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YouTubeBefore the name Angry Anderson was etched into the annals of Australian rock music history, before the explosive energy of Rose Tattoo dominated stages, and before the emotional hit single “Suddenly” melted hearts across the world, there was just a working-class kid from Melbourne with a lot of grit and one hell of a voice.
Born Gary Stephen Anderson in 1947, in Melbourne, Victoria, Angry’s early years were shaped by a rough-and-tumble environment that would later fuel his gritty, growling vocal style and hard-edged lyrics. Growing up in a tough household and navigating the chaos of suburban Australia during the 50s and 60s, Angry developed a rebellious spirit early on. He wasn’t just angry in name—it was an energy, a rawness, a defiance that became his brand.
The Pre-Tattoo Days: Finding His Voice
Anderson’s first brush with the music world came in the late 60s and early 70s when he joined the psychedelic band Peace Power and Purity, but it wasn’t long before he migrated toward something heavier, something louder, something that matched the fury he carried inside. He soon found himself fronting the Buster Brown band—a raw, blues-rock outfit that blended searing guitar riffs with Angry’s sandpaper vocals.
Buster Brown became known in the Australian pub rock circuit, with Anderson’s stage presence quickly earning him a reputation as a firecracker performer who gave everything on stage. Though Buster Brown never quite broke into the mainstream, the experience set the stage for the band that would change everything.
Rose Tattoo is Born
In 1976, Angry Anderson joined a new band called Rose Tattoo, teaming up with slide guitar maestro Peter Wells, formerly of Buffalo. Together, they created something that was ferocious and unapologetically Aussie. With members like Mick Cocks, Dallas “Digger” Royall, Geordie Leach, and Lobby Loyde stepping in and out over the years, Rose Tattoo became a revolving door of musical talent—but Anderson remained its steadfast core.
Rose Tattoo wasn’t just a rock band. They were a statement. With their bald heads, tattooed bodies, and denim-stained bravado, they embodied working-class rebellion, pub rock pride, and that dangerous edge of Aussie outlaw culture. Their debut self-titled album in 1978, featuring hits like “Bad Boy for Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw,” exploded onto the Australian charts and gained attention in Europe..
More Albums More Success
Their follow-up albums—Assault & Battery (1981), Scarred for Life (1982), and Southern Stars (1984)—continued the hard rock assault. Rose Tattoo were frequent support acts for AC/DC, and they earned massive respect from international bands like Guns N’ Roses, who cited them as a major influence.
Angry Goes Solo – The Ballad No One Saw Coming
But just when everyone thought they had Angry Anderson figured out—tattooed tough guy, snarling rock dog—he flipped the script. In 1987, Angry released “Suddenly”, a sweeping, emotional power ballad that no one saw coming. Written by Bruno Brighetti and Giancarlo Bigazzi and adapted with English lyrics by Angry himself, “Suddenly” became a global phenomenon. It skyrocketed to fame when it was used in Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s wedding episode on the soap Neighbours, watched by millions.
“Suddenly” showed a softer, more introspective side of Angry—a testament to his versatility as a singer and storyteller. It also opened the door to a new chapter of his career in the public eye.
More Than Music: TV, Advocacy, and Acting
As the 90s rolled around, Angry became more than just a rock singer. He emerged as a television personality, regularly appearing on shows like The Midday Show, Good Morning Australia, and even as a panelist on The Footy Show. His charisma, honesty, and at times fiery opinions made him a household name in Australian media.
In 1992, he showed off his acting chops in the post-apocalyptic classic Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, starring alongside Mel Gibson and Tina Turner. But Angry also channeled his influence into causes he cared about. He became a passionate youth advocate, speaking out against domestic violence and drug abuse, drawing on his own difficult upbringing to connect with vulnerable communities. He even flirted with politics—running as a Senate candidate for the Australian Liberty Alliance in later years.
Still Roaring: Rose Tattoo and the Present Day
Despite countless lineup changes, personal tragedies—including the loss of many original Rose Tattoo members to cancer—and the ever-changing music landscape, Angry has kept the Rose Tattoo flame burning. He’s the longest-tenured member and has fronted the band through decades of Australian and international tours.
In recent years, Rose Tattoo released Outlaws (2020), a re-recording of their debut with updated flair, and have toured extensively across Australia and Europe, proving the band’s enduring legacy. Angry, now in his 70s, continues to perform with the same raw energy that made him a legend in the first place. Angry isn’t just an Australian rock icon—he’s a survivor, a storyteller, and a symbol of the grit and soul that defines Australian hard rock. Check out the band’s website to learn more.
