Rose Tattoo began as a dark, brooding vision conjured up by Peter Wells, the imposing figure who had played bass with Sydney street punks, Buffalo. What he wanted to create was the loudest, most aggressive rock 'n' roll outfit the planet had ever seen. Inspired by Ry Cooder's work with Frank Zappa associate, Captain Beefhart, Peter switched to slide guitar and set about forging a brutal, slashing style. 

This move created a vacancy in his monster band vision for a bass player and Ian Rilan was drafted. A tiny howler of a vocalist from Melbourne by the name of Angry Anderson who had fronted the notorious Buster Brown - which featured later AC/DC drummer, Phil Rudd and bass player Geordie Leach who would end up on Tattoo's rank - and a young guitarist, Mick Cook's were looking for just the sort of band Peter was working on. On one of Angry's recruiting trips to Sydney he and Mick got together with Peter and Ian and blasted out in a basement in Petersham and Rose Tattoo was born. The band were round off with another Melbourne dweller, Dallas "Digger" Royal on drums.

1976
On New Years Eve, Rose Tattoo first official show was at Sydney's Bondi Lifesaver and it wasn't just the volume and aggression that drew attention.

Bon Scott and Angus Young regularly joined the band on stage and it was on their recommendation that former Easybeats and production legends for the famed Albert label, Harry Vanda and George Young first went to see them.

1977
Rose Tattoo first single with Alberts was Bad Boy For Love, produced by Harry Vanda and George Young. Ian Rilen wrote the song and left the band after the release of the single which much to everones surprise was a hit.

1978
On 11 November, first album ROSE TATTOO was produced by Vanda and Young, provided a quite awesome statement of intent. The band also contributed two live tracks, "Bad Boy For Love" and "Rock n' Roll Outlaw" from Canned Rock compilation. Geordie Leach had been recruited to consolidate the linup with Angry Anderson. The album re-issued with eight bonus tracks, six of which are previously unreleased on 20 September 1990.

1979
In May, Rose Tattoo appeard on CANNED ROCK Live at Parramatta Jail, 1978 Various Artist album.

In May, Geordie Leach and Mick Cook left Rose Tattoo.

Lobby Lloyde recorded John's Song at Matrix Studios, London and Chris Turner recorded Rock 'n' Roll Man at EMI Studios both tracks appeared on THE AUSTRALIAN GUITAR ALBUM released by Razzle Records Productions through Festival Records.

In October, Lobby Lloyde joins Rose Tattoo on bass.

1980
That lineup went to went to the USA and recorded in the Hollywood studios of expatriot Australian hard rock king, Billy Thorpe. Those sessions which included the use of synthesisers and backward guitar techniques were the advance blueprint for the 1982 album.

1981
On 5 September, second album ASSAULT AND BATTERY was produced by Venda Young and featuring 10 tracks of hard edged street rock. The Rock 'N' Roll Is King single is just one of the many highlights. A UK No. 40 hit in late 1981 and carried out a search and destroy mission on Europe and the UK to capitalise on the glowing response imported copies of the first album had received in those parts. The album was re-issued on 1 April 1989.

1982
On 30 October, third album SCARRED FOR LIFE features We Can't Be Beaten also UK single It's Gonna Work Itself Out as well as two rare bonus tracks including the previously non UK issued All Hell Broke Loose. The album was re-issued with lyrics, liner notes, rare picture sleeves on 13 November 2002.

1983
In January, Rose Tattoo performed at NARARA'83 the tour dated was billed from 28 to 31 January.

Peter Wells, Cocks Mick and Dallas Royal left Rose Tattoo.

On 4 June, The Angels, Rose Tattoo and Choirboys hit the road for East Coast tour.

In August, Pete Wells (slide guitar) formed Scatted Aces with Chris Turner (guitar), Ronnie Peel (bass) and Fred Zepplin known as Paul DeMarco (drums). The band relesed mini album 6 PACK and single C'mon Everybody originaly by Eddie Cochran with Big Rock Label.

1984
On 14 November, fourth album SOUTHERN STAR left Angry Anderon and Georgie Leach to carried on and recorded the slightly more reflective album. Including hit single I Wish, finds the band moving in a more AOR style. However, the 10-featured tracks lack none of the bands customary bite and, on Saturday's Rage in particular, they more than actually capture the cross between Hard Rock and Metal. The album was re-issued on April 2, 1990.

In November, Georgie Leach left Rose Tattoo.

In November, Pete Wells (guitar) formed Illustrated Men with former members of Rose Tattoo with Ian Rilen (vocals), Cocks Mick (guitar), Georgie Leach (bass) and Dallas Royal (drums).

Angry Anderson appeared in movie Bullamakanka as Senator's Aide.

