MELBOURNE — Gary Angry Anderson, the founding member of Rose Tattoo and singer of the Neighbours theme Suddenly, has died at the age of 79. Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest while on tour in Germany with Rose Tattoo.

He was hospitalized in Germany following the cardiac arrest. He returned to Australia after hospital treatment. Rose Tattoo canceled nine live dates following his hospitalization. Born in Melbourne in 1947, Anderson initially used the nickname Mouse due to his small stature. He later adopted the nickname Angry Ant, which was shortened to Angry. He was a founding member of the Melbourne motorcycle club the Vigilanties.

Rose Tattoo released their self-titled debut album in 1978. The album featured the singles Bad Boy for Love and "Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw." Rose Tattoo was temporarily banned from the television program Countdown after Anderson kissed guitarist Mick Cocks. Kylie Minogue was adamant that 'Suddenly' be used for the Neighbours scene, he said. The Neighbours episode featuring "Suddenly" was watched by 20 million people in the UK in 1988. "Suddenly" reached number two on the Australian charts.

Kylie Minogue's single "Locomotion" prevented "Suddenly" from reaching number one in Australia. "Suddenly" reached number three on the UK charts.

"Suddenly" was the best song he had ever written, he said. He performed at the half-time entertainment of the 1991 AFL grand final. He sang "Bound for Glory" at the 1991 AFL grand final. Rose Tattoo supported Guns N' Roses on their Use Your Illusion tour in 1993.

He was awarded an Order of Australia in 1993. The Order of Australia was awarded in recognition of service to the community, particularly charity work and youth advocacy. Rose Tattoo was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. He appeared in the SBS program Go Back to Where You Came From in 2012. He stood for the electorate of Throsby in New South Wales for the National Party in the 2013 federal election. He switched to the Australian Liberty Alliance in 2016.

His son Liam was killed in 2018. He played Herod in an Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Why It Matters

Gary "Angry" Anderson's career spanned music, film, television, and politics. His death at 79 follows a period of health challenges, including a cardiac arrest while touring in Germany.

His rendition of "Suddenly" remains one of the most recognized songs in Australian television history, having been viewed by millions internationally. His transition from rock musician to political candidate and community advocate illustrates a diverse public life. The Order of Australia he received in 1993 recognized his contributions beyond entertainment, specifically in charity work and youth advocacy.

Timeline

He was born in Melbourne in 1947. Buster Brown released the album Something to Say in 1974. Rose Tattoo was formed in Sydney in 1976. Rose Tattoo's albums Rose Tattoo and Assault and Battery reached number one on the British heavy metal charts in 1981. He appeared as the character Ironbar Bassey in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. He released the solo single "Suddenly" in 1987.

What's New

He stated that Kylie Minogue was adamant that "Suddenly" be used for the Neighbours scene. He stated that "Suddenly" was the best song he had ever written. He was born in Melbourne in 1947. The official record of this event states that Angry Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest and is currently in hospital receiving treatment and the care he needs.