Gary “Angry” Anderson, the charismatic frontman of Australian hard-rock band Rose Tattoo, has died surrounded by his loved ones in Australia. He was 79.
Anderson died on the eve of Monday, 21 September 2026, according to a statement released by his family and Rose Tattoo on Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson,” the statement said, describing him as a “devoted father” and a much-loved bandmate, friend and member of Australia’s wider music and entertainment community.
For more than five decades, Anderson was one of the most distinctive figures in Australian rock. With his powerful voice, unmistakable presence and trademark bald head, he became synonymous with Rose Tattoo, the Sydney band whose blues-infused hard rock earned a devoted following in Australia and internationally.
Rose Tattoo emerged in the 1970s and became an important part of the Australian rock scene, with Anderson at the centre of the band’s identity. Songs including “Bad Boy for Love,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw,” “We Can’t Be Beaten” and “Scarred for Life” helped establish the group as a major force in Australian hard rock.
Anderson’s influence extended beyond music. He also built a career as an actor and entertainer, appearing in Australian film and television and taking on roles that showcased a different side of his personality from the hard-edged rock persona for which he was best known.
Away from the stage, Anderson was a father and family man. His family remained an important part of his life, and Wednesday’s statement emphasised that his death was being mourned not only by those closest to him but by friends, colleagues and members of the wider entertainment community.
The announcement came with a request for privacy. Anderson’s family and Rose Tattoo said they would not be giving interviews, asking that their wishes be respected as they grieve their loss.
They also expressed their gratitude to those who had sent messages of love and support following the news of Anderson’s death.
“Thank you everyone for your prays and messages of love and continued support,” the statement said.
Anderson leaves behind a lasting place in Australian rock history. For generations of fans, his voice and the music of Rose Tattoo became part of the soundtrack of Australian hard rock, carrying the raw, uncompromising spirit of the genre around the world.
His family and bandmates ended their statement with a phrase closely associated with Anderson and his enduring outlook:
“Stay young, grow strong.”
TFFT.