Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett has led tributes to Doc Neeson, describing The Angels singer as a "big man with a huge heart".
Neeson had been battling an aggressive brain tumour for 17 months when he died on Wednesday morning aged 67.
"We love you Dad. You couldn't have made any of your sons more proud of you if you tried," his sons wrote in a Facebook post confirming the singer's death.
"A mighty talent ... You showed us how," Garrett tweeted.
Angels drummer Buzz Bidstrup took to Facebook to join in the condolences.
"It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Bernard "Doc" Neeson today. He left this world early this morning and I join music lovers everywhere in mourning this great man," he posted.
Brent Eccles, who also played drums in the band for 20 years and managed The Angels for a period, described Neeson as a "one-off".
"I loved working with him. Anyone who ever had a chance to work with him was eager because there was never going to be another one like him. And there's not."
Eccles said watching audiences react to Neeson's live performance was phenomenal.
"He never gave less than 100 per cent every night and we (The Angels) would often be playing six nights a week.
"He was dramatic, and he directed the traffic, and was not just a great lead singer but a great frontman, very theatrical and unique. A real one-off."
Screaming Jets bassist Paul Woseen said he was sad to hear the news but feared the worst after last seeing Neeson about six months ago.
"The last time I saw him he looked worse than the time before - it looked like the end was imminent," he told AAP.
Away from the stage, Woseen said Neeson was a different person.
"He was quiet but friendly ... You do put on a different sort of suit so to speak before you hit the stage."
Neeson was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1947 and migrated to Adelaide, Australia with his family when he was 13-years old.
His first band was the Moonshine Jug and String Band with John and Rick Brewster.
In 1975 the band was brought to the attention of Albert Studios by AC/DC and it only took a week for a deal to be offered.
By 1976, the band had become the Angels and was staking its place in the Australian music scene as their debut single, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, became a hit.
The band's string of hits included Shadow Boxer (1979), Fashion and Fame (1980), We Gotta Get Outta This Place (1987), and Dogs Are Talking (1990).
Alberts managing director David Albert described Neeson as one of the label's "greatest and most loved creative innovators, but also a true friend."
"Even within the last few months, Doc was in the building sharing his infectious passion with all at Alberts," he said in a statement.
"Long after Doc is laid to rest, his distinctive sound and contribution to the local and international music industry will resonate for generations to come."
Neeson is survived by his partner Annie Souter and four children, Dzintra, Daniel, Aidan and Kieran.
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