Rock star Slash and Australian music greats Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano and Jason Donovan have led tributes to Rose Tattoo frontman Gary “Angry” Anderson.
Slash, the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses and whose real name is Saul Hudson, took to social media to remember his friend, who died on Monday aged 79. Anderson’s death was confirmed in a statement shared by his bandmates and family on Wednesday.
“RIP #AngryAnderson. I’m going to miss my good friend; I can’t believe he’s gone. Condolences to his family, friends and band members,” Hudson wrote on Instagram.
Guns N’ Roses covered the Rose Tattoo song Nice Boys Don’t Play Rock ‘n’ Roll, and in 2013, Anderson joined the American band on stage during an Australian tour to perform it.
Donovan also paid tribute to Anderson via Instagram, honouring his legacy and contributions to rock – and to the Australian TV soap Neighbours. Anderson’s song, Suddenly, was famously played during the wedding of Scott and Charlene (played by Donovan and Kylie Minogue), which was one of the biggest moments on Australian television.
“Angry didn’t just sing rock ‘n’ roll — he lived it. A voice like thunder, a heart that never stopped giving, and a spirit that fought hard for young people and those doing it tough,” Donovan said.
“I’ll always be proud that Suddenly became part of our shared story. Rest peacefully, Gary. Your voice, your heart and your legacy will never be forgotten.”
Ceberano shared a photo on Instagram of her with Anderson, singers John Farnham and Jon Stevens and actor John Waters from the 1992 Australian production tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
She said in her post that it had been a nostalgic week for her and the show’s alumni at John Farnham’s tribute concert, with Ceberano sharing a story about how, on her 25th birthday on the 1992 tour, Anderson encouraged her to get a tattoo.
“With all the joy of the week replaying Superstar memories with Jon Stevens for our mate John Farnham, it’s with sadness we say goodbye to our friend and co-star @gary_angry_anderson RIP,” Ceberano wrote.
“We had all had a massive lunch together … and you turned to me and said, flushed with excitement, ‘One of the most celebrated tattooists from the Illustrated Man is in Hindley St TODAY! I think you should go up there and make a memory of this moment that will last a lifetime’. I promptly put pen to paper, drew a simple mandala, and we all traipsed up the hill … where I gave myself over to the famed gal.
“I sobered up pretty fast, I can tell you, but to have ANGRY’s smiling mug keeping me company during this ‘rite of passage’ was unforgettable. Thank you and goodnight, my friend.”
In an Instagram post late on Wednesday, Barnes, the legendary rock singer, farewelled his close friend and collaborator.
“We lost a good man this week. Angry Anderson sang from his heart with power and conviction,” Barnes wrote. “But don’t let that tough outside fool you. He was a caring soul who loved his family, cared for his friends and stood up for the downtrodden.
“Rock in Peace my dear friend.”
Australian-American musician and actor Rick Springfield posted a photo, also on Instagram, of Anderson performing in his later years.
“Really sad to learn that Gary Anderson, aka Angry Anderson … has passed away,” Springfield said. “Another great voice silenced.”
Sebastian Bach, the frontman of American rock band Skid Row, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Anderson.
“They don’t make them like Angry Anderson any more,” Bach said. “You left us too soon, but that’s because you were too good for us. The most gifted vocalist, lyricist, performer …”
The original yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, also left a comment on Rose Tattoo’s announcement of Anderson’s death.
“His legend and legacy lives on. Rest easy, Angry,” Page said.
Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest in late August and was admitted to a hospital to undergo treatment.
“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 band said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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 joined Rose Tattoo in 1976, soon after the band was founded by guitarist Pete Wells, and served as its lead vocalist until shortly before his death.
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 after more than five decades of performing live. The band began its European tour in July, and had nine more shows to go when the cancellation was announced.
Rose Tattoo were scheduled to return to Australia this month to perform several farewell gigs across the state capitals.
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Kayla Olaya is a culture reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.From our partners
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
