Rose Tattoo has issued a new statement addressing frontman Gary “Angry” Anderson’s health. The statement reveals that the 79-year-old singer has been hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest. The announcement, shared by Rose Tattoo on Instagram, comes three weeks after the band canceled the remaining shows of its summer 2026 European tour due to a medical issue affecting Anderson.
The statement thanked fans for their outpouring of support and provided an update on Anderson’s condition, while asking for privacy during his recovery.
“On behalf of Angry and his family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support, love and kind words,” the band said. “Your thoughts, prayers and well wishes mean more to Angry and his family than we can express.”
“We would like to let everyone know that Angry suffered a cardiac arrest and is currently in hospital receiving treatment and the care he needs.”
The band went on to request understanding from fans as Anderson continues his recovery.
“At this time, we kindly ask that you please respect the privacy of Angry and his family as they focus on Angry, his treatment and his recovery,” the statement continued. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and ask that you continue to keep Angry and his family in your thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the love and support that has already been shown. It is comforting to know just how many people are thinking of Angry and wishing him strength in his recovery. Thank you again for your kindness, understanding and continued support. With love and gratitude, Angry & Family.”
Rose Tattoo pulled the plug on the remainder of its “One Last Ride” European tour in early August. This came just weeks after the band had taken the stage at Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival in late July. At the time, the band cited only a “medical issue” affecting Anderson without disclosing the nature of his condition. The band said it was “absolutely devastated” to cancel the shows.
The cancellation came as a shock to fans across Europe, many of whom had been following the veteran rockers on what was billed as a farewell run of dates. Several stops in Germany and elsewhere on the continent were scrapped as the band’s touring schedule ground to a halt.
This latest update fills in details that had been left vague since the tour’s cancellation. The exact cause of Anderson’s hospitalization remained unclear for nearly three weeks, as the band offered no further specifics beyond the initial notice. That silence has now been broken with confirmation that Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest, a far more serious diagnosis than fans had anticipated.
Anderson has fronted Rose Tattoo since the band’s formation in the 1970s. The group had continued touring well into his late seventies. The revelation of his cardiac arrest underscores the seriousness of the health scare that abruptly ended what was meant to be a milestone tour for the Australian rock veterans.
No further details on Anderson’s condition or a timeline for his recovery have been released. Further updates may follow.
