ROSE TATTOO Has 'So Many New Songs' To Choose From For Upcoming Studio Album

In a new interview with Nejc Zupančič of PodRaznoKast, ROSE TATTOO frontman Gary "Angry" Anderson confirmed that there are plans for him and his bandmates to record a new studio album for a possible late 2026 or early 2027 release. Asked if the band's cover of Stevie Wright's "Hard Road", which was made available in February 2025, will also appear on the band's long-awaited new studio album, the 79-year-old Angry said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "Yeah. It was another Stevie Wright song. And we were rehearsing it to go in the set because another song we play, 'Black Eyed Bruiser', that was a Stevie Wright song [that ROSE TATTOO covered on 2007's 'Blood Brothers' album]. So I think ['Hard Road'] will go on the album. I think there'll be maybe a re-record or a remix.

"When we first did it, it turned out so good that our manager, he said that we'll put it out as a promotional tool," Angry explained. "Because we had a big year, which was last year. We had a big year of gigs coming up, so we released it as a promotional [tool]. But it was so popular at home [in Australia], and it's pretty popular [in Europe], too."

The singer then clarified: "[But] we have so many new songs [to choose from], it might be hard to get it on the album. So maybe not. Maybe not."

Regarding how he feels about ROSE TATTOO's recent announcement that 2026 would mark the band's final year of touring, Angry said: "It's very emotional. For many, many years we enjoyed the privilege and we enjoyed the opportunity to tour through Europe, and we've toured through Europe many, many times. And we've always been very grateful for the opportunity because we're one of the... There's only a handful of Australian bands that have related, in a sense, to Europe. Apart from the big, big bands like AC/DC, AIRBOURNE and other bands, there's only a small handful of bands that have been able to come back many years, year after year. And so now that that's coming to an end, it's gotta be a large part of our year is gonna be not there anymore. But we're retiring the band in Australia entirely. We've got some dates in America next year [2027], because we couldn't fit them in this year. So that will be definitely be our last dates in America. And this [current tour] is, of course, our last run here in Europe."

Asked for his "final message" for all the ROSE TATTOO fans out there, Angry said: "We've got our last dates, of course, in Australia. But this European run, for me personally — I know the other boys feel it too, but I'm the only original member, so, obviously I'm the only one left from the very beginning… So yes, it's very emotional. But I have said to other journalists that the thing I think the most thing, apart from gratitude, my message is that rock and roll never grows old. And rock and roll, I truly believe, was sent to save our soul, because it saved my soul when I was very young, and I had a very troubled childhood. And when I discovered rock and roll, it helped me deal with life. It was something to hang on to. And then within a very few years, I was writing and I was singing in a band, and that saved my life. So that's the message I want to leave as a legacy, is that believe in rock and roll. Rock and roll can save your soul."

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.

A special feature of ROSE TATTOO's upcoming September 2026 farewell shows in Australia will be the return of guitarist Rob Riley, who will join Angry Anderson (vocals),Paul DeMarco (drums),Steve King (bass) and Mick Arnold (guitar) on stage to celebrate the band's remarkable legacy.

Angry said: "Robin Riley, known around the world as Rockin' Rob Riley, will join us for just a few very special dates. Robin joined to replace Mick [Cocks] in the early '80s. We went on to record the 'Scarred For Life' album, which he contributed heavily to. He is responsible for those big songs, 'Scarred For Life', 'We Can't Be Beaten', 'Work Itself Out', amongst others, Rob contributed to the album 'Pain' with songwriting and his signature monster guitar playing. He is unique in style and in my opinion one of the great rock and roll guitarists of all time. I rate him amongst my all-time favorites. His rhythm feels can't be beaten and his blistering solos are legendary, so come see RRR play with the ROSIE TATTS one last time!"

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 until today, ROSE TATTOO has rarely strayed from its mantra of being the best barroom blues-based rock band in the world. For 50 years, the one constant is Anderson, whose vocals tell the story of bars, booze, fights and love, mostly lost.

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