Jimmy Barnes Honors Angry Anderson with Moving Rose Tattoo Cover

Honoring a Rock Legend

In a heartfelt tribute, Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes has released a cover of Rose Tattoo's 'Rock 'n' Roll Is King' in honor of his late friend and bandmate, Angry Anderson. The song, originally from Rose Tattoo's 1981 album 'Assault & Battery', was recorded before Anderson's passing but was repurposed as a tribute following his death on September 21, 2026.

A Friendship Forged in Music

Barnes, who shared a long history with Anderson dating back to his Cold Chisel days, described their bond as one of brotherhood. 'We shared stages, crew members, and even equipment at times,' he reminisced. 'Rock 'n' roll was king, and we were all young, taking on the world together.' Barnes emphasized the profound impact Rose Tattoo had on the rock scene, calling them 'the ultimate rock band' and crediting them with showing 'so-called hard rock bands overseas how it was REALLY done.'

Charitable Tribute

All proceeds from the cover will be donated to Support Act, an Australian music-industry charity. Barnes expressed his deep respect for Anderson, stating, 'I won't keep any money it makes, I just want to tip my hat to my mate.' He also mentioned speaking to Anderson about the cover before his death, noting that the song had taken on new meaning for him.

What this means for you

For independent artists, Barnes' tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music as a form of connection and tribute. It underscores the importance of honoring those who have paved the way and the role music plays in processing loss and celebrating legacies.

Moreover, this gesture highlights the potential for artists to use their platforms for charitable causes, demonstrating how music can be a force for good beyond just entertainment.

Source: Billboard