There is nothing more glorious than the joy of music being passed from one generation to the next.

The Angels walk on stage to Hooper Brewster-Jones’ overture from ‘Australia Felix‘. Hooper’s grandsons, John and Rick, nod at each other. John then looks at his son, Sam, on bass, and smiles. Three generations of Brewsters making music. Full circle. A dream come true. The power of music.

Forty-five years after they formed – “45 years better,” one fan remarks – the power of The Angels is undiminished. The Brewster Brothers’ incomparable guitar interplay, the rumbling rhythm section of Sam Brewster and Nick Norton, and the manic energy of frontman Dave Gleeson, a potent mix of menace and mirth. Then there’s the conductor, Rob John, who speaks both languages – classical and rock.

There are moving tributes to bandmates who are no longer with us. ‘Love Takes Care Of Its Own‘ – ‘I Just Want To Be With You‘.

Classic rock, classical music. Seemingly, a clash of cultures. In the end, this is a communal experience. Many members of the crowd have brought their children. Some are seeing The Angels for the very first time.

There’s an orchestra on stage. And a choir. The choir members smile as every member of the crowd joins them: “No way, get f#cked, f#ck off!” The chant. A rallying cry. An Aussie mating call.

This is family, a Symphony of Angels.

Many thanks to:
Rob John
Sydney Lyric Orchestra, Veronique Serret; Adrian Keating
Sydney Philharmonia Choir; Mark Robinson
Australian Stage Orchestra; Jennen Ngiau-Keng; Leah Hooper
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir; Andrew Wailes
Lucy Belfrage; Sally Schinkel-Brown (Lyric and Stage orchestra)
Greg Clifford; Chris Clifford; Mal McEwan; Al Griffin; Steve Wright; Simon Johnson
Maurice Parker; Wilbur Wilde
Carolyn Unwin; Blicka & Lou; Eva Roberts; Ed Acheson
Matt Laverty; Andy King, Shane Hill
Our promoter, Duane McDonald; our agent, Tony Grace; Jeremy Batulan
Dean McLachlan, Warren Costello (Mushroom)
Falcon; Cam Roberts (Stage)
Guy Taffs, Pip Bulmer, Nicola Carfrae
Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall staff

Photos Greatly Appreciated From Tania Smith