1985
Pete Wells (guitar) joined the Lucy De Soto (lead vocals, piano) Band with Fast Eddie known as Georgie Leach (bass) and Ross Mercer (drums). Tony Zuel replaced Mercer for album THREE GIRLS AND A SAILOR released with Chase Records.

On 8 August, Angry Anderson appeared in movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome as Ironbar.

1986
On 29 March, Albert released A DECADE OF ROCK a greatest hits compilation album.

In July, Lucy De Soto album HELP ME RHONDA, MY BOYFRIEND IS BACK the line up was Pete Wells (guitar), Georgie Leach (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums).

On 22 November, Rose Tattoo fifth album BEAT OF A SINGLE DRUM was produced by Kevin Beamish and engineered by Alan Wright with contributions from Tim Gaze, Andy Cichon and Scott Johnson. With additional help from Stewart Fraser and Michael Caruana.

1987
On 1 July, Angry Anderson peformed Suddenly on Neighbours for Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) and Charlene Mitchell (Kylie Minogue) wedding.

On 11 July, Suddenly was released as Angry Anderson solo single and reach 2 on Australian music chart.

1988
Mushroom Records re-issued album BEAT OF A SINGLE DRUM as Angry Anderson solo record with different cover. The UK version Michael O'Reilly was replace by Born To Be Wild with different cover with a picture sleeve in 1989.

1989
On 1 April, album ROCK 'N' ROLL OUTLAW was re-issue as deluxe digi-pak CD of the Australian rock legends Rose Tattoo debut album in its original UK cover sleeve. Includes the UK Top 75 single Rock N Roll Outlaw and the Australian Top 10 Bad Boy For Love plus the original version of Nice Boys which was later covered by Guns N Roses. Lyrics to all the songs and liner notes by Derek Oliver are a feature of the artwork for this essential album.

1990
Pete Wells (guitar, vocals) and Lucy De Soto (keyboards, vocals) formed Heart Attack with Mick Cock (guitar), Mick Strutt (bass) and Paul DeMarco (drums).

In September, Angry Anderson album BLOOD FROM STONE was produced by Michael Slamer, executive produced by Beau Hill, engineered and mix down engineer by Jeff De Morris, recorded at Enterprise Village and Devonshire Studios, Los Angeles.

1991
Dallas Royall died of cancer.

On 9 April, Pete Wells first album EVERYTHING YOU LIKE TRIES TO KILL YOU was produced by Kevin Shirley.

1992
Albert Production released NICE BOYS DON'T PLAY ROCK AND ROLL a greatest hits compilation album.

In July, Pete Wells second album THE MEANING OF LIFE was produced by Jon Stevens and Stuart Fraser. Features Lucy De Soto, Tim Gaze, Mick Strutt Bernie Bremond and Scott Johnson.

On 4 August, Anderew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musicial JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with John Farnham (Jesus), Kate Ceberano (Mary Magdalene), Jon Stevens (Judas), John Waters (Pontius Pilate) and Angry Anderson (Herod).

1993
Rose Tattoo got back together when their faithful fans Guns N’Roses, who had in the meantime covered Nice Boys, asked them to re-form on Australian tour.

On 10 February, Repertoire Records released ANGRY METAL: 20 GREAT TRACKS a greatest hits compilation album with 20 tracks from one of Australia's finest Rock exports. Includes Tatts classics like Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw, One Of The Boys, Scarred For Life and Southern Stars all of which make this a great rose tattoo collection.

Rose Tattoo video JAILHOUSE ROCK: LIVE AT BOGGO ROAD JAIL the band deliver a thumping set of all their big hits including Out of This Place, Bad Boy For Love, Assault & Battery, Tramp, The Butcher & Fast Eddy, Rock‘n’Roll is King, Rock‘n’Roll Outlaw, One of the Boys, Nice Boys, Going Down and the Rolling Stones classic Street Fighting Man. The original line-up of Angry Anderson, Peter Wells, Geordie Leech and Mick Cocks reunited to celebrate the closing of the jail alongside the Divinyls and Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs. The video was released on DVD on 3 March 2003.

1994
Pete Wells formed Hillbilly Moon in Melbourne a acoustic Traveling Wilbury band. The lineup Pete Wells, Paul Norton, Cletis Carr, Tim Millikan, Ken Farmer. Luccy de Soto and Wendy Stapleton joined the band in 1995.

1995
In June, Pete Wells third album ORHANS was produced by Peter Wells and Lucy De Soto. Recorded in Germany with studio band Romeo Dog. The album was available with German label Down South. The Pete Wells Band features Lucy De Soto, Mick Cock, Andy Cichon and Paul DeMarco.

In November, Pete Wells (guitar) and Lucy De Soto (keyboards) formed Blues Hangover in Melbourne a blues band which features Dave Hogan (vocals, harp), Nigel Rough (guitar), John Stax (bass) and Ken Farmer (drums). The Blues Hangover album BLUES HANGOVER with Dog Meat label.

