to his fascination with the American Wild West, he christened himself “Doc Watson” and played folk clubs. In 1970 he joined the Moonshine Jug And String Band which became The Angels.
The Angelsʼ collective background in drama, classical music and lighting effects in German expressionist movies turned their stage show into a spectacular. By 1978 they were the highest paid band in the land, and through the ʻ80s their albums started going multi-platinum, and young European and American bands were covering their songs.
Neesonʼs later days were marked with tragedy, with a car crash leading to back problems, an alcohol battle and, in December 2012, being diagnosed with a brain tumour. But ever the battler, he kept in the spotlight. This year he released his first studio recording in nearly seven years, Walking In The Rain.
