Australian rock has lost one of its most recognisable voices, with Rose Tattoo frontman Gary “Angry” Anderson dying at the age of 79.
Anderson died on Monday, September 21, surrounded by loved ones in Australia, following serious health problems that emerged during Rose Tattoo’s farewell tour of Europe.
The veteran rocker suffered a cardiac arrest while the band was touring Germany in August. He was admitted to hospital and the remaining European dates on Rose Tattoo’s One Last Ride tour were subsequently cancelled. Anderson later returned to Australia for further treatment.
His family and Rose Tattoo confirmed his death in a statement released on Wednesday, describing Anderson as a devoted father and a much loved friend and bandmate whose loss would be felt throughout the music and entertainment community.
Born Gary Stephen Anderson in Melbourne in 1947, Anderson became the unmistakable voice of Rose Tattoo after joining the band in 1976.
With his powerful vocals, heavily tattooed appearance and commanding stage presence, Anderson helped establish Rose Tattoo as one of Australia’s most influential hard rock acts.
Songs including Bad Boy For Love, Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw, Nice Boys and We Can’t Be Beaten became Australian rock staples, while the band developed a significant following overseas and influenced generations of hard rock musicians.
Anderson also enjoyed considerable success away from Rose Tattoo.
His solo ballad Suddenly became a major hit after featuring in the famous Neighbours wedding of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue.
He also appeared as Ironbar Bassey in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and became widely known for his charity work and advocacy for young Australians.
Anderson received an Order of Australia honour for his work as a youth advocate, while Rose Tattoo were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.
His death comes during Rose Tattoo’s 50th anniversary year, which had been intended to include the band’s final series of live performances.
For five decades, Angry Anderson remained one of the most distinctive characters in Australian music, leaving behind a catalogue of songs that helped define the country’s hard rock sound.
Gary “Angry” Anderson was 79.