Jimmy Barnes’ Rose Tattoo tribute to Angry Anderson
When rock legends pass, the silence is deafening, but sometimes, the music continues the conversation. Jimmy Barnes recently honored the memory of his dear friend, Gary “Angry” Anderson, by paying tribute to the iconic Australian rock figure and releasing a powerful cover of Rose Tattoo’s classic “Rock ’n’ Roll Is King.”
Gary Anderson, the legendary frontman of Rose Tattoo, passed away on September 21, 2026, following a battle with a heart attack. He was a devoted friend, a cherished bandmate, and a vital figure in the wider music and entertainment community.
The bond between Barnes and Anderson ran deep, forged in the crucible of the rock scene. Their friendship stretched back to their formative years in Cold Chisel, where they shared countless stages, crew members, and gear. As Barnes reflected on their history, he described Anderson as more than a friend; he called him his brother in arms.
“We shared stages, we shared crew members, we even shared equipment at times. Rock’n’roll was king and we were all young, taking on the world together,” Barnes shared, capturing the shared spirit of their youth.
Barnes spoke of the impact Anderson had on the music world, particularly through Rose Tattoo. Anderson fronted the band from their 1976 formation in Sydney, guiding them through acclaimed albums like their self-titled debut and Assault & Battery.
Rose Tattoo’s influence rippled far beyond Australia. They left an indelible mark on American hard rock, inspiring acts like Guns N’ Roses, who covered their song “Nice Boys” on the 1986 EP Live ?!@ Like a Suicide
Anderson’s reach extended even to the big screen. He gained international recognition playing Ironbar, enforcer to Tina Turner’s Aunty Entity, opposite Mel Gibson in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
Barnes recounted speaking with Anderson about covering the song before his passing. He expressed how the song took on a renewed meaning for him now, looking back through the years and memories. “I won’t keep any money it makes, I just want to tip my hat to my mate… Turn it up f—ing LOUD,” he stated, dedicating the release to Australian music-industry charity Support Act.
The enduring legacy of Anderson and Rose Tattoo is cemented by their recognition, including Rose Tattoo’s induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Barnes, himself a dual ARIA Hall of Fame inductee with Cold Chisel, stands as a testament to the powerful connections forged by the world of rock and roll.
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