Prostate Cancer

"As a muso he was a giant," Anderson said.

"His contribution to music is invaluable and that contribution will live on." Anderson and Wells were the driving force behind Rose Tattoo, who became a local and international success with their blues-based rock in the late 1970s and early 80s.

At the heart of their sound was Wells's well-crafted slide guitar playing, a style that would become his trademark.

Advertisement: After he left the Tatts in 1983, Wells enjoyed solo success and released a string of blues and country-based albums that furthered his reputation as a guitar virtuoso.

His death comes just six months after a tribute concert was held in Sydney to raise funds for his treatment.

Among those taking part at the Enmore Theatre show were rock luminaries Anderson, Tim Rogers, Billy Thorpe and now-MP Peter Garrett.

Yesterday Garrett paid tribute to the rock legend.

"He was a gentle man underneath it all," he said.

"He cared about people and he cared about his music.

The thing about Pete Wells was that he lived it right down into the deeper parts of who he was as a person." While Wells cultivated the image of a mean rock'n'roller throughout his career, there was another side to his character, according to Anderson.

"He had the thing that I sought the most, which was rock'n'roll," he said.

"He had an amazing influence on me.

He was a parent, a best friend and an educator." Anderson visited Wells in hospital 10 days ago.

"I am glad that I was able ...

Initially doctors told Wells he had six months to live.

"I proved the bastards wrong and will continue to do so," Wells told the Herald Sun late last year.

"I am not going anywhere.

I have too many friends and family and supporters to stay around for." Wells, acknowledged as one of the world's best slide guitarists, vowed to be positive.

"I get angry but I don't get bitter," he said last year.

"It's a bloody hard road because I'm good one day and s...

for two others.

"That's when you think: 'This is just a waste of time', but I'm not a negative person.

I look on the bright side.

"Every day I'm walking is a good day.

Every day without pain is a good day.

"I don't have much time for bitterness - I am just glad to be alive." His partner, musician Lucy De Soto, had helped Wells in his battle.

"There are a few tears before bedtime but Lucy is a very different person to me," Wells said.

"She has a masters degree in something and a bachelor's degree in so-and-so.

"She is, in a sense, an academic.

I am the total opposite but she gives me another perspective on life." Wells' diagnosis forced him to quit Rose Tattoo in 2002.

Yesterday, a posting on Rose Tattoo's official website said: "We have to announce with much sadness that Pete Wells passed away today.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"The good news is that Pete's music will live on for the inspirat...