Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw

Album: Rose Tattoo (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The first track off Rose Tattoo's eponymous debut album declares their credo: they're rock and roll outlaws who just need their band. The original single was recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney and produced by the famous team of Harry Vanda and George Young. It is the band's best known song, and the image is one in which they revel.
  • Although he was not the band's original lead vocalist, Angry Anderson quickly became its face, and in 2020 was still rocking with the group at the age of 72, by which time the second-most-senior member was slide guitarist Dai Pritchard, who joined in 2007. By this time, the band was in its third incarnation and had seen over two dozen members come and go, some having died.
  • There have been many recordings of "Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw", including live. A nearly 7-minute version was included on their 2020 release Outlaws. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for all above

Comments: 1

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA pure rough and tough timeless Australian hard hard classic that still sounds super cool.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa CarltonSongwriter Interviews

The "A Thousand Miles" singer on what she thinks of her song being used in White Chicks and how she captured a song from a dream.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The Kingdom

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The KingdomSongwriter Interviews

The Bush frontman on where he finds inspiration for lyrics, if his "machine head" is a guitar tuner, and the stories behind songs from the album The Kingdom.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.