Obituary - Angry Anderson

Some people leave us with more than songs and memories. They become part of our story. For all of us at W:O:A, Angry Anderson was one of those people.

More than 26 years ago, Rose Tattoo first took to the stage in our fields — and kept coming back. But these Aussies were never just another band on the W:O:A bill. Angry and the guys helped shape this festival. They were there alongside The Company of Snakes and Molly Hatchet when the “Night to Remember” first began. And when they recorded their album 25 to Life in Wacken, Angry told the crowd: “We are walking on Holy Ground.” Those words have been part of Wacken ever since. And Angry always will be, too.

Over the years, familiar faces became friends. Whether we met in Wacken or on the other side of the world in Australia, Angry was so much more than that unmistakable voice, that tattooed, no-compromise rock ’n’ roller on stage. He was a warm-hearted, genuinely lovely bloke. A legend with no airs and graces. One of us.

Just this summer, we got to welcome him and Rose Tattoo back to Wacken. Angry gave us a show that will stay with us forever. None of us could have imagined it would be his last on our stages.

Today, with heavy hearts, we salute a man who may have been small in stature, but will always be a giant to us. Thank you, Angry. For all the years, for every Wacken show, for your friendship and for the Rock ’n’ Roll.

We will keep walking on Holy Ground.

Watch the last appearance of Rose Tattoo at W:O:A 2026 here!

Rest in peace.