THE ANGELS, TOGETHER WITH THE ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CREATE THE SYMPHONY OF ANGELS
LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN ROCK BAND ‘THE ANGELS’ MEET THE ‘ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’ AND THE RESULT IS HEAVENLY
This is one of THE most amazing events I have ever experienced. The outside setting at The Adelaide Showground, the fact that we have so missed our live music during Covid, this event was spectacular in every sense. I have seen the Symphony of Angels before at The Festival Theatre, but the outside venue added another dimension altogether.
This event was the first-ever Festival of Orchestra (FOFO), as we celebrate the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra‘s 85th birthday this year. Orchestral arrangements were scored by Rob John and he conducted the orchestra and the choir.
Comprising of 6 shows over 11 days, Aussie rock legends, The Angels were the only rock band featured. The Symphony of Angels comprised 20 classics from the band’s list of biggest hits.
With The Angels having its beginnings in Adelaide, the show is particularly meaningful to Adelaidians. Brothers Rick and John Brewster, founding members of the band are joined by Dave Gleeson out front, John’s son Sam Brewster on bass and Nick Norton on drums.
After the overture, Dave, who has been with the band for over ten years now, joined the others on stage and The Angels took off!! The ASO brought a whole new element to the songs that we all know so well and have sung at pubs and gigs for so long.
Once again, very difficult to select highlights from two hours of amazing entertainment, but here goes:
ONE: After the intermission, John and Rick Brewster paid tribute to original lead singer and songwriter, Doc Neeson who passed away in 2014 and also bass player Chris Bailey who passed away in 2013. Telling the crowd how proud they were of being from South Australia, they played “Love Takes Care” (written by Brewster-Neeson-Brewster)
TWO: As the night drew to a close, we all knew what the very last song would be. The crowd of over two thousand, predominantly orchestra followers with pockets of Angels fans, didn’t disappoint when it came to audience participation either, responding appropriately when asked “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?”
What I really loved about this show is that it brought a whole new appreciation for the ASO to all the diehard rock fans and also, I think it brought a whole new appreciation of good old Aussie rock to the symphony set also.
It was a wonderful blend of cultures and it really really worked!!
Even the fact that we couldn’t dance, couldn’t spoil it.
If you ever do get the chance to see a show like this, this rock chick thoroughly recommends that you do.
I’m an orchestra chick now too!!
Get out and about safely when you can, support Aussie music and I’ll see you down the front!!
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Hear Still Rockin’ It Podcasts here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Qbm4HmfAXtd4SqbwqnfnA
