Jimmy Barnes, Slash, Sebastian Bach and Marcia Hines are among the music stars paying tribute to Rose Tattoo frontman Gary “Angry” Anderson, who died on Monday aged 79.

Leading the honours was Jimmy Barnes, who wrote on Instagram: “We lost a good man this week. 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 and roll singer, he was as good as it gets. He took my son [Jackie Barnes] under his wing, and they tore it up together.”


Barnes’ son Jackie, who played drums for Anderson in Rose Tattoo, shared a post with photos from their tour, calling the experience “one of the great privileges of my life” and saluting Angry as “one of the all-time greatest frontmen.”

“He was as ferocious as they come as a singer but under the surface was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have known. He loved his family, his mates and all the Tatts fans out there,” he wrote. “Thank you Angry for your friendship and what an honour it has been to walk this earth beside you. Rest in Peace mate.”

Marcia Hines said she was “saddened” by the news and called Anderson “one of the most kind and thoughtful guys in rock and roll.”

Sebastian Bach, former Skid Row frontman and lead singer of Twisted Sister, called Anderson “the most gifted vocalist lyricist performer up until the day you fucking died.”

“It was so incredible spending time with you in Sydney this year only a couple months ago. Every time I listen to one of your recordings it makes me understand why I love rock ‘n’ roll in the first place. Nothing could make me more grateful for your talents Mr. Angry Anderson. Rock in Power Rock in Peace and rest in peace my friend. I wish we could see each other again and we will somehow.”

Former Neighbours star Jason Donovan also paid tribute to the rock icon, whose ’80s power ballad “Suddenly” soundtracked his character’s iconic TV wedding to Kylie Minogue’s Charlene.

“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. 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,” he said.


David Campbell also shared how Anderson generously performed “Suddenly” for his wedding as his first dance with wife Lisa. He wrote: “I can never repay him for that memory.”

Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist Slash also paid tribute to his good friend. He said: “I can’t believe he’s gone. Condolences to his family, friends & band members.”

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Australian country music star Hayley Jensen said: “I cherish my memories of our adventures together in the Middle East… I can’t believe these photos were taken 20 years ago this year. You were such an incredibly calming presence amongst the terror & uncertainty in that war zone.

“I feel lucky to have known you. The real you outside of the spotlight. And didn’t you shine. Rest in Peace my friend.”

Filmmaker Paul Fenech shared that only a handful of actors he has worked with become close friends, and after working on four movies and over 50 TV episodes Anderson was one of them.

“Somehow this rock legend and Australian icon let me into his life. He cared. He cared about people. He loved music and he was always a thoughtful mate. I’m sad and gutted he’s gone,” he said.

“My best memory of Angry was the four days I spent with him riding Harleys to the Elvis festival at Parkes, Angry was a huge Elvis fan. You don’t get to be a rock star without having a spark of greatness. He was a great colleague, a kind human being an exceptional artist and a great mate.”

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The ARIAs shared a tribute too, celebrating his contribution to Australian music and to Rose Tattoo.

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The news of Anderson’s passing was shared in a joint statement by the band and Anderson’s family on Wednesday afternoon.

“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,” it read.

“Angry was a devoted father, and much-loved bandmate, friend, and member of 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.

“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 time they need to grieve.”

Anderson’s passing comes only weeks after the Sydney-formed band announced that he had suffered a cardiac arrest and was hospitalised, forcing a premature end to their final tour of Europe.

From Rolling Stone AU/NZ