Laughing Monkey with Shawn Ratches

Angry Anderson of Rose Tattoo; New single & final year of the band ... or is it?

Laughing Monkey with Shawn Ratches

Show Notes

00:00 – Intro & catching up with Angry Anderson 01:00 – Social changes, media, and control 04:00 – Reading 1984, technology, and modern society 07:20 – Energy, resources, and historical innovations 11:25 – Water rights and natural resources 16:30 – Power grids, smart meters, and utility control 20:00 – Mad Max, classic cinema, and changing culture 22:30 – Global infrastructure and media narratives 30:05 – Standing your ground & resisting modernization 32:20 – Analog books vs. digital reading as we age 35:30 – Classic literature, sailing romance, and the quest for freedom 38:00 – New single "Hard Road" & upcoming album details 39:15 – Stevie Wright, The Easy beats & Albert Productions history 42:30 – Covering "Black Eyed Bruiser" & the meaning of "Hard Road" 45:00 – Classic blues influences & honoring musical roots 48:00 – Stevie Wright’s influence on Bon Scott 49:15 – Angry’s unique vocal technique and longevity 51:25 – Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, and singing from the soul 54:05 – Classic outlaw country and raw authenticity 56:05 – Commercialization in country music and awards 1:03:45 – The future of Rose Tattoo: Farewell tours vs. studio recording 1:05:25 – Band members & individual side projects 1:06:35 – Setting the record straight on AC/DC & Rose Tattoo gigs 1:11:40 – Wrapping up & looking ahead

In my latest interview with Angry Anderson, the legendary front man of Rose Tattoo, we covered everything from the band’s upcoming farewell tour to his unfiltered thoughts on music, politics, and the state of the world. With Rose Tattoo preparing to retire from touring in 2026, marking their 50th anniversary, Angry opened up about what this milestone means for him and the band. He reflected on the group’s raw beginnings, their impact on rock ‘n’ roll, and how their music has stood the test of time.

As we discussed their new single, he shared his excitement about keeping the spirit of Rose Tattoo alive while acknowledging that this track might be one of the last the band releases. Even though touring will come to an end, he hinted that new music or special projects could still be on the horizon, ensuring that their rebellious sound lives on.

But this wasn’t just a conversation about music—Angry had plenty to say about the world today. True to his nature, he gave unfiltered opinions on politics, freedom of speech, and the changing landscape of society. He’s never been one to hold back, and this interview was no exception. Whether talking about the state of rock music, the importance of authenticity in today’s industry, or his views on global and local issues, he proved once again why he’s one of the most outspoken and respected voices in Australian rock.

This interview wasn’t just about the end of an era for Rose Tattoo—it was a deep dive into the mind of a rock ‘n’ roll outlaw who has lived through it all. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the band or just discovering their music, this conversation offers an honest, passionate, and powerful look at what it means to be a rocker, a survivor, and a truth-teller in today’s world.

More from Laughing Monkey with Shawn Ratches

Oct 20, 2026

Tony Reed is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer whose career is rooted in heavy, soulful rock ’n’ roll. Best known for Mos Generator, he has built a respected body of work both onstage and behind the console, bringing a hands-on, independent approach to every project. As a member of Pentagram, Reed contributes guitar, songwriting, and a deep understanding of the band’s powerful legacy. His work helps connect the classic sound of Pentagram with a new era of music and recording. Beyond Pentagram, Tony continues to create with Mos Generator and his other musical projects, while producing and recording artists across the heavy-rock spectrum. In this interview, he discusses recording, writing new music, working with Pentagram, and the bands that keep him inspired.

Oct 20, 2026

Bobby Liebling is the iconic frontman and founding member of Pentagram, one of the most influential bands in underground heavy music. Since the early 1970s, Pentagram has forged a distinctive sound built on heavy riffs, dark atmosphere, blues, and raw rock ’n’ roll energy. Over the decades, Bobby and Pentagram have inspired generations of musicians and fans, helping lay the foundation for doom metal while remaining fiercely original. Their music has survived trends, lineups, and eras because it carries a timeless intensity. In this interview, Bobby reflects on Pentagram’s history, the road that shaped the band, its lasting influence, and the music still to come.

Oct 19, 2026

Alex Mitchell is the singer and creative force behind Circus of Power, the hard-rock band that emerged from New York City’s East Village in the late 1980s. Known for its raw sound, blues-driven riffs, and high-energy performances, Circus of Power built a dedicated following and remains an important name in underground American rock. Mitchell has continued to create beyond the band, pursuing music through a range of projects while staying true to the independent, uncompromising spirit that shaped his career. His work carries the same intensity and individuality that made Circus of Power stand out. Today, Alex is also focused on visual art while developing new music and creative collaborations. With fresh projects underway, he continues to explore new ways to create, connect, and push his work forward.

Oct 17, 2026

Evan Seinfeld’s story starts in Brooklyn, where Biohazard forged a raw crossover sound that brought hardcore, metal, and hip-hop energy into the same room. Decades later, the band remains a symbol of resilience, rebellion, and community—qualities that have defined Seinfeld’s life onstage and off. In this podcast conversation, Seinfeld reflects on Biohazard’s return to creating new music and what it means to revisit that chemistry with the band’s classic lineup. He also discusses the discipline required to keep evolving creatively while honoring the intensity and truth that built the group’s legacy. The discussion moves beyond music into what is ahead: a forthcoming book, mantorship, and his continued commitment to fitness and personal development. Seinfeld shares a practical message for anyone rebuilding themselves—show up consistently, stay accountable, and turn hard-earned experience into something that can help the next person.

Oct 9, 2026

Dylan Carlson formed Earth in Olympia, Washington, in 1989. Centered on Carlson’s guitar work, the band helped shape drone metal through slow tempos, sustained tones, heavy distortion, and repetition rather than traditional riffs or fast-playing. Their 1993 release, Earth 2: Special Low-Frequency Version, became a foundational record for the genre. Following albums such as Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions and Pentastar: In the Style of Demons, Earth went on hiatus in the late 1990s. Carlson restarted the project in the early 2000s with drummer Adrienne Davies. This new era retained Earth’s unhurried approach but introduced cleaner tones and influences from country, folk, jazz, and Western film scores. Records including Hex; Or Printing in the Infernal Method and The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull showed how Earth evolved while keeping its signature sense of weight and restraint. Across its history, the band has remained distinctive for creating intensity through atmosphere, space, and patience.

See all episodes →