Aussie rock legend dies after 50-year career on stage

Australian rocker Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson has died aged 79.

The Rose Tattoo frontman passed away on Monday, his family revealed in a post on Instagram.

They wrote: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary “Angry” Anderson on the eve of Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones here in Australia.

“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.”

Continuing, the statement asked fans to give Angry’s family and bandmates “privacy at this difficult time”, and added that they “will not be giving interviews”.

It concluded: “We kindly ask that their wishes are respected as they come to terms with this devastating loss and take the time they need to grieve.

“We thank everyone for their prayers and messages of love and continued support.

“With love, the Anderson family and Rose Tattoo band. Stay young, grow strong.”

News of Anderson’s passing follows the band announcing they would be ending their European tour early after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

They had been scheduled to return to Australian stages this month, as well as being signed up to join Suzi Quatro on her Red Hot Summer Tour, which kicks off in November.

Rose Tattoo are most famous for tracks including Bad Boy for Love and We Can’t Be Beaten, and released their most recent album Outlaws in 2020.

They were also inducted into Australia’s Aria Hall of Fame in 2006.

Previously speaking to Sheldon Ang about celebrating 50 years of Rose Tattoo, Angry mused: “There’s a voice inside you that says you need the freedom of the road … even at 77.

“I still say that on stage every night … it’s f***ing great being a singer in this band … regrets, I have but a few, but too few to mention.

“It has been a fabulous ride. It still is.”