The Angels’ Melbourne shows will go ahead this weekend with former guitarist Bob Spencer re-joining the band after co-founder Rick Brewster was hospitalised for a stomach disorder.
Rick’s brother, guitarist John Brewster said in a statement, “One of Rick’s biggest worries while he has been ill has been whether he let’s down fans by cancelling shows. We are grateful that Bob is available to help out for these last two shows of the tour and we are looking forward to rescheduling last week’s cancelled shows when Rick is recovered.”
Shows last weekend in Merimbula and Goulburn had to be postponed when Rick was unexpectedly admitted to hospital.
“The doctors are really pleased with how Rick is progressing“, said Brewster. “It will be great when he comes out of hospital this week, but he will need another week or two of rest – even if he doesn’t want – before he can get back on his feet. Rick can’t wait to get back on stage with The Angels again and we’re looking forward to announcing more tour dates in the not too distant future. This experience will make playing alongside Rick again all the more special.”
Bob Spencer was The Angels guitarist from 1986 to 1992 at a time when John Brewster took a hiatus from the band. Spencer featured on the albums ‘Howling’ (1986), ‘Beyond Salvation’ (1989) and ‘Red Back Fever’ (1991) and co-wrote the hits ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ and ‘Dogs Are Talking’.
The Angels will perform with Bob Spencer this weekend at:
28 April 2017, South Morang, Commercial Hotel
29 April 2017, Mulgrave, Village Green Hotel
In a statement Bob Spencer posted to his Facebook page:
I have been fortunate to play guitar alongside and write songs with Rick Brewster. I am grateful for those times.
It saddened me last week to learn that Rick had been hospitalised with a severe stomach dis-order. I am still upset about this. The good news is that, all going well, he will be released tomorrow (Tuesday). His Doctor is confident of a full recovery, but Rick will not be 100% physically fit for a few weeks yet and unable to gig during that time.
The Angels have two gigs in Melbourne this weekend. I am going to do my best to honour Rick and his wonderful guitar parts by playing with the band for those two gigs.
John and I have chatted about the set list. It’s a corker of Brewster-Neeson-Brewster songs and I am very touched to be asked to provide some guitar to them.
I wish Rick a full and speedy recovery. He, John and I had hoped to catch up soon, but this was not the sort of catch-up we planned!
Over,
Bob.
