Legendary South Australian pub rock favourites 'The Angels' will today be immortalised by the City of Adelaide with the naming of a city laneway featuring striking public artworks.
The Angels Lane is located adjacent to the Hindley Street Music Hall in the vibrant West End, with the popular live music venue part of the creative project.
It will become part of a growing trail of laneways within the Adelaide CBD celebrating South Australia's musical heritage while inviting locals and visitors to support contemporary artists and businesses.
The Angels become the fifth act to receive this honour, joining iconic local musicians Sia Furler, Cold Chisel, No Fixed Address and Paul Kelly.
Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said the naming and transformation of the laneway was a fitting tribute to The Angels, one of South Australia's most beloved rock bands.
"From packed pubs to festival stages, The Angels helped shape the sound of South Australia and now their legacy has a permanent place in our city's streets," said the Lord Mayor.
"This honour both acknowledges rock royalty and reinforces Adelaide's global reputation as a UNESCO City of Music."
The Angels Lane features artworks which bring the band's legacy to life through a dynamic mix of media. They include:
- A large-scale mural on the side of the Hindley Street Music Hall facing Morphett Street
- A second bold mural next to the newly installed Hindley Street public toilets
- Glowing lightboxes and stencilled projections beamed from the TAFE SA Currie Street campus
The Angels founding member John Brewster said the band owed its early days to Adelaide.
"We are proud sons of Adelaide. Our journey began with The Moonshine Jug and String Band. We played all the music venues, the universities, even Marcellina's Pizza, the Pancake Kitchen, Cowley's Pie Cart and more," he said.
"We couldn't be happier for the City of Adelaide to recognise the heritage of The Angels with The Angels Lane."
South Australian filmmaker and digital artist CAPITAL WASTE (Liam Somerville) and internationally renowned street artist Vans the Omega (Joel Van Moore) were commissioned by Council to create artworks that span the laneway.
"It's an honour to reunite with The Angels again after shooting their documentary Kickin' Down The Door in 2022," said Somerville.
"Our work references the iconic imagery of The Angels including their theatrical approach to onstage lighting, classic album covers and onstage antics."
The City of Adelaide said the realisation of The Angels Lane has been made possible through valued partnerships with TAFE SA and the Kambitsis Group.
Background
Formed in Adelaide in 1970 as the Moonshine Jug and String Band by brothers John and Rick Brewster, the addition of Bernard 'Doc' Neeson in 1972 saw the band evolve into The Keystone Angels in 1974 and then The Angels in 1975.
The Angels' massive breakthrough moment came in 1978 when their smash-hit album Face to Face achieved 4-times platinum status with rhythm section Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup and Chris Bailey.
Electrifying live performances and enduring hits including 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again', 'Take A Long Line', 'No Secrets', 'Marseille' and 'Shadow Boxer' secured The Angels' place in Australian rock history.
