aaamusic | On 12, Nov 2010

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You probably heard about the “man who shot the 70s” before, but it’s worth telling the tale of rock photographer and living legend Mick Rock one more time.

Young Mick Rock started up, as some of you may know, by chance. In perfect ancient Greek fashion, a Deist, impersonated by a young lady he was dating at the time, provided him with the tool – a camera. The once modern literature and languages student at Cambridge University answered the call and never looked back, producing an invaluable portfolio of iconic images and helping creating a scene, feeding the imagination of young generations with his works.

It is now time to celebrate and admire his collection at the Idea Generation Gallery in East London, where , in collaboration with Zippo, the exhibition Mick Rock – Rock: Music is displayed.

This is an unique opportunity to closely admire some of your favourite artists shots and be warmed by the wit and earnst comments, which accompany each image. Soon you’ll find yourself going back in time, witnessing the rise of Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, admiring Queen in their 70s splendour, getting lost in the deep, penetrating mystery of Syd Barrett eyes to the beautiful shots of Debbie Harry, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, then fast forward with a punk Kate Moss and the shots of Lady Gaga and Bono.

Mick Rock has managed to frame the most important artists since the beginning of his career, helping creating their stardom status; yet, while doing this, he somehow managed to make them alive through the film. These images speak to the viewer, tell stories, make you feel as you were there when the picture was taken. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons why Mick Rock work is fundamental when telling the story of rock.

Author: Alessia Matteoli