As Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll outlaw, Angry Anderson embodied the appeal and limitations of Oz Rock

Martin Philbey/WireImage via Getty “I’m not a nice boy and I never was,” Angry Anderson sang on Rose Tattoo’s 1978 debut album.

It was an effective mission statement for one of Australian rock’s most recognisable vocalists.

Gary “Angry” Anderson became a well known figure in Australian popular culture.

As frontman of Rose Tattoo, he was central to the hard edged Oz Rock tradition that grew from Australia’s pub circuit.

In my research as a rock sociologist, Anderson is a key reference point for how listeners define Australian rock and its values.

Much of that influence came from how successfully Anderson built a public image as Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll outlaw.

Some parts of that image made him beloved.

Others made him deeply divisive.

Both are part of the legacy he leaves behind, after his death aged 79.

From local acts to international success Born in Melbourne in 1947, Anderson began performing in the early 1970s with the bands Peace, Power and Purity and Buster Brown.

He moved to Sydney in 1976 to join Rose Tattoo as lead singer.

Anderson’s early career established his high energy stage presence and distinct, raw vocals.

Rose Tattoo released its debut album in 1978, and international success soon followed.

By 1981, the band were touring Europe and appearing at England’s Reading Festival.