Gary Angry Anderson Rose Tattoo Frontman Dies at 79

Gary “Angry” Anderson has died at the age of 79. The frontman passed away after being hospitalised following a cardiac arrest while on tour in Germany with Rose Tattoo, the hard-hitting outfit he fronted for half a century.

Born into a tough upbringing as a founding member of the Melbourne motorcycle club the Vigilanties, Anderson originally went by the nickname “Mouse” due to his size. Eager to prove himself against bigger opponents, he earned the moniker “the Angry Ant,” which was eventually shortened to “Angry.” Before leading Rose Tattoo, Anderson fronted Buster Brown alongside future AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd. The band released the 1974 album Something to Say on Mushroom.

The Rise of Rose Tattoo

Formed in Sydney in 1976, Rose Tattoo brought a far more aggressive edge to the Australian rock scene. Featuring slide guitarist Peter Wells and Anderson’s piercing vocals, the band released their self-titled debut in 1978 via the Alberts sound production of Harry Vanda and George Young. The record spawned enduring singles like “Bad Boy for Love” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw.”

Angry Anderson with his Jesus Christ Superstar co-stars (from second left) Anthony Warlow, John Farnham and Jon Stevens in 1992.(Robert Pearce/Fairfax Media) — Angry Anderson with his Jesus Christ Superstar co-stars (from second left) Anthony Warlow, John Farnham and Jon Stevens in 1992.
(Robert Pearce/Fairfax Media)

Mainstream Australia was slow to embrace the band’s menacing image. They were temporarily banned from the television program Countdown after Anderson exchanged gum in a kiss with guitarist Mick Cocks, while radio largely ignored them. Overseas success followed in 1981 when their debut and follow-up, Assault and Battery, both topped the British heavy metal charts. Their fierce live reputation was solidified at the UK’s Reading Festival, where Anderson famously head-butted amplifier stacks until blood streamed down his face.

An Unlikely Cultural Transformation

Angry Anderson (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

By 1987, Anderson remained the sole original member of Rose Tattoo. That same year, he surprised the music world by releasing the power ballad “Suddenly” as a solo single. The track became a massive hit after soundtracking the wedding of Scott and Charlene on the television soap opera Neighbours, peaking at No. 2 nationally—held out of the top spot by Kylie Minogue’s “Locomotion”—and reaching No. 3 in the UK.

Anderson’s career expanded into acting, including a memorable turn as Ironbar Bassey in 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, alongside prominent work as a television personality and youth advocate. He performed “Bound for Glory” at the 1991 AFL grand final and received an Order of Australia in 1993, the same year Guns N’ Roses—who had previously covered “Nice Boys” on their Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide EP—brought Rose Tattoo out on their Use Your Illusion tour.

Rose Tattoo were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Their gritty sound left a lasting imprint on generations of punk and hard rock acts, from the Cosmic Psychos to Amyl and the Sniffers.