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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Michael Howie

Rock star Angry Anderson famous for iconic Neighbours wedding song dies aged 79

Angry Anderson (left) and Slash perform on stage at the MTV Classic: The Launch music event in Melbourne on April 28, 2010 - (Getty)

Australian rocker Gary “Angry” Anderson has died at the age of 79.

The singer was most famous in the UK for his smash-hit song Suddenly, which was played during the wedding of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s characters, Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson, in Neighbours in 1987.

The song reached No3 in the UK Charts in December 1988.

Angry, whose real name was Gary Stephen Anderson, was the frontman of the band Rose Tattoo from 1976.

He had suffered a heart attack in Germany last month while on Rose Tattoo’s farewell tour in Europe.

The band had to cancel nine gigs as the frontman was brought home for treatment.

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s 1988 wedding on Neighbours drew 20 million UK viewers (Freemantle Media)
Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s 1988 wedding on Neighbours drew 20 million UK viewers (Freemantle Media)

News of his death was announced by the band on Instagram on Wednesday.

They wrote: "It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary “Angry” Anderson on the eve of Monday 21 September 2026, surrounded by his loved ones here in Australia.

"Angry was a devoted father, and much-loved member of his friends, bandmates and the wider music and entertainment community. His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him both here in Australia and overseas.

"The family and band members are asking for privacy at this difficult time and will not be giving interviews. We kindly ask that their wishes are respected as they come to terms with this devastating loss and take time they need to grieve.

"We thank everyone for their prays and messages of love and continued support. With love, The Anderson family and Rose Tattoo Band.

"Stay young, grow strong."

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