ROSE TATTOO Frontman ANGRY ANDERSON Dead At 79

Gary "Angry" Anderson, the iconic frontman of Australian hard rock legends ROSE TATTOO, has died at age 79, several weeks after suffering a heart attack during the band's farewell tour in Europe.

Anderson reportedly returned home to Australia for treatment but could not recover from the cardiac arrest.

"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," a representative shared in a statement posted on the ROSE TATTOO social media channels.

"Angry was a devoted father, and much-loved member of his friends, bandmates and 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."

At the time of Angry's hospitalization, ROSE TATTOO had nine shows remaining on the "One Last Ride" tour, with the trek set to conclude on August 21 in Busdorf, Germany.

ROSE TATTOO was scheduled to play several farewell shows in Australia in September, including in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

ROSE TATTOO's music has inspired countless artists, while classics including "Bad Boy For Love", "Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw", "Nice Boys" and "We Can't Be Beaten" remain staples of Australian rock culture.

ROSE TATTOO has released a total of eight studio albums: "Rose Tattoo" (1978),"Assault & Battery" (1981),"Scarred For Life" (1982),"Southern Stars" (1984),"Beats From A Single Drum" (1986),"Pain" (2002),"Blood Brothers" (2007) and "Outlaws" (2020).

Six former ROSE TATTOO members have died in recent years, including four of the original recording lineup: Dallas Royall (1991),Peter Wells (2006),Ian Rilen (2006),Mick Cocks (2009) and Lobby Loyde (2007),who was a member between October 1979 and September 1980, and Neil Smith (2013),who played bass temporarily prior to Loyde.

From the band's first gig on New Year's in 1976, ROSE TATTOO had rarely strayed from its mantra of being the best barroom blues-based rock band in the world. For 50 years, the one constant was Anderson, whose vocals told the story of bars, booze, fights and love, mostly lost.

ROSE TATTOO had toured relentlessly in Australia and Europe, with the occasional jaunt into the U.S., gathering fans along the way.

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash paid tribute to Anderson after his death was announced, writing on social media: "I'm going to miss my good friend, I can't believe he's gone. Condolences to his family, friends & band members."