Jimmy Barnes has paid tribute to his late friend Angry Anderson by releasing a cover of Rose Tattoo.Rock ‘n’ Roll Is KingFollowing the death of the Australian rock icon.
Anderson, born Gary Anderson, longtime Rose Tattoo pioneer, died on September 21 at the age of 79, a few weeks after suffering a heart attack.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson surrounded by his loved ones in Australia on Monday, September 21, 2026,” his family said in a statement. “Angry was a devoted father, and a much-loved bandmate, friend, and member of the broader music and entertainment community.”
Barnes recorded his own version of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King” – originally from Rose Tattoo’s 1981 album assault and battery – Before Anderson died, he composed it for his most recent album. He decided to release it as a tribute to his friend after his death, with all proceeds going to the Australian music-industry charity Support Act.
In a lengthy statement, Barnes reflected on the friendship that dates back to his early days in Cold Chisel, when the two bands would frequently cross paths.
“We shared stages, we shared crew members, we even sometimes shared equipment. Rock’n’roll was king and we were all young, taking on the world together,” he wrote, calling Anderson “my friend; my brother in arms.” He described Rose Tattoo as “the best rock band ever”, adding: “They showed the so-called hard rock bands overseas how it’s really done.”
Barnes said he had talked to Anderson about covering the song before his death. He wrote, “I talked to Angry about covering that song for my last album and he was excited.”
“I couldn’t wait to sit down with Angry and play it because looking back over all those years and all those shows, this song takes on a whole new meaning to me now.” He concluded: “I’m not keeping any of the money from this, I just want to tip my mates… Turn it up loud. Went upstairs to the Big Gig in anger but I’m sure he’s listening.”
Anderson led Rose Tattoo from the band’s 1976 formation in Sydney, leading them through their 1978 self-titled debut and albums. assault and battery.
Although never becoming a major chart force in the US, the band left an indelible mark on American hard rock: Guns N’ Roses covered their song “Nice Boys” on a 1986 EP. Live?!*@ like a suicide – later reissued in 1988 g n r lies – and cited the rose tattoo as an influence.
Anderson also reached American audiences on screen in 1985, playing Ironbar, the enforcer of Tina Turner’s Aunt Entity, opposite Mel Gibson. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
Rose Tattoo was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006, and Barnes’ son Jackie, a drummer, played with Anderson in the band after joining in 2018. Barnes, a dual ARIA Hall of Fame inductee with Cold Chisel and, as a solo artist, holds the record for the most No. 1 albums of any domestic act on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart.