-By Kim Parnell-
When it comes to Australian rock royalty, few names shine as brightly as The Angels. Founded by brothers Rick and John Brewster, the band has been shaping the sound of Aussie rock for decades, delivering iconic hits and unforgettable live performances.
Back in 2018, I had the privilege of speaking with Rick Brewster, delving into the band’s remarkable journey and their enduring passion for music. Fast forward to today, and I’m honoured once again — this time catching up with John Brewster for an exclusive interview.
Fans on the Fraser Coast are in for a treat, with The Angels set to electrify the stage at Seafront Oval in Hervey Bay on Saturday, September 6, as part of the Sounds of Rock Festival. It promises to be a show packed with energy, nostalgia, and the unmistakable spirit that has kept The Angels at the forefront of Australian rock for generations.
“Hervey Bay’s a great place, I haven’t been back in years, so I’m really looking forward to it,” John says. “Once we hit the stage, we’re in our element. The crowd’s in for a great time.”
John Brewster has seen the music industry shift dramatically over the decades, but for him, The Angels’ longevity comes down to family and passion, not industry trends.
“We’ve had lineup changes, sure, but we’ve kept going, and today, The Angels really are a family band,” John says. “My brother Rick is still beside me, and now my two sons are in the group too.”
Since 2023, Nick Norton — originally the band’s drummer for twelve years — has stepped up as frontman. John knew Nick’s talents long before, having seen him sing at a school event. The same school that his son Sam, who now plays bass in the band, attended.
“I always knew how good Nick was as a singer and songwriter,” John says. “When we amicably parted ways with Dave Gleeson, it was natural to ask Nick to take over. He’s blown everyone away.”
With Nick leading and John’s son Tom now on drums, The Angels’ story continues, fueled by blood ties and a love for rock that never fades.
For John Brewster, The Angels success has always come down to the songs.
“Our early repertoire built the foundation,” he says, “but we’re still moving forward.”
In 2024, the band released Ninety Nine — their first new album in a decade — with frontman Nick Norton heavily involved in the songwriting.
“You love every album when you’re making it,” John says. “But Ninety Nine feels like a benchmark, it’s beautiful.”
The writer of this article’s husband is affectionately called an Angels tragic — a lifelong fan who had the chance to see Doc Neeson live several times. Like many, he still holds a deep admiration for the band and its legacy.
“Doc was a big deal,” John reflects. “A great frontman and a key part of the creative force alongside my brother Rick and me, he was incredible. We look back and are proud that the band has continued beyond Doc.”
As for John’s own role, he’s always been happy in rhythm. “It’s my favourite gig,” he says. “I never needed to be lead — Rick’s a genius. I’ve always played guitar to sing to, that’s how many of our songs started… just chords, riffs, and an idea.”
The guitar has always been at the heart of The Angels’ sound.
“In the early days, we were constantly on the road — playing every night and swapping gig ideas in the car,” John recalls. “When we weren’t gigging, Rick and I were at each other’s houses, writing. It was a nonstop creative process.”
All that effort paid off — the albums still hold up today. “The songwriting and lyrics really meant something to us and still do.”
The Angels’ iconic hit Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again took on a life of its own, thanks to that infamous audience chant too rude to print.
“We never saw that coming,” John laughs. “It was the first track we recorded after ACDC introduced us to Albert Productions record label, joining what felt like family, with legends like John Paul Young and Rose Tattoo. it was an incredible period with an incredible company.
“Originally, the single didn’t take off and was dropped from our setlists. But in 1983, during a gig in Mount Isa, the crowd demanded more.
“We brought Face back as a last-minute encore… and suddenly 3,500 people were chanting. That was the first time we heard it — and it just spread around the country like wildfire.”
John thinks it’s a pretty good song, and the chant typifies that larrikin Australian sense of humour.
For John Brewster, the magic of The Angels lies in the music and the people on stage with him.
“If you’re lucky enough to have hits — and we are — that’s what keeps the fire burning. Our songs just don’t seem to age.”
“The songs still feel fresh, like they haven’t aged. I look over and see my brother Rick playing beautifully, and my sons Tom and Sam — they’re incredible musicians. Playing with them makes it all feel so special.”
He reflects on how different the journey is now, compared to back then. “I probably sound like an old guy in a rocking chair, but in some ways, it was better. Bands today can’t just jump in a V8 station wagon and tour the country for years like we did. It’s all digital now, we did the hard yards.”
These days, The Angels can tour smarter. “We head out for a few days, then come home. Back then, we’d be gone for months, tough on marriages and raising kids. But those experiences were what shaped us and made us grow.”
John Brewster insists his brother Rick is the more interesting of the two — “He makes his own guitars,” John says. “The one he plays is his creation. It’s beautiful and sounds incredible.”
While Rick is the craftsman, John is the golfer. “Golf is my passion,” he says. “I’ve got mates all over the country I play with.” One of them is Wilbur Wilde, and whenever The Angels play Melbourne, John stays a few extra days for a round or two.
Back in 1992, while touring with The Bombers— a band he formed with Status Quo’s Alan Lancaster, on an Alice Cooper tour — John even teed off daily with Alice Cooper. “He’s as mad for golf as I am!”
The Sounds of Rock Festival in Hervey Bay is set to deliver an unforgettable day of music, featuring an incredible lineup including Jon Stevens, The Angels, Baby Animals, Pseudo Echo, Dragon, Eurogliders and Taxiride (with Jason Singh).
For tickets and more information, visit oztix.com.au or check out the Sounds of Rock Facebook page at facebook.com/soundsofrock.
