Angry Anderson, Rock Star Behind Kylie Minogue’s Neighbours Wedding Song, Dies at 79

Angry Anderson, the Australian rock icon best known for fronting the band Rose Tattoo and for his solo hit “Suddenly,” which featured in the iconic wedding episode of the soap opera Neighbours, has died at the age of 79.

Born Gary Anderson in Melbourne in 1947, he rose to prominence with Rose Tattoo in 1976, releasing five albums before the group initially split in 1987. That same year, he co-wrote and released “Suddenly,” which became a global success after being chosen by Kylie Minogue to soundtrack her character Charlene Mitchell’s wedding to Jason Donovan’s Scott Robinson.

The 1988 broadcast of the wedding episode attracted 20 million viewers in the UK alone. Anderson later revealed that Minogue was “adamant” the track be used for the scene, a decision he credited with propelling the song to the top three in both Australia and the United Kingdom. In Australia, the single was kept from the number one spot by Minogue’s own debut solo record, “Locomotion.” Anderson described “Suddenly” as the finest song he ever wrote.

Following the release of two solo albums, Anderson rejoined Rose Tattoo in 1993 for an Australian tour supporting Guns N’ Roses. The band embarked on their own tour in 1998 and were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2006. His other acting credits included the role of Herod in an Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Last month, while on Rose Tattoo’s farewell tour in Europe, Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest. He was hospitalized before returning to Australia, prompting the cancellation of nine scheduled performances.

A joint statement from his family and Rose Tattoo honored Anderson as a “devoted father, and much-loved bandmate,” adding that his loss would be deeply felt by friends and fans in Australia and overseas. The statement also thanked the public for their prayers and messages of support.

In recognition of his service to the community, particularly his charity work and advocacy for youth, Anderson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993.