No Exit (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the wild vibes of "No Exit (Live 1979)" by Angel City, taken from their electrifying album This Is It Folks... Over The Top. This live rendition, captured in 1979, showcases the raw energy of the Australian rock legends, known in their home country as The Angels. The song itself is a gritty, high-octane track from their third studio album, No Exit, originally released in June 1979. According to comments from the band’s 2008 reissue liner notes, the album was a pivotal moment, with tracks like "No Exit" reflecting their intense live performances. The live version on This Is It Folks... Over The Top was recorded during a peak period for the band, when they were dominating Australian stages with their pub-rock swagger. A juicy piece of trivia: the album No Exit hit No. 8 on the Australian charts, and its single "Shadow Boxer" was inspired by a peculiar sight—a guy sparring with a "no standing" sign in Sydney’s Kings Cross, as noted by band members John and Rick Brewster.

Diving into the song’s context, "No Exit" was part of an album that the band crafted with precision, despite the chaotic energy it exudes. In a 2008 reissue note, John Brewster praised the track "After Dark" from the same album as one of their finest, but "No Exit" itself was a standout for its relentless drive. The live 1979 recording captures the band’s ability to connect with their audience, the Zoo Freaks of their era, who thrived on the band’s rebellious spirit. While specific interviews about "No Exit (Live 1979)" are scarce, the band has often spoken about their late ’70s shows as a time when they were “at the top of their game,” according to Rick Brewster in a retrospective interview. Social media posts from fans on platforms like The Angels’ official Facebook frequently mention the raw power of their live albums, with some recalling the 1979 performances as “life-changing” for their sheer intensity.

Now, let’s rewind to how Angel City, aka The Angels, got their start. Formed in Adelaide, Australia, in 1974, the band began as a group of mates jamming in a basement, led by brothers John and Rick Brewster. John played guitar, Rick handled lead guitar, and they were joined by vocalist Bernard “Doc” Neeson, whose charismatic stage presence became a hallmark. According to their bio on their official website, the band’s early days were spent grinding it out in Adelaide’s pub circuit, playing covers and originals to rowdy crowds. Their big break came when they relocated to Sydney, signing with Albert Productions in 1976. Their self-titled debut album in 1977, featuring the hit “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” cemented their place in Aussie rock history. The band drew inspiration from AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, blending hard rock with a punky edge that resonated with fans.

The Angels, or Angel City for their international releases, built a cult following through relentless touring and a knack for storytelling in their songs. Their bio notes that by 1979, when No Exit dropped, they were already a force, with a reputation for explosive live shows. Fans can connect with the band today through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic throwbacks. For the Zoo Freaks out there, fan communities thrive on platforms like The Angels (Angel City) Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees swap stories, rare photos, and memories of epic gigs. Another fan hub, Rock Club 40, celebrates the band’s legacy with articles and fan-driven content, keeping the spirit of The Angels alive for new generations.