No Exit (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "No Exit (Live 1979)" by Angel City, a song that captures the raw power of the Australian rock band known in their home country as The Angels. This live rendition, drawn from their 1979 album No Exit, showcases the band’s electrifying stage presence, a hallmark of their performances during their peak popularity. According to a 2008 reissue’s cover notes, the title track "No Exit" was crafted in the studio with a sped-up drum loop, giving it a relentless, driving rhythm that became a fan favorite. The song’s gritty intensity reflects the band’s ability to channel the chaotic energy of their live shows, where fans—often dubbed “Zoo Freaks” in the spirit of this radio station’s audience—would chant for tracks like “Mr Damage,” another song from the album inspired by a headbanging fan nicknamed “Brain Damage” who frequented the infamous Comb and Cutter venue in Blacktown.

Delving into the album’s trivia, the 2008 reissue notes from brothers John and Rick Brewster reveal fascinating insights into No Exit’s creation. For instance, “Shadow Boxer,” the album’s sole single, was inspired by a peculiar sight in Kings Cross: a man sparring with a “no standing” sign, an image that fueled the song’s punchy, rebellious vibe. Rick Brewster recounted driving home after meeting “Brain Damage” backstage, singing a verse melody that shaped “Mr Damage,” a track fans begged for at shows with banners. These stories, shared in the reissue notes, highlight the band’s deep connection to their audience and the raw, street-level inspiration behind their music. While specific social media posts about the live 1979 version of “No Exit” are scarce, the band’s enduring fanbase on platforms like Facebook and Instagram often celebrates the No Exit era, sharing vintage photos and memories of the band’s pub-rock dominance.

Angel City, known as The Angels in Australia, began their journey in Adelaide in 1974, formed by brothers John and Rick Brewster. Initially called The Moonshine Jug and String Band, they played acoustic folk before evolving into a hard-rock outfit inspired by the likes of AC/DC and the Rolling Stones. By 1976, they adopted the name The Angels, gigging relentlessly in pubs and clubs, honing their high-octane live sound. Their big break came with signing to the Albert Productions label, home to AC/DC, under the guidance of producers Harry Vanda and George Young. Their 1977 debut album, The Angels, featured the cult hit “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?,” which sparked the infamous audience chant, “No way, get fucked, fuck off!”—a testament to their rowdy fanbase. By the time No Exit dropped in 1979, the band was at the forefront of Australia’s pub-rock scene, though they adopted the name Angel City for international releases to avoid confusion with the American band Angel.

The Angels’ rise wasn’t without challenges. Despite No Exit hitting No. 8 on Australian charts, it faced stiff competition from global acts like Kiss and the Bee Gees, and their earlier album Face to Face outperformed it on year-end sales lists. After No Exit, the band chased international success, signing with CBS/Epic in the US and touring with Cheap Trick, laying groundwork for fans like Guns N’ Roses. Today, they remain active, with updates on their official website, theangels.com.au, and social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans connect through groups like the Angels Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for classics like “No Exit.” The band’s legacy endures, fueled by their gritty origins and the wild energy of their live shows.