Born in Melbourne in 1947, Anderson and Rose Tattoo first became known on Australia’s rock scene, releasing five albums beginning with their 1978 debut.
After the band split nine years later, Anderson continued recording music as a solo artist, and co-wrote and released Suddenly in the summer of 1987.
It was quickly selected by Minogue for use in Neighbours for her character Charlene Mitchell’s wedding to Donovan’s Scott Robinson.
Thanks in large part to its use in Neighbours, Suddenly reached the top three in both the UK and Australia.
However, it was held off the number one spot in its home country by Minogue’s own debut solo single, Locomotion.
Anderson released two albums as a solo artist, before Rose Tattoo reunited in 1993 to support Guns N’ Roses on their Australian tour.
The band returned in 1998 for their own tour and were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2006.
Anderson’s other credits included playing Herod in an Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993, in recognition of service to the community, particularly his charity work and his work as a youth advocate.
