Australian rock legend Angry Anderson dead at 79: Iconic band Rose Tattoo mourn 'devastating loss' of Suddenly singer after health battle

The death of the legendary Australian rocker, who rose to fame alongside his band, Rose Tattoo, was announced by his family and bandmates in a social media post on Wednesday. 

'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 Instagram post began. 

'Angry was a devoted father, and much-loved member of his friends, bandmates and the wider music and entertainment community,' it continued. 

'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 the time they need to grieve.

Angry Anderson (pictured) has died at the age of 79

'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.'

Angry, whose real name is Gary Stephen Anderson, leaves behind his children Roxanne, Galen and Blaine, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Lindy Michael. 

His son, Liam, died in 2018 when he was just 26. 

The singer had been struggling with poor health in recent months, having been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest in August. 

'On behalf of Angry and his family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support, love, and kind words,' Anderson's family shared at the time. 

'Your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes mean more to Angry and his family than we can express.

The singer had been struggling with poor health in recent months, having been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest in August

'We would like to let everyone know that Angry suffered a cardiac arrest and is currently in hospital receiving treatment and the care he needs,' they continued. 

Rose Tattoo had embarked on their One Last Ride tour at the time but were forced to cancel dates across Europe due to Anderson's hospitalisation. 

The rockers had nine gigs left to play, with the tour originally scheduled to end in Germany on August 21. 

'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the love, messages and support you have already sent Angry and the band,' they said in August. 

The Rose Tattoo frontman is one of Australia's most celebrated performers.

He is perhaps most renowned for his iconic song Suddenly, which played during the 1985 wedding of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan's characters on Neighbours. 

The death of the legendary Australian rocker, who rose to fame alongside his band, Rose Tattoo, was announced by his family and bandmates in a social media post on Wednesday

Rose Tattoo (pictured) had embarked on their One Last Ride tour this year, but were forced to cancel dates across Europe due to Anderson's hospitalisation

Anderson's life was marked by tragedy when, in 2018, his youngest son Liam was killed in a park.

Apprentice plumber Mathew Flame was charged with his friend's bashing death. 

In December 2020, Flame was sentenced to a maximum of eight years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter. 

'Words are not enough – there are no words for the cruellest of life's trials, that we now endure and endure we must,' the singer said in his victim impact statement. 

The following year, Anderson broke down in tears in his first television interview since his son was killed.

'The last thing he did was to be kind. Do you take any comfort from that?' host Andrew Denton asked.

Rose Tattoo reunited in 1993 to support Guns N' Roses on tour in Australia, and were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Anderson pictured on stage with Slash 

Anderson's single, Bound for Glory, made a mark on Aussie rock history when he performed it during the 1991 AFL Grand Final at Waverley Park

'I've tried, I've tried,' a distraught Anderson wept. 

Born in Melbourne in 1947, Anderson rose to prominence as the frontman of hard-rock band Rose Tattoo, who made their name on Australia's pub-rock scene. 

Their debut album, Rose Tattoo, was released in 1978 and featured the hits Bad Boy for Love and Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw.

When the group split in 1987, Anderson continued performing as a solo artist. 

His most successful solo single was Suddenly, released in 1987 and reaching number two on the Australian charts.

His single, Bound for Glory, made a mark on Aussie rock history when he performed it during the 1991 AFL Grand Final at Waverley Park.

He is perhaps most renowned for his iconic song Suddenly, which played during the 1985 wedding of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan's characters on Neighbours (pictured)  

Anderson, who was the subject of the authorised biography, Angry: Scarred for Life, in 1994, had been working on a memoir in the months before his death

Rose Tattoo reunited in 1993 to support Guns N' Roses on tour in Australia and were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. 

Also in 1993, the soft-hearted rocker was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the community, particularly as a youth advocate. 

He was open about his own struggles, having been a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse as a child.  

Anderson also tried his hand at acting, appearing in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in 1985 as Ironbar Bassey and as Herod in the 1992 arena production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

He likewise had a recurring role as bikie gang leader 'Angry' in the comedy series franchise, Housos, between 2011 and 2014. 

In 2020, Rose Tattoo released a re-recording of their debut album, Outlaws, and had embarked on a farewell tour. 

Anderson, who was the subject of the authorised biography, Angry: Scarred for Life, in 1994, had been working on a memoir in the months before his death.