The Angels’ John Brewster Reveals ‘Special’ Call From His Father

John Brewster, an Australian rock and roll legend and founder/guitarist for The Angels, hasn’t always been recognised as such by his father.

In a 2022 interview with The Music—and a new interview with ABC Radio Adelaide—the guitarist explained that he’s always been the “black sheep” of the family due to his love for rock and roll.

However, in the last year of his father’s life, Brewster recalled a “special” conversation that put disapproval and conflict to rest.

Explaining that his grandfather—who died before Brewster was born—was a concert pianist and a co-founder of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and his dad was the lead cellist of the Symphony Orchestra, he said music was always part of his life. However, classical music came first, while John Brewster was into rock music.

While his dad was “lovely,” Brewster said that he wasn’t into rock and roll. In the last year of his life, though, he called and said, “Hey son, I’ve been listening to your music,” and Brewster “nearly fell over because I never thought he’d listen to our music.”

Brewster recalled his father saying, “You know, it’s very good. Your arrangements are very, very good.”

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Brewster said receiving that call was “fantastic” and described it as “one of the most special calls”.

You can listen to the interview here.

'50 Not Out'… 50 Things You Should Know About The Angels

Last Friday (28 June), The Angels released their first album in ten years, Ninety Nine, which coincided with the band’s huge 50th anniversary Australian tour.

Brewster said of the album, “I haven’t been this excited about anything we’ve done in the studio for many, many years.

“I’m proud of everything this band has done, but we have what I call ‘benchmark albums’, particularly Face To Face, No Exit and Dark Room. This, to me, is a benchmark album.”

The Angels’ 50 Not Out tour—with special guests Mi-Sex—continues in Newcastle this Friday.