Interview: Angry Anderson of Rose Tattoo on Being 50
Angry Anderson, the iconic frontman of Rose Tattoo, has been a figure in the rock and roll scene for decades. Known for his powerful voice, raw energy, and unapologetic attitude, Anderson has carved out a unique place in the music world. In a recent interview with Sheldon Ang of Sheldon Ang Media on the eve of the 50th anniversary, Angry opened up about his life from being a victim of paedophilia to the triumphs of his career, and the experiences that have shaped him.
“There’s a voice inside you that says you need the freedom of the road. Even at 77, I still say that on stage every night.”
“Regrets, I have but a few, but too few to mention. It’s been a fabulous ride. It still is.”
Fans can pre-save the single Hard Road via this link
For tour dates, and more information, visit the official Rose Tattoo website at https://www.rosetattoo.com.au/tourdates/
The Origin of ‘Angry’
The name “Angry” is more than just a stage persona for Anderson; it’s an extension of his personal life. “One is an extension of the other,” he explained. “I grew up with domestic violence, so physical violence has always been part of my life”. This tumultuous upbringing influenced his performance style. “I became a physically demonstrative singer, and I always chose music that allowed me to express my anger.”
Anderson shared more about his childhood, revealing that he was a victim of a paedophile and had to deal with domestic violence between his biological parents. “I grew up in a very tough, hard-working class, industrial area. It was pretty rough”. These experiences shaped his persona and his music. “When I started performing, I was nicknamed by a great mate of mine who was a very colourful identity in the rock and roll industry. He nicknamed me ‘Angry,’ and it stuck.”
A Tribute to Stevie Wright – Hard Road – The Latest Single
Rose Tattoo’s latest single, “Hard Road,” is a heartfelt tribute to Stevie Wright, a close friend and fellow musician.
“Stevie and I were right mates, and we both shared our struggles with life,” Anderson said. “Doing ‘Hard Road’ is a salute to him. It’s like, ‘well done, brother’. God, I wish you rest in peace”. Anderson’s admiration for Wright is evident in his words. “He had a beautifully soulful grasp on life, and he and I talked passionately about that many times over the years”.
The song “Hard Road” holds a special place in Anderson’s heart. He shared a touching story about Wright’s reaction to Rose Tattoo’s cover of “Black Eyed Bruiser.” “I remember sending him the copy, and he said, ‘I love it, I love what you’ve done with it.’ We talked about it, and he asked why I left out the middle section. I told him it was because that part was uniquely him,” Anderson recalled. This conversation highlighted the deep respect and understanding between the two musicians.
Anderson further elaborated on the significance of “Hard Road.” “I told him, when we were talking about what he thought of ‘Black Eyed Bruiser,’ that somewhere down the track, I’m going to do ‘Hard Road’ because it’s a story of my life. And it was the story of his life too,” Anderson explained. This shared connection between the two artists adds a layer of depth to the song, making it a powerful tribute to their friendship and shared experiences.
“Stevie and I both struggled with substances and the weight of fame,” Anderson said. “He took it really, really personally. He was a very, very, extremely sensitive man with a beautiful view of life. He had a wonderful view of all the beauty of life, but he struggled with the pressures that came with fame”. This struggle is reflected in the lyrics of “Hard Road,” which speak to the challenges and hardships faced by both musicians.
“The lyrics of ‘Hard Road’ are like they were written about me. It’s about exercising the freedom of the road, turning your back on conventionality, and following your own path,” he said. This theme of personal freedom and resilience resonates deeply with Anderson, who has faced numerous challenges throughout his life and career.
The process of recording “Hard Road” was a labour of love for Anderson and the band. “We took the song and Rose Tattoo-ified it. We played it like we wrote it,” This approach allowed the band to pay tribute to Wright while also making the song their own. “We didn’t try to copy Stevie Wright’s version. We created a version of our own because we were paying tribute to him, but we didn’t want to mimic him”.
Anderson firmly believes that Wright would have approved their rendition of “Hard Road.” “I firmly believe that he knows about ‘Hard Road,’ and I firmly believe that he’s approving of what we’ve done with the song and how we’ve interpreted it,” Anderson said. This belief adds a sense of validation and fulfillment to the band’s efforts, knowing that they have honored Wright’s legacy in a meaningful way.
