Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In spite of never reaching major mainstream heights, Angel made a significant contribution to the glam, progressive and hard rock scenes ever since getting discovered by Gene Simmons a little over a half-century ago.

In fact, the shiny white satin-clad group was part of the same glorious Casablanca Records roster that boasted KISS, Cher, Donna Summer, George Clinton’s Parliament and many other major players throughout the 1970s into the early ’80s.

Though Angel would intermittently break-up and reunite in the subsequent decades, the time has officially come for its’ “Farewell” Tour with the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles serving as the final stop on the 2026 schedule.

Advertisements suggest the trek will resume in 2027, but in the meantime, co-founding front man Frank DiMino and lead guitarist Edwin “Punky” Meadows went out cranking up the volume as high as it could go, alongside later additions Danny Farrow (rhythm guitar), Charlie Calv (keyboards), Billy Orrico (drums) and Tommy Caradonna (bass).

They collectively released a new album as recently as 2023’s “Once Upon A Time,” yet instead focused mainly on Angel’s original period with extra emphasis on “Helluva Band,” which was just remastered and reissued by Deko Entertainment.

After hearing members past and present tear into “On The Rocks,” “Can You Feel It” and “Mirrors,” it was surprising why they weren’t a lot more commercially successful, even if those in the know reacted like they were chart-toppers.

The anthems kept coming courtesy of “Wild And Hot,” “The Fortune,” “Got Love If You Want It” and “Don’t Leave Me Lonely,” driven by a sparkling stage presence and an unwavering commitment to sheer showmanship.

Angel really had everyone revved up by “Telephone Exchange,” “Pressure Point,” “Feelin’ Right” and “Rock & Rollers,” earning an encore of the thundering “Tower” and a rightful place within the era’s innovators that will surely be missed when they do indeed retire.

For additional information on Angel, visit AngelBandOfficial.com.

Upcoming shows at the Arcada Theatre include Feels Like The First Time (Oct. 31); The Vampire Circus (Nov. 1); “Wheel Of Fortune” Live! (Nov. 4); Made In America: A Tribute To Toby Keith (Nov. 6); Max Weinberg’s Jukebox (Nov. 8); Engelbert Humperdinck (Nov. 10); Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (Nov. 11); Kenny G (Nov. 12); Firehouse (Nov. 13); Foghat and Head East (Nov. 14); The Fabulous Thunderbirds (Nov. 15); Art Garfunkel (Nov. 18); Steven Page (Nov. 19); The Orchestra (Nov. 20); The Phil Collins Experience (Nov. 21); Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience… (Nov. 22); Chazz Palminteri: “A Bronx Tale” (Nov. 22); Thunderstruck (Nov. 25); Bret Michaels (Nov. 27); Echoes Of Pompeii (Nov. 28) and Glenn Miller Orchestra (Nov. 29). For additional details, visit ArcadaLive.com.

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