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.
- Jimmy Barnes released a Rose Tattoo cover to honour Angry Anderson.
- All proceeds will go to Australian music charity Support Act.
- Barnes and Anderson’s friendship stretched back to their early rock years.
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Angry Anderson was the frontman of Rose Tattoo, an Australian rock band that formed in Sydney in 1976 and became influential figures in global rock music. Rose Tattoo's raw energy and style inspired major international acts including Guns N' Roses, and they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Anderson died in September 2026 aged 79, shortly after suffering a heart attack.
Jimmy Barnes is a Scottish-born rock musician who built a successful career in Australia and maintained a close friendship with Anderson spanning several decades. The two musicians' bands often shared stages and touring crews during the formative years of Australian rock music, establishing a bond that lasted throughout their lives. Anderson's passing represents a significant loss to the Australian music community, where he remained an influential and central figure.