Australian rock legend and Rose Tattoo frontman Gary “Angry” Anderson has died aged 79.
Anderson’s family and band announced his death on Wednesday, saying he died in Australia on Monday night, September 21, surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement shared by Rose Tattoo, Anderson was remembered as a “devoted father” and a “much-loved” friend, bandmate and member of the wider music and entertainment community. The band said his loss would be deeply felt in Australia and overseas.
The Anderson family and Rose Tattoo have asked for privacy while they grieve and said they will not be giving interviews. They also thanked fans for their prayers, messages of love and continued support.
The statement was signed, “With love, The Anderson family and Rose Tattoo Band,” followed by the words: “Stay young, grow strong.”
The news comes weeks after the singer suffered a cardiac arrest while Rose Tattoo were overseas on their farewell European tour.
The remaining European dates were cancelled after Anderson was hospitalised, with the band later confirming he was receiving treatment following the cardiac arrest.
A giant of Australian rock
Anderson had fronted Rose Tattoo since the band’s early years in the 1970s, becoming one of the most distinctive voices and faces in Australian hard rock.
The Sydney band built its reputation on raw pub rock and songs including “Bad Boy for Love”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw” and “We Can’t Be Beaten”, earning a devoted following in Australia and overseas.
Anderson also found solo success with “Suddenly”, which became widely known through the wedding of Scott and Charlene on Neighbours.
Outside music, he appeared in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his work with young people.
Rose Tattoo had been marking almost five decades of music and touring, with Anderson remaining the band’s central figure.
Tributes are continuing to flow for one of Australian rock’s most recognisable frontmen.
