For more than 50 years, Rose Tattoo have been one of Australia's most uncompromising and influential rock bands.
From the pubs of Sydney to stages across Europe and the UK, as well as two tours as special guests for ZZ Top and Aerosmith, Rose Tattoo's blistering fusion of blues, boogie and streetwise rock 'n' roll has earned them legendary status both at home and abroad, securing their place among the most important bands in Australian music history. Their songs have become anthems, their attitude is legendary, and their influence continues to resonate through generations of musicians worldwide.
Now, after half a century on the road, Rose Tattoo have announced that 2026 will mark the band's final year of touring.
Led by the unmistakable voice of Angry Anderson, Rose Tattoo's farewell run will celebrate a remarkable journey that has cemented the band as one of Australia's most enduring rock exports. Their music has inspired countless artists, while classics including Bad Boy for Love, Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw, Nice Boys and We Can't Be Beaten remain staples of Australian rock culture.
"Rose Tattoo has always been about our Brothers & Sisters," says Angry Anderson. "The fans have carried us through every decade, every tour and every challenge. We've been incredibly fortunate to do what we love for so long, and now it's time to celebrate that journey together one last time."
A special feature of these farewell shows will be the return of guitarist Rob Riley, who will join Angry Anderson, Mick Arnold, Steve 'Kingy' King and Paul DeMarco on stage to celebrate Rose Tattoo's remarkable legacy.
"Robin Riley, known around the world as Rockin' Rob Riley, will join us for just a few very special dates. Robin joined to replace Mick in the early eighties, and we went on to record the Scarred for Life album, to which he contributed heavily. He is responsible for those big songs — Scarred for Life, We Can't Be Beaten, Work Itself Out, among others. Rob also contributed songwriting and his signature monster guitar playing to the album Pain. He is unique in style and, in my opinion, one of the greatest rock 'n' roll guitarists of all time. I rate him among my all-time favourites. His rhythm feel can't be beaten, and his blistering solos are legendary. So come see RRR play with the Rosie Tatts one last time!" — Angry Anderson
Since forming in Sydney in the mid-1970s, Rose Tattoo have built a reputation as one of the toughest and most authentic live bands in the world. Their influence can be heard in artists ranging from Guns N' Roses, who covered Nice Boys, to L.A. Guns, as well as countless punk, hard rock and metal bands that followed in their footsteps.
The band's final year of touring will provide fans across Australia and beyond with the opportunity to celebrate one of the nation's greatest rock bands and bid farewell to a group whose legacy is woven into the fabric of Australian music.
More than a farewell tour, these performances will be a celebration of five decades of music, mateship, resilience and the spirit of Australian rock 'n' roll.
After 50 years, the songs remain as powerful as ever.
And for one final time, Rose Tattoo are ready to turn it up loud.