Australian rock legend Angry Anderson dies aged 79

Gary “Angry” Anderson, the unmistakable voice of Rose Tattoo and one of Australian rock’s most recognisable figures, has died aged 79.

Anderson died on Monday, September 21, surrounded by loved ones in Australia, his family and Rose Tattoo announced on Wednesday.

“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson,” the statement said. “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.”

No cause of death has been announced.

Anderson had recently been hospitalised with a medical issue during Rose Tattoo’s European tour, forcing the cancellation of the remaining shows.

A rock’n’roll original

The bald head, tattoos and gravel-filled voice made Anderson impossible to mistake. He joined Rose Tattoo in 1976, helping forge a raw Australian rock sound through songs including Bad Boy for Love, Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw and We Can’t Be Beaten.

The band became influential well beyond Australia. Guns N’ Roses were such admirers they pushed for Rose Tattoo to reform and support them during their 1993 Australian tour.

Rose Tattoo were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Yet Anderson was never confined to the hard-rock image.

In 1987, his solo ballad Suddenly became forever linked with Scott and Charlene’s wedding on Neighbours, one of the most memorable television moments of the era. He also appeared as Ironbar Bassey in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and played Herod in the 1992 Australian arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Beyond music and acting, Anderson became a familiar television personality and outspoken social commentator, while also devoting considerable time to community causes.

In 1993 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community, particularly as a youth advocate. It made Anderson a difficult Australian figure to pigeonhole: hard-rock frontman, balladeer, actor, television personality and campaigner.

His family and bandmates have asked for privacy and said they will not be giving interviews as they grieve.

Their statement ended simply: “Stay young, grow strong.”