Jimmy Barnes Pays Tribute to Angry Anderson With Rose Tattoo Cover

Jimmy Barnes has released a cover of Rose Tattoo’s “Rock ’n’ Roll Is King” in tribute to his friend and the band’s late frontman, Angry Anderson. The release honours their decades-long friendship and supports the Australian music community, with all proceeds going to charity Support Act.

Barnes recorded the 1981 song for his latest album before Anderson died aged 79 on 21 September 2026, weeks after suffering a heart attack. The pair’s bands often shared stages and crews in their early years; Barnes said he had discussed the cover with Anderson, who was excited about it. Rose Tattoo, formed in Sydney in 1976, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006 and influenced acts including Guns N’ Roses.