Rock legend Angry Anderson suffers a cardiac arrest

Australian rock legend Angry Anderson has suffered a cardiac arrest, according to a statement shared by his bandmates on Monday.

The musician, who recently turned 79, is one of Australia’s most influential rock stars. He founded the band, Rose Tattoo, in 1976 and has served as its lead vocalist since.

“Your thoughts, prayers and well wishes mean more to Angry and his family than we can express. 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,” the members of Anderson’s band Rose Tattoo wrote on Instagram.

“On behalf of Angry and his family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support, love and kind words.”

The band cancelled the European leg of its One Last Ride tour this month after Anderson was hospitalised. It was set to be the band’s final tour before stepping away after more than five decades of performing live.

“Angry Anderson is currently in hospital due to a medical issue,” the band said on its website on August 10.

“We are absolutely devastated that we cannot continue this tour and share these remaining shows with you … We kindly ask everyone to respect Angry’s and his family’s privacy at this time.”

The band had begun its European tour in July, and had nine more shows to go before announcing the cancellation.

Rose Tattoo are scheduled to return to Australia in September to perform several farewell gigs across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

The veteran rocker was born Gary Stephen Anderson in Melbourne in 1947. Beginning in the Australian pub circuit, his music career picked up major steam when Rose Tattoo released its debut self-titled album in 1978. The record was well-received both at home and abroad, climbing to the top of UK heavy metal charts.

Anderson’s solo single, Suddenly, released in 1987, became a huge success after it was played during the wedding between Scott and Charlene (played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue) on the TV soap, Neighbours. The track shot to No.2 on the Australian charts at the time, and No.3 on the UK Singles Chart.

Rose Tattoo released a slew of other well-known tracks with Anderson as lead vocalist, including Bad Boy for Love (1977), Rock ‘N’ Roll Outlaw (1978) and We Can’t Be Beaten (1982). In 1978, the band released the song, Nice Boys, which American rockers Guns N’ Roses famously went on to cover on their 1986 EP, Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide (and again on their 1988 EP, G N’ R Lies).

Rose Tattoo disbanded in 1987, though briefly reassembled in 1993 to open for Guns N’ Roses. In 1998, they officially regrouped and began touring again. Rose Tattoo was later inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Beyond his music career, Anderson has also appeared on screen, most notably as Ironbar in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome in (1985), and on stage as King Herod in the 1992 Australian arena concert, Jesus Christ Superstar.

He also became a prominent advocate for prostate cancer research after some of his bandmates died from the disease, including the group’s founding guitarist, Pete Wells. And in 1993, Anderson was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his role as a youth advocate.

In Rose Tattoo’s latest statement, Anderson’s bandmates asked for privacy while thanking the fans for their ongoing support.

“At this time, we kindly ask that you please respect the privacy of Angry and his family as they focus on Angry, his treatment and his recovery,” the statement read. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and ask that you continue to keep Angry and his family in your thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.”

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