Australian rock legend Angry Anderson has suffered a cardiac arrest and is in hospital receiving treatment.

The 79-year-old’s band, Rose Tattoo, confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media on Monday, thanking fans for their messages of support.

“On behalf of Angry and his family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support, love and kind words,” the statement read.

The band said Anderson was receiving “the care he needs” and asked fans to continue keeping the singer and his family in their thoughts.

“At this time, we kindly ask that you please respect the privacy of Angry and his family as they focus on Angry, his treatment and his recovery,” the statement said.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and ask that you continue to keep Angry and his family in your thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.”

Anderson, who recently celebrated his 79th birthday, has been a major figure in Australian rock music for more than five decades.

He is best known as the frontman and longest-serving member of Rose Tattoo, which formed in Sydney in 1976.

The singer also enjoyed success as a solo artist, with his 1983 hit Suddenly becoming one of his most recognisable songs, which famously featured during the wedding of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue, on Neighbours.

Rose Tattoo revealed earlier this month that a number of the band’s European tour dates had been cancelled because Anderson was in hospital with a medical issue.

The band still has a series of Australian performances listed from September, including a September 11 date in Scarborough, Perth.

Angry Anderson statement

On behalf of Angry and his family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support, love and kind words.Your thoughts, prayers and well wishes mean more to Angry and his family than we can express.We would like to let everyone know that Angry suffered a cardiac arrest and is currently in hospital receiving treatment and the care he needs.At this time, we kindly ask that you please respect the privacy of Angry and his family as they focus on Angry, his treatment and his recovery. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and ask that you continue to keep Angry and his family in your thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.

We are incredibly grateful for the love and support that has already been shown. It is comforting to know just how many people are thinking of Angry and wishing him strength in his recovery.Thank you again for your kindness, understanding and continued support.With love and gratitude,Angry & Family