Rock legend Angry Anderson dies at age 79

Australian music legend Angry Anderson, one of the country’s most influential rock stars, has died at the age of 79.

The Rose Tattoo frontman’s death was confirmed in a statement shared by his bandmates and family on Wednesday. He founded the group in 1976 and served as its lead vocalist until shortly before his death.

“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson on the eve of Monday 21 September 2026, surrounded by his loved ones here in Australia,” the statement read.

“Angry was a devoted father, and much-loved bandmate, friend, and member of the wider music and entertainment community. His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him both here in Australia and overseas.”

Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest in late August and was admitted to a hospital to undergo treatment.

On August 10, the band announced the cancellation of the European leg of its One Last Ride tour after Anderson was hospitalised due to a “medical issue”. It was set to be the band’s final tour before stepping away after more than five decades of performing live. The band had begun its European tour in July, and had nine more shows to go before announcing the cancellation.

Rose Tattoo were scheduled to return to Australia this month to perform several farewell gigs across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

The veteran rocker was born Gary Stephen Anderson in Melbourne in 1947. Beginning in the Australian pub circuit, his music career picked up major steam when Rose Tattoo released its self-titled debut album in 1978. The record was well received both at home and abroad, climbing to the top of UK heavy metal charts.

Anderson’s solo single, Suddenly, released in 1987, became a huge success after it was played during the wedding of Scott and Charlene (played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue) on the TV soap Neighbours. The track shot to No.2 on the Australian charts at the time, and No.3 on the UK singles chart.

David Campbell, son of Jimmy Barnes and co-host of Nine’s Today Extra, paid tribute to the veteran rocker who sang at his wedding to Lisa Hewitt in 2008.

“I got to share many a stage and sporting field with Angry Anderson,” Campbell wrote. “He was a great frontman with a wicked sense of humour and a huge heart. His generosity went above and beyond when he performed our bridal dance with his hit ballad, Suddenly. I can never repay him for that memory. My condolences to his family and the members and crew of Rose Tattoo.”

Rose Tattoo released a slew of other well-known tracks with Anderson as lead vocalist, including Bad Boy for Love (1977), Rock ‘N’ Roll Outlaw (1978) and We Can’t Be Beaten (1982). In 1978, the band released the song Nice Boys, which American rockers Guns N’ Roses famously went on to cover on their 1986 EP Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide (and again on their 1988 EP G N’ R Lies).

Rose Tattoo disbanded in 1987, though briefly reassembled in 1993 to open for Guns N’ Roses. In 1998, they officially regrouped and began touring again. Rose Tattoo was later inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Beyond his music career, Anderson also appeared onscreen, most notably as Ironbar in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985), and on stage as King Herod in the 1992 Australian arena concert Jesus Christ Superstar.

He also became a prominent advocate for prostate cancer research after some of his bandmates died from the disease, including the group’s founding guitarist, Pete Wells. And in 1993, Anderson was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his role as a youth advocate.

In the statement on Wednesday, the rocker’s family and bandmates asked for privacy and thanked fans for their support. “We kindly ask that their wishes are respected as they come to terms with this devastating loss and take time they need to grieve. We thank everyone for their prayers and messages of love and continued support,” it read.

“Stay young, grow strong.”

More to come

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