Gary “Angry” Anderson, the lead vocalist of the Australian rock band Rose Tattoo, has died at the age of 79. His passing was announced on the band’s Instagram account, revealing he passed away on Monday in Sydney after suffering cardiac arrest weeks prior during Rose Tattoo’s farewell tour in Europe.
The band expressed profound sadness at Anderson’s loss, highlighting his role as a devoted father and his impact on friends, bandmates, and the broader music community. Reports of his health issues arose when the band canceled an appearance at Belgium’s Alcatraz Metal Festival on August 9 due to his hospitalization, later revealing he experienced cardiac arrest.
Rose Tattoo, formed in Sydney in 1976, is known for tracks like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw” and “Bad Boy for Love.” Anderson was a prominent frontman and was described as the veteran member of the band. He also enjoyed a successful solo career, with his 1987 hit “Suddenly” gaining international acclaim.
In addition to his music career, Anderson was a dedicated youth advocate, supporting various children’s charities and earning recognition for his advocacy efforts, including being made a member of the Order of Australia in 1993.
Anderson also stirred controversy with his political views and advocacy work related to men’s health, particularly prostate cancer awareness after losing friends to the disease. He is survived by his children Galen, Roxanee, and Blaine, following the tragic loss of his son Liam in 2018.
