Chris Bailey, bassist for the Australian hard rock band the Angels, has passed away on Thursday, April 4 after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. He was 62 years old.

“We have lost a great friend in Chris Bailey and a great friend to a lot of people," said guitarist John Brewster on the band's Facebook page. "He had been battling (cancer) for the last nine months or so and it’s been a hard road for him."

Known in America as Angel City, the Angels have been one of Australia's finest exports of hard rock and roll since the mid-1970s. They were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 1998.

Diagnosed in January, the aggressive cancer and chemo treatments proved too much, but his spirits remained high. In an interview earlier this year, Bailey said, "I still firmly believe in the power of music to enlighten and brighten our lives!" Shortly before Bailey was diagnosed, former lead singer Doc Neeson also announced he was battling cancer. Neeson is still undergoing treatment.

Formed by brothers John and Rick Brewster in 1975, Bailey soon joined the Angels on bass, allowing singer Doc Neeson to be freed of instrument and become the charismatic front man.The band issued many classic albums throughout the 70s and 80s but never caught on much outside of their homeland, where they have remained very popular despite several lineup changes. Bailey himself split in 1982, but rejoined the band recently, playing on their most recent album.

Do yourselves a favor and seek out copies of 'Face To Face,' 'No Exit,' 'Dark Room,' or 'Night Attack.' If you love rock solid hard rock, you won't be sorry!

Watch The Angels Perform 'No Secrets'

 

More From Ultimate Classic Rock