Gary “Angry” Anderson, Rose Tattoo frontman, dies at 79

Gary “Angry” Anderson, the frontman of the legendary Australian rock band Rose Tattoo, has died at the age of 79. His family and bandmates announced that he passed away on the eve of Monday, 21 September 2026, surrounded by loved ones in Australia.

Anderson’s health issues became public in August 2026 when Rose Tattoo was forced to cancel their European farewell tour following a medical emergency. It was later revealed that the vocalist had suffered a cardiac arrest while on tour.

Formed in Sydney in 1976, Rose Tattoo became a staple of the Australian pub-rock scene with a raw, blues-influenced hard-rock sound. The band is well known for hits such as “Bad Boy for Love,” “Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw,” and “Nice Boys.” The group’s influence extended internationally, with their music being covered by Guns N’ Roses early in that band's career.