Jimmy Barnes Pays Tribute to Angry Anderson with Rose Tattoo

Jimmy Barnes has released a cover of Rose Tattoo's 'Rock 'n' Roll Is King' as a tribute to his late friend Angry Anderson. The Rose Tattoo frontman died on September 21 at age 79, with his death announced in a joint statement by his family and the band. All proceeds from the track will benefit Support Act, a charity providing crisis relief and wellbeing support to Australian music industry workers. Barnes stated he will not keep any money from the song, aiming to tip his hat to his friend.

Barnes described Anderson as his friend and brother in arms. He called Rose Tattoo the ultimate rock band. The song 'Rock 'n' Roll Is King' summed up the band's ethos for him. Barnes recorded the cover before Anderson's death, during work for his own previous album. He had considered including it on his 2025 album Defiant but did not. Anderson died before he could hear the recording, and Barnes stated he wanted to play it for him but never got the opportunity. Barnes hopes listeners turn it up loud.

Proceeds support industry charity

Every cent from the track's sales will go to Support Act. Barnes is releasing the recording with no financial return to himself. The charity aids music industry workers in crisis.

Personal connection and legacy

Barnes and Anderson first met in the late 1970s. They were major players in forming the Australian rock scene. Their friendship spanned from the early days of Cold Chisel, with their bands frequently crossing paths. They shared stages, crew members, and equipment during their touring years. Musicians from the bands often socialized at venues including Chequers, Bondi Lifesaver, Bombay Rock, and Bananas. The Lifesaver and Bombay Rock venues are no longer operational.

Angry Anderson fronted Rose Tattoo from its 1976 formation in Sydney. He remained its longest-serving member and was the sole surviving member of the original lineup. The band released their self-titled debut in 1978 and Assault & Battery in 1981, which featured the original 'Rock 'n' Roll Is King'. Rose Tattoo were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Their music influenced American hard rock bands like Guns N' Roses, who covered 'Nice Boys'.

Anderson also had a solo hit with 'Suddenly' in 1987 and appeared as Ironbar in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Barnes's son Jackie, a drummer, joined Rose Tattoo in 2018 and played with Anderson. Barnes himself is a dual ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, with Cold Chisel and as a solo artist. He holds the record for the most number one albums on Australia's ARIA Albums Chart by a homegrown act.

The recording will be released as a tribute to Angry Anderson, with all proceeds supporting music industry workers through Support Act.