Tributes from friends, family and admirers of rock legend Gary “Angry” Anderson have flooded in after the Rose Tattoo frontman passed away on September 21, aged 79.
Fellow Australian musical icon, Jimmy Barnes was one of many to recognise his “caring soul” and powerful talent.
“We lost a good man this week,” he began. “Angry Anderson sang from his heart with power and conviction. 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’nroll singer, he was as good as it gets. He took my son @iamjackiebarnes under his wing and they tore it up together,” the Working Class Man singer concluded.
Angry Anderson was admitted to a hospital in Germany after suffering a cardiac arrest during the Rose Tattoo’s European tour in August. More than a month later, Gary passed away surrounded by his loved ones in Australia. His bandmates confirmed his death.
“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,” a snippet of their statement read.
Adding to the tributes list was American-Australian singer Marcia Hines, “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Angry Anderson. He was one of the most kind and thoughtful guys in Rock and Roll. My deepest condolences to his family and to the guys in Rose Tattoo. Rest in power ❤️🥊”
Radio host Amanda Keller wrote: “What a loss. Angry Anderson really was the sweetest man. A real gentleman who gave a lot of time to charity. I’d see him at events for @saveoursons , where his quiet dignity always impressed me. And he was usually the best dressed man in the room. Loved him.”
Devoted Neighbours fans may recall Angry’s power ballad Suddenly was the soundtrack to the famous 1987 wedding of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell. Touching on this memory, Jason Donovan, who played Scott, shared a tribute.
“Angry didn’t just sing rock ’n’ roll — he lived it. A voice like thunder, a heart that never stopped giving, and a spirit that fought hard for young people and those doing it tough,” he shared. “I’ll always be proud that Suddenly became part of our shared story. Rest peacefully, Gary. Your voice, your heart and your legacy will never be forgotten. ❤️‘Stay young, grow strong’”.
This song is also held closely to Jimmy’s son and television presenter, David Campbell. The 52-year-old shared a picture from his wedding day, smiling ear to ear with his wife Lisa Hewitt, dad and Angry.
“I got to share many a stage and sporting field with Angry Anderson. He was a great frontman with a wicked sense of humour and a huge heart. His generosity went above and beyond…,” he wrote.
“When I was little, I – like every other British child – was obsessed with Neighbours. Charlene and Scott’s big day was our royal wedding. ‘Suddenly’ by Angry Anderson was the song synonymous with love and romance. I can picture Nell Mangle drying her eyes as I type.
“So when I married an Australian, 20 years later, it seemed fitting for this to be our song.
“And we were fortunate to have the man himself sing it. The wonderful @bobdowne4real announced our first dance. And beyond the curtain, there he was. Angry Anderson singing Suddenly. Time stood still,” he concluded.
In a previous episode of The Australian Women’s Weekly Love Stories podcast, David touched on the escatic moment Angry took to the stage. To listen to this episode, click here.
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