Rock star Angry Anderson, whose music famously soundtracked the wedding of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s characters in Australian TV soap Neighbours, has died at the age of 79.
The musician, whose real name was Gary Anderson, rose to fame as the frontman of Rose Tattoo, one of Australia’s most revered rock bands, from 1976.
His solo song Suddenly became a global hit after it was played during the wedding of Minogue and Donovan’s characters Scott and Charlene in Neighbours. The episode was watched by 20 million people in the UK in 1988.
Anderson said Minogue had been “adamant” that the track was used for the scene, and he later declared that Suddenly was the best song he had ever written.
Paying tribute to Anderson on Instagram, Donovan said: “Legend! What a great guy.
“Another great Australian. Thank you Angry for all the wonderful music and memories. Condolences to all friends and family.”
Before his death, Anderson had a cardiac arrest while on Rose Tattoo’s farewell tour in Europe last month.
He was treated in hospital before going home to Australia, and the band cancelled nine live dates.
A joint statement, external from Anderson’s family and Rose Tattoo remembered him as a “devoted father, and much-loved bandmate”.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him both here in Australia and overseas,” it said.
“We thank everyone for their prayers and messages of love and continued support.”
