In 1976, Gary “Angry” Anderson became the frontman of Australian hard rock band Rose Tattoo, helping build a legacy that would influence generations of rock musicians, including Guns N’ Roses. Now, Slash and Sebastian Bach are among the rock stars mourning Anderson following his death at 79.
“RIP #AngryAnderson I’m going to miss my good friend, I can’t believe he’s gone,” Slash wrote on Instagram, adding, “Condolences to his family, friends & band members. 💔”
Anderson’s family and Rose Tattoo announced on Wednesday, Sept. 23, that the singer died on Monday, Sept. 21, surrounded by loved ones in Australia.
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“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson,” the statement began. The family and band remembered Anderson as a “devoted father” and a much-loved bandmate and friend whose loss would be felt by people in Australia and around the world. They also asked for privacy while grieving.
Slash’s connection to Anderson and Rose Tattoo ran deeper than simply admiring the Australian rockers from afar. Rose Tattoo was a major influence on Guns N’ Roses, which recorded a cover of the band’s “Nice Boys” for its 1986 EP Live ?!@ Like a Suicide*. Anderson and Slash also performed together in Melbourne in 2010.
Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach offered an even longer tribute to Anderson on Facebook.
“Well you’ve lost a true one. They don’t make them like Angry Anderson anymore,” Bach wrote. “You’re not gonna see the likes of Angry anymore.”
Bach went on to call Anderson “the most gifted vocalist lyricist performer,” as well as “The James Brown of heavy metal rock ‘n’ roll.” The singer said he was especially grateful that he had gotten to spend time with Anderson in Sydney just a few months before his death.
“Every time I listen to one of your recordings it makes me understand why I love rock ‘n’ roll in the first place,” Bach wrote before concluding, “Rock in Power Rock in Peace and rest in peace my friend.”
Born in Melbourne on Aug. 5, 1947, Anderson began his music career with Buster Brown before joining Rose Tattoo in 1976. With Anderson at the microphone, the band became a major force in Australian pub rock, recording songs including “Bad Boy for Love,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw,” “Nice Boys” and “We Can’t Be Beaten.” Rose Tattoo was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Anderson also found unlikely international success away from Rose Tattoo with his solo ballad “Suddenly.” The song was used for the wedding of Scott and Charlene, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue, on the Australian soap Neighbours. More than 20 million viewers in Australia and the United Kingdom watched the wedding episode, according to the Australian Film and Sound Archive.
His career extended beyond music as well. Anderson appeared opposite Tina Turner in 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and became known in Australia for his charity work and advocacy for young people. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his community work.
Anderson had suffered a cardiac arrest in August while Rose Tattoo was touring Europe as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. He was hospitalized in Germany, and the band subsequently canceled the remainder of its European tour.
No cause of death was announced in the statement from Anderson’s family and Rose Tattoo.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him both here in Australia and overseas,” they said.
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