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The Rise of David Bowie: Mick Rock’s legendary photos of the late artist
A unique tribute from the Starman’s official photographer and creative partner
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In 1972, David Bowie released his groundbreaking album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars.
With it landed Bowie’s Stardust alter ego: a glitter-clad, mascara-eyed, sexually ambiguous persona who kicked down the boundaries between male and female, straight and gay, fact and fiction into one shifting and sparkling phenomenon of Seventies self-expression.
Together, Ziggy the album and Ziggy the stage spectacular propelled the softly spoken Londoner into one of the world’s biggest stars.
A key passenger on this glam trip into the stratosphere was fellow Londoner and photographer Mick Rock. Rock bonded with Bowie artistically and personally, immersed himself in the singer’s inner circle, and, between 1972 and 1973, worked as the singer’s photographer and videographer.
This collection brings together spectacular stage shots, iconic photo shoots, as well as intimate backstage portraits. It celebrates Bowie’s fearless experimentation and reinvention, while offering privileged access to the many facets of his personality and fame.
Mick Rock was born in London in 1948 and is known as “the man who shot the Seventies”. As well as David Bowie, he has photographed Lou Reed, Queen, Iggy Pop, Roxy Music and Blondie. He also produced and directed music videos for the classic Bowie songs: “John, I’m Only Dancing”, “The Jean Genie”, “Space Oddity” and “Life On Mars?”. He has also had major exhibitions across the world.
You can purchase ‘Mick Rock. The Rise of David Bowie, 1972–1973’ here
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