Gary 'Angry' Anderson, Frontman of Rose Tattoo, Passes Away
Australian singer and frontman of Rose Tattoo, Gary 'Angry' Anderson, has passed away at the age of 79.
Australian singer and frontman of Rose Tattoo, Gary “Angry” Anderson, has passed away at the age of 79.
The news was shared in a joint statement by the band and Anderson's family on Wednesday afternoon.
"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," it reads.
"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.
"The family and band members are asking for privacy at this difficult time and will not be giving interviews. We kindly ask that their wishes are respected as they come to terms with this devastating loss and take time they need to grieve."
Read the full statement below.
The news comes only weeks after the Sydney-formed band announced that Anderson had suffered a cardiac arrest and was hospitalised, forcing a premature end to their final tour of Europe.
Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
The rockers were scheduled to return to Australia this month and also join Suzi Quatro on the Red Hot Summer Tour lineup in November.
Formed in 1976, Rose Tattoo released their debut self-titled album in 1978, and went on to have a string of hit songs, including "We Can't Be Beaten," "Bad Boy For Love," and "Nice Boys." They were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Their last album, Outlaws, was released in 2020.
As a solo artist, Anderson also enjoyed success, most notably with his 1987 track, "Suddenly," which peaked at No. 2 in Australia, and No. 3 in the UK.
He also had a number of TV and film appearances throughout his career, including a part in George Miller's 1985 movie, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
In the 2000s, he made regular appearances in the Fat Pizza TV and film franchises.
--
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," it reads.
"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.
"The family and band members are asking for privacy at this difficult time and will not be giving interviews. 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 prays and messages of love and continued support.
With love, The Anderson family and Rose Tattoo Band
Stay young, grow strong
From Rolling Stone AU/NZ
More from The Music Network
Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
Get our top stories straight to your inbox daily by signing up to our Newsletter
