Aussie rocker loses fight with cancer

Members of band 'The Angels' (L-R) John Brester, Buzz Bidstrup, Doc Neeson, Rick Brewster and Chris Bailey, who have reformed for the 30th anniversary of the release of their album 'Face to Face', in Sydney. Picture: Lloydjustin Source: News Limited

ANGELS bass player Chris Bailey has lost his battle with throat cancer.

Bailey died on Wednesday night. He was 62.

"Chris Bailey played on six Angels album, including Face to Face, No Exit and the most recent Take It To The Streets. He will deeply missed,” the Angels wrote on Twitter.

Bailey was also a founding member of GANGgajang, who enjoyed the hit Sounds of Then (This is Australia).

He was also an in-demand session musician.

Chris Bailey, far right, with fellow Angels Rick Brewster, John Brewster, Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup and Chris Bailey in Adelaide in 2007. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

A benefit show for Bailey’s family will go ahead as planned in his hometown of Adelaide this month.

The bass player had originally hoped to be well enough to perform with the Angels and GANGGajang.

Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Ian Moss, James Reyne, Don Walker, GANGGajang, Wilbur Wilde and the Angels with Dave Gleeson will all perform at the fundraiser on April 17 at the Thebarton Theatre.

Bailey, not to be confused with the Saints frontman, joined the Angels in 1976 before leaving in 1982, then rejoining in 2002.

He was touring with the band up until last year, when he underwent chemotherapy.

Bailey posted a message to his fans on GANGGajang’s website on February 21.

"In July last year I got a tumour in my lower left jaw bone, which was removed and replaced with the tibia from my left leg. This was all good except every time I passed a footy field I began to dribble," he said.

"Subsequently, I have developed a rare cancer of the soft palate, for which I'm currently being treated. The treatment involves chemotherapy over the next 5-6 months, and then maybe some radiotherapy.

"The prognosis is, well, nobody knows for sure right now which way it will go, but I'm fighting hard to stick around for some more partying. To those of you sending love and good vibes, my heart felt and humble thanks to you all. It's been truly overwhelming and my family and I have been deeply touched.”

Angel guitarist John Brewster’s son Sam filled in for Bailey in one of the two versions of the Angels which toured Australia.

The other version is on hold while frontman Doc Neeson battles a brain tumour which was diagnosed at Christmas.

The illnesses have helped heal the feud between Neeson and the Brewster brothers.

The Brewster’s version of the Angels have invited fans to send messages of love to both Neeson and Bailey over the past few months.

The Angels play in Bunbury tonight and have national dates through to July.
 

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