Rose Tattoo confirmed Anderson’s passing in a statement that praised him as a devoted father and a much‑loved figure among friends, bandmates and the broader music and entertainment community, adding that his loss will be deeply felt both at home and overseas.
The announcement comes just six weeks after the band was forced to cancel a European tour when Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest, a health scare that had already prompted concern among fans worldwide.
Formed in the late 1970s, Rose Tattoo built a reputation for their slide‑guitar‑driven, hard‑edged rock, earning a loyal following in Australia and abroad. Their raw, “bad‑boy” sound helped shape the country’s pub‑rock scene and influenced a generation of musicians.
Anderson’s stature in the rock world was highlighted when Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash once invited him to join him onstage, a testament to the respect he commanded among his peers.
His death marks the end of an era for a band that, despite limited commercial success overseas, left an indelible mark on the global rock landscape through relentless touring and a fiercely loyal fan base.