Rose Tattoo Announce New Guitarist

Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo have revealed Ronnie Simmons as their new guitarist.

In a statement, Angry Anderson confirmed that Simmons (Richie Ramone, Faster Pussycat) would be filling the void left by guitarist Bob Spencer, who stepped down from the band in September after a run of dates across Europe.

“For those that don’t already know, Ronnie was born and raised here in Australia, being fed a daily diet of all things Aussie rock by seriously responsible parents,” Anderson said.

“Rose Tattoo played a prominent role in his musical education! He told me many years ago that some of the first songs he learnt to play were Rose Tattoo toons and since then he has held a dream of one day joining our band for some musical adventure. So here we are welcoming a new player into our brotherhood who was raised on our music, no finer pedigree needed!

“Ronnie and I first met quite some years ago, he was still a pup, well compared to the rest of us he still is, so he brings his youthful exuberance as well as his well-known wizardry which has positioned him in the Los Angeles rock scene.

“He regularly plays in the Richie Ramone line-up and has recently played with the Faster Pussycat crew … to name just two.

“In recent years, since relocating to LA, he has earnt himself a reputation as a consummate player, his guitar skills are now highly regarded, his stage presence is charismatic - but come see for yourself on that one!”

When Spencer joined the band in 2017, Anderson said he was “a monster of a player”, adding he was “one of the greatest players I have ever seen".

Simmons will make his debut with the band in February.