Angry Anderson Dies at 79; Mourns Loss of Son Killed in 2018
The Australian rocker, who died Monday, had described his son's death as condemning him to a life of sadness.
Australian rock musician Gary "Angry" Anderson, known for his work with the band Rose Tattoo, has died at the age of 79.
Anderson passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, his family and bandmates announced in a social media post. He is survived by his children Roxanne, Galen, and Blaine, and his ex-wife Lindy Michael.
In 2018, Anderson's 26-year-old son, Liam, was killed by his friend Mathew Flame in a Sydney park. Flame, then 20, was experiencing a drug-induced psychosis at the time of the attack.
In court, Anderson recounted the profound grief and sadness that followed his son's death. "When he died, part of me died with him," he told the NSW Supreme Court, describing how the loss had made sadness a constant companion. He explained that a "hole in one's heart" was fully understood with Liam's passing, signifying a part of himself that was irrevocably gone. "I am condemned, as we all are, to sadness," Anderson stated.
Flame was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The jury accepted that his actions were influenced by schizophrenia, which caused him to believe Liam was a demon. Flame had consumed ten MDMA pills along with alcohol and cannabis prior to the incident. He was sentenced to a maximum of eight years in prison.
Anderson, who shared Liam with his ex-wife Lindy Michael, recounted receiving the devastating phone call about his son. He spoke of the "haunted look" in his children's eyes and the overwhelming grief that ensued.
Later, in a television interview, Anderson had expressed his struggle to find comfort in his son's final act of kindness before his death.
His family and bandmates requested privacy during their time of grief, stating their gratitude for messages of love and support.