Second Angels Man Has Cancer
Angels bassist Chris Bailey has announced his departure from the band in order to continue his battle with cancer – just days after former frontman Doc Neeson revealed he’s also fighting the disease.
Bailey has been ill for some time but only shared the news with fans this week.
He’s set to concentrate on chemotherapy treatment in an attempt to overcome the cancer in his jaw.
The Australian outfit say in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Chris has an aggressive, life-threatening cancer and is now undergoing palliative chemotherapy.
“John’s son, Sam has been playing bass with us for the past five months since Chris’s illness began. Chris has been very helpful to Sam. The two have formed a good friendship and Sam will now continue with Chris’s blessing.
“We will announce, in the near future, a special benefit concert, most likely in Adelaide, to raise funds for a legacy for Chris’s family.
“Our thoughts are with you Chris, Josie and Ollie.”
Last week 14 Neeson, who left the band in 2010, confirmed he had a brain tumour – but told colleagues he’d be among the 20% who beat the illness.
He cancelled a planned tour with his own Angels lineup, which was to go head-to-head against a tour of the original band led by brothers Rick and John Brewster.
John recently said he hoped Neeson’s health battle might mark an end to bitterness between the two parties, adding: “All we can hope is Doc makes a complete recovery. Nothing else matters.”