“Hard Road” is more than just a song for Rose Tattoo; it is a tribute to a dear friend and a reflection of the shared struggles and triumphs of Angry Anderson and Stevie Wright. Through this powerful single, Anderson and the band have created a lasting homage to Wright’s memory, capturing the essence of their friendship and the resilience that has defined their lives.
The Legacy of Rose Tattoo and the new album.
Rose Tattoo has never been a band that churns out albums for the sake of it. “We’ve never been prolific. Our albums have always been motivated by that time, like it’s time to do an album or there’s something to say,” Anderson explained. The band’s latest tour, which started in January and will end in May, is part of their Greatest Hits tour. “We try to rotate the songs so that we play as many before the end,” he said.
Anderson also discussed the band’s plans for the future. “We’re working very hard to try and get ten tracks for a new album. It’s a standard album, but these days, even if you’ve got six tracks, it’s something,” The band aims to make a final statement musically before their planned farewell on New Year’s Eve, 2026. “The band was born on New Year’s Eve, so we’ll pass on the same way,” Anderson revealed.
Rose Tattoo’s Tour Across Australia: A Journey Through Time
Rose Tattoo have embarked on a tour across Australia, bringing their iconic music to fans old and new. This tour, which started in January and will end in May, is part of their Greatest Hits tour.
“It’s the last couple of years. What we’ve tried to do is change the set about every three months, even if it’s only a couple of songs, just so that we get to play all the songs from the early recordings right through most of them work,” Anderson explained. “By the end of it, you know, we would have played all of the songs, particularly here in Australia or with forever with everywhere else we go.”
The tour is not just about revisiting old hits; it’s also about creating new memories and music. “We also they are off the back of Hard Road, where we’ve been writing songs and we should have an album out by the end of the year,” Anderson revealed. This new album will be a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and passion for music.
Anderson also discussed the band’s plans to bring back former members for future performances. “Steven King is playing bass. I brought him back because I wanted to salute his contribution to the band from previous years,” he said. “Next year, hope to bring back Geordie Leach playing bass and Rob Riley playing guitar. So. Which means we’ll have three guitar players. That’s going to be crazy,” Anderson shared with excitement.
The tour is also a way for Rose Tattoo to make a final statement musically before their planned farewell on New Year’s Eve, 2026. “We try to make a final statement musically as we possibly can because come the end of New Year’s Eve, 2026. The band was born on New Year’s Eve. Yes. So we’ll we’ll pass on the same way New Year’s Eve.” This poignant farewell will mark the end of an era for the band and their fans.
Looking Ahead
As Rose Tattoo approaches its 50th anniversary, Anderson is already planning for the future. “Come the end of New Year’s Eve, 2026, the band will pass on the same way it was born, on New Year’s Eve,” he revealed. After Rose Tattoo, Anderson plans to continue making music with the Angry Anderson Band. “We’ll play those songs and some classic R&B stuff from my era,” he said.
Anderson also shared his personal plans for the future. “I want to get out of the city for my old age. I want to find a small country town, buy a property, and just live there,” This desire for a simpler, quieter life reflects Anderson’s journey and the experiences that have shaped him.
Mad Max
Anderson also spoke about the impact of his role in the movie Mad Max. “Mel and I became pretty good mates during the making, and we stayed mates for many years after. It was a wonderful experience,” This role allowed Anderson to connect with Tina Turner, who played a pivotal role in the movie. “We established a great intimacy of a relationship, and I was able to open up and tell her about my childhood. It was a real breakthrough for me.”
A Lasting Impact
Despite the challenges, Anderson remains grateful for his career. “It’s fucking great being a singer in this band,” he said. “We’ve written some great songs, done thousands of great gigs, and it’s been a fabulous ride” As he looks back on his life and career, Anderson has few regrets. “Regrets, I have but a few, but too few to mention. It’s been a fabulous ride. It still is.”
Anderson’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. From his early days of skepticism about technology to his current plans for the future, Anderson continues to inspire with his honesty and dedication. As Rose Tattoo prepares for its final bow, fans can look forward to more music and performances from this legendary artist.
