Angry Anderson, the iconic frontman of Australian rock band Rose Tattoo, has died at the age of 79. Anderson passed away on the evening of Monday, 21 September 2026, surrounded by family in Australia, weeks after suffering a cardiac arrest during the band's final European tour.

A joint statement issued by his family and bandmates confirmed the news, describing the loss as devastating for all who knew and loved him.

"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," the statement read. "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 have requested privacy and confirmed they will not be giving interviews while they grieve.

A Cardiac Arrest That Stopped the Final Tour

Anderson suffered the cardiac arrest while Rose Tattoo was midway through its One Last Ride tour of Europe, forcing the cancellation of several scheduled shows. The tour had been due to conclude in Busdorf, Germany on 21 August, with nine dates still remaining at the time of the medical emergency, before the band was set to return for a run of Australian shows.

Anderson was subsequently brought back to Australia, where he died surrounded by family.

Tributes Pour In From the Music World

Fellow Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes was among the first to pay tribute, posting an emotional message to social media in the wake of Anderson's passing.

"We lost a good man this week. Angry Anderson sang from his heart with power and conviction," Barnes wrote. "But don't let that tough outside fool you. He was a caring soul who loved his family, cared for his friends and stood up for the downtrodden. As a rock 'n' roll singer, he was as good as it gets."

Barnes also noted that Anderson had taken his son, Jackie James Barnes, under his wing as a performer.

Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash — one of Rose Tattoo's most famous international admirers — also posted a heartfelt tribute. "RIP Angry Anderson. I'm going to miss my good friend. I can't believe he's gone. Condolences to his family, friends and band members," he wrote.

A Life in Australian Rock

Rose Tattoo was formed in Sydney in 1976, quickly building a reputation for confrontational live performances and a hard-edged, blues-influenced brand of pub rock that earned them fans both at home and internationally — including the members of Guns N' Roses, who later invited the band to support them on their 1993 Australian tour.

The band initially disbanded in 1987 but reformed and had performed consistently since 1998. Anderson also pursued a solo career, with his debut single Suddenly — released in 1987 and featured in the long-running television drama Neighbours — reaching number two in Australia and number three in both the UK and Ireland.

Beyond music, Anderson was widely recognised for his charitable and advocacy work, lending his profile to organisations including Camp Quality, Canteen and The Starlight Foundation. In 1993, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for that service. Following the death of bandmate Pete Wells in 2006, he also became the national face of a prostate cancer awareness campaign.

Anderson's personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He married Lindy Michael in 1986 and the couple had four children before divorcing in 2002. In 2018, the family was struck by heartbreak when his son Liam Anderson was killed by a close friend in a drug-fuelled attack in a Sydney park.

Anderson is survived by his children and a vast community of fans, peers and colleagues who remember him as one of the most distinctive voices in Australian rock history.