KEEN local fans of The Angels will have the chance to see the band on consecutive nights next week.
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The Angels and Baby Animals have teamed up for a national tour, and both bands have even recorded one of the other's songs - but more about that later.
The They Who Rock tour will arrive at Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club on Friday, November 8. The next night, the rock juggernaut lands at Toronto Hotel.
Doubling up for back-to-back gigs is a doddle for experienced musos such as The Angels' guitarist Rick Brewster.
If you want to talk about rock and roll match fitness, then Brewster is your man.
"In the 1970s and 1980s we used to play seven nights a week, and sometimes play two shows in one day," Brewster recalled.
"We'd even sell out a club on a Monday night with a moment's notice.
"That doesn't exist any more. Anywhere."
As we rolled through the nineties and the turn of a new century, many venues closed.
So we're left with what Brewster calls "modern touring".
"Touring has become Friday and Saturday night," he said.
"That means instead of leaving home like a sailor for six or eight weeks, we leave home on a Friday and usually come home on a Sunday. We'll then spend five days at home, then go out again."
Brewster admits travelling does lose its appeal after 40-odd years.
"Living out of suitcases and hire cars and airports... But it's very much worth it for those couple of hours on stage, because that's what it's all about, and it's great fun."
Brewster said the unadulterated buzz of playing live shows is one thing that hasn't changed for the band after four decades.
"I still love it. The better we play, the better the response from the audience," he said.
"We feed off each other. The audience is a huge part of what we do."
Brewster said teaming up with Baby Animals had been rewarding.
The chemistry between the band members, and the mutual respect for their musicianship and songwriting also culminated in the recording of a double A-sided record. The Angels laid down a cover of the Baby Animals' track One Word, and the Baby Animals recorded the Angels' song Marseilles.
It's a good thing The Angels still have that match fitness.
They're working on the 40th anniversary re-recording of their Dark Room album (this follows their 40-year anniversary re-recordings of the Face to Face and No Exit albums), there's a documentary being planned about the band, and an album of new songs to record.
"We actually started work on our new studio album in 2016, and we're still working on it because we just don't get the time to finish it. We've got all of these other projects going on," Brewster said.
He expects the new album to be available next year.
"But there's no guarantees," he is quick to add. "It's like writing a book: it's done when it's done."
Tickets to the show at The Doylo on Friday, November 8, cost $60. Tickets at doylo.com.au/.
Tickets to the gig at Toronto Hotel on Saturday, November 9, also cost $60. Book at trybooking.com.