1996
In October, Pete Wells fourth album GO AHEAD, CALL THE COPS was produced by Pete Wells Band. Features Lucy De Soto, Tim Hememley, Timmy Jack Ray.

1997
On 13 May, THE LOUGE LIZARD TOUR with Angry Anderson and Ross Wilson. The show was 2 hour Raw, Powerful Acoustic Rock.

On 21 July, Repertoire Records released NEVER TOO LOUD (2CD) a compilation was produced by Venda Young with 37 memorable tracks from the Tatts, including Nice boys, The Butcher & Fast Eddy, One Of The Boys and We Can't Be Beaten together with rare live recordings from the BBC archives. Angry Anderson tells the full fascinating, story of Rose Tattoo to Chris Welch in the accompanying booklet. Two CDs in a slimline jewel case and housed in a slipcase.

1998
On 3 July, The Angels heard that Rose Tattoo were getting back together for ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE TOUR both bands hit the road. The line up was Angry Anderson, Peter Wells, Mick Cocks, Ian Rilan, Paul DeMarco.

Albert Production released NICE BOYS DON'T PLAY ROCK AND ROLL a greatest hits compilation album with All Hell Broke Loose, a single recorded in 1981 but never released.

1999
On 1 August, ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE TOUR Geordie Leach replaced Ian Rilan.

Rose Tattoo returned to Germany and performed a stunning live set in front of 25,000.

2000
On 28 November, a double live album 25 TO LIFE was recorded at Wacken Festival in Germany. Produced by Rainer Hansel and mixed by Brazen Abbott, emerged through SPV Records in Europe.

On 1 September, Ian Rilen first album LOVE IS MURDER 2CD described as similar to Tom Waits in style and features bonus tracks from EP Bad Boy For Love, exactly what you would expect from the man who wrote the song. Bonus tracks, 80MPH Blues, Inside Out and The Worst. Slimline double jewel case with Phantom Records.

2001
On 10 March, Rose Tattoo performed at TED MULRY GANG BENEFIT CONCERT at City Live Night Club, Sydney's Fox Studios from 9 to 10 March.

On 16 June, Rose Tattoo toured the UK for the first time in 18 years and were rewarded with an exceptional KKKKK live review in Kerrang!.

On 1 October, Pete Wells and Angry Anderson album PETE WELLS and ANGRY ANDERSON & THE DAMN FINE BAND. The founding members of Rose Tattoo have come together once more to kick out some of the finestblues rock jams since Rose Tattoo.

2002
On 1 December, Angry Anderson appered in movie Finding Joy as Kris Quaid.

On 2 July, fifth album PAIN was fiirst studio album in 17 years, 16 tracks like Black Magic, House Of Pain, Satan's Eyes and Illustrated Man was released with SPV Records. Steamhammer album cover is different to original release.

On 27 July, their co-headline slot with Doro at the ROCK AND BLUES FESTIVAL in Derby.

On 29 July, the band confirmed a short notice low key London gig at the Garage.

2003
Pete Wells formed Rocks Push and released album THREE GOOD REASONS FOR THE BLUES with Big Rock Records.

On 10 April, Angry Anderson appered on Fat Pizza as Bikie.

2004
On 26 April, Rose Tattoo with special guest Deep Purple gig at the State Theatre in Sydney.

On 30 November, Ian Rilen & The Love Addicts second album PASSION BOOTS & BRUISES a cross between Keith Richards and Charles Bukowski, an album full of gritty blues based rock, exactly what you would expect from the man who wrote Bad Boy For Love and was in the original line-ups of legendary bands X and Rose Tattoo. Released with Phantom Records and was re-issued as deluxe and limited editions in triple cover digipack CD with huge inner booklet, as well as limited edition of 500 thick vinyls with gatefold full color cover with Bang on 19 February 2007.

2005
On 23 June, Repertoire Records released THE BEST OF ROSE TATTOO a greatest hits compilation album.

On 2 August, Ian Rilen CD single Booze To Blame from the PASSION BOOT AND BRUISES album. Features three B-sides including a live version of Bad Boy For Love.

On 7 September, Pete Wells response to ROCK 'N' ROLL OUTLAW BENEFIT CONCERT was typically short and warm "I'm totally overwhelmed by this love and generosity" he said. He’s man of few words is Mr Wells. He prefers to let his guitar do the talking and his snakeskin boots do the walking.

On 10 October, Pete Wells fifth album MOTHER'S WORRY is the genuine, 100 per cent proof, rock and roll outlaw. With a flag hanging from his mouth and tatts crawling over his body, Wells has often been described as an Australian version of Keith Richards. Mother's Worry is Pete's latest album and was recorded with Lucy De Soto and Rob Grosser. 14 tracks. MGM.

