Jimmy Barnes Honors Late Rock Icon with Rose Tattoo Tribute Song

Jimmy Barnes released a cover of Rose Tattoo's 'Rock 'n' Roll Is King' as a tribute to late bandmate Angry Anderson, who died on September 21 at age 79 following a heart attack. Barnes had originally recorded the track for his recent album but decided to release it as a memorial following Anderson's passing, with all proceeds benefiting Support Act, an Australian music industry charity. In a statement, Barnes reflected on decades of friendship and shared stages with Anderson, describing Rose Tattoo as an influential hard rock band.

Jimmy Barnes and Angry Anderson's connection spanned decades of Australian rock history. Both rose to prominence through Sydney's hard rock scene in the mid-1970s, with their bands frequently performing on shared bills and supporting each other's careers. Anderson's influence extended beyond music into film, notably appearing in the 1985 blockbuster Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. The timing of Barnes' decision to release the cover—originally intended for a standard album track—transformed a personal musical choice into a meaningful memorial.

Rose Tattoo's legacy, while modest in mainstream American charts, profoundly influenced major international acts. Guns N' Roses' early adoption of their material helped introduce the Australian band to global audiences. Their 2006 induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame cemented their status as foundational figures in hard rock, a recognition shared by Barnes himself across multiple categories.