2006
On 27 March, Peter Wells died from prostate cancer in Sydney, Australia.

On 3 August, Armageddon released BLACK EYED BRUISER EP was produced and master by Mark Opitz. Recorded at Studio 301 in Sydney, Australia. The opening track is Black Eyed Bruiser, written by Harry Vanda and George Young, was originally recorded by Stevie Wright. Live tracks Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw, Remedy and Astra Wally recorded in Sydney at the Pete Wells Benefit Concert.

On 16 August, Rose Tattoo and and Lobby Loyde induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, at Plaza Ballroom at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.

On 16 August, Lobby Loyde album OBSECRATION was recorded at Surrey Sound Studios with producer Nigel Gray to lay tracks for a proposed EP release the album was recorded at the end of 1975 with Southern Electric he formed. The Original title was Full Moon Fever, it was renamed Obsecration. Lobby Loyde first solo single Do You Believe in Magic / Love Lost on Dream-Tides was released on the the Bootleg label. In May 1976, the second album with Rainbird label. The reissue album with Aztec Music was digitally remastered with 6 bonus tracks and many rare photos and liner notes by Ian McFarlane and Glenn Terry.

On 29 August, a benefit concert for Lobby Loyde who had lung cancer and was held at The Palace.

On 23 October, Peter Wells sixth album GREETING FROM THE ALOHA MONKEY was recorded in December 2005, just before Peter entered the final stages of the cancer that took his Life. It's raw gut bucket blues bot for the faint-hearted. Peter loved the recording and was keen to see it released in his lifetime, sadly this release came a couple of months too late. Blues Hangover features Lucy De Soto (keyboards), Dave Hogan (vocals, harp), Nigel Rough (guitar), John Stax (bass) and Ken Farmer (drums).

On 6 October, a benefit for Ian Rilen in Melbourne with Lobby Loyde on bass.

On 30 October, Ian Rilan died in Melbourne, Australia.

2007
On 15 February, Lobby Loyde album BEYOND MORGIAN THE LABYINTHS OF KLIMSTER was recorded at Armstrong Studios one weekend in June 1976. Tony Cohen engineer and mixer, the session was recorded, overdubbed and mixedy. Loyde emerged with the mixed master tapes but for a whole raft of reasons including his move to the UK the album never eventuated. Lobby had written the music for a Space Rock concept album which he wanted to record as the instrumental soundtrack for a proposed Sci-Fi film, all of which was based on his unpublished novel called Beyond Morgia: The Labyrinths Of Klimster. The reissue album with Aztec Music.

On 16 February, sixth album BLOOD BROTHERS was recorded at Studio 301, Sydney. Producer by Mark Opitz, Engineer by Tony Wall and Mastering by George Marino. Mastered at Sterling Sound NY.

On 27 March, Lobby Loyde album PLAY WITH GEORGE'S GUITAR material has been unavailable for about 25 years unless you were one of the lucky people switched on enough to have bought this LP when it was originally released. Remastered from original tapes with bonus tracks. The rythmn section by Fanny Adams which have combined with great effect to highlight the genesis of the Lobby Loyde legend. Original first solo album with Festival Records.

On 21 April, Lobby Loyde died from cancer in Melbourne, Australia.

On 3 October, Rose Tattoo with special guest Motörhead on Australia tour.

On 2 August, Rose Tattoo performed at Wacken Open Air, Germany

On 15 December, Angry Anderson organised ROCK 'N' ROLL HEAVEN which included Rose Tattoo, The Radiators, The Screaming Jets, GANGgajang, Choirboys, The Angels Band (John Brewster, Rick Brewster, Chris Bailey and Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup), The Party Boys Kevin Borich, Alan Lancaster (Status Quo), Randall Waller (Shania Twain Band), Paul Christie (Mondo Rock).

2008
On 11 March, Lucy De Soto first album THE HANDSOME DEVILS FEAT PETE WELLS & ROB GROSSER a traditional blues style of piano and smoky vocals combined with the guitar work of Pete Wells (Rose Tattoo, Buffalo) is always a powerful event, add the powerhouse drumming and percussion of Rob Grosser, Jon Lord (Deep Purple) with The Hoochie Coochie Men and Bob Margolin. The album was released with Big Rock.

On 25 March, Pete Wells seventh album BODGIE DADA at his best playing guitars, slide, bass, harmonica, vocals, and even saxophone. The CD features Lucy De Soto on keyboards and backing vocals plus Rob Grosser playing drums and percussion. There is also a guest appearance by Dave Tice (vocals), performing Brothers In Arms. Dave and Pete used to play in their first band Buffalo.

On 16 May, BLOOD BROTHERS EUROPEAN TOUR 2008 with special guest Havanna Heat Club and Nicki Puppet and ends on 12 July 2008.

On 13 June, BLOOD BROTHERS SPECIAL EDITION a bonus DVD recorded at Live At Wacken Open Air 2006.