Mick Rock, British photographer dubbed ‘The Man Who Captured the Seventies’, Dies at 72: Digital Photography Review

Mick Rock, a British photographer best known for taking some of the most iconic pictures of rock stars and rock bands throughout the 70s, has passed away today at the age of 72. Jungian’s journey to the other side,’ the post was shared on Rock’s official social media accounts.

When we look back at history, especially music history, we often do so in decades-long increments, referring to different sounds as ’60s or ’90s. ‘. Visually, these decades are remembered through iconic images captured by hundreds of photographers from around the world. But in the case of the 70s, there is an argument to be made that one particular photographer is responsible for most of the photographs the world envisions when it thinks about musical acts in the 70s. – Michael Rock.

Defined as ‘The man who shot the seventh,’ by BBC News in one 2001 interviewRock is best known for its iconic images of 70s rock stars, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Queen, Blondie, Lou Reed (of Velvet Underground), Syd Barrett (founder), Pink Floyd) and many more.

Rock was Bowie’s official photographer throughout the early ’70s and helped bring the singer into the spotlight when he shot a single, controversial image (likely NSFW) in which Bowie is recreating a sexual act on his guitar Mick Ronson on stage during performance City of Suffragette at Oxford Town Hall in June 1972. That image, which Rock defined as ‘outrageous,’ in BBC News according to Rock. Despite that image and Rock’s future work that helped propel Bowie and him Ziggy Stardust alter ego In the spotlight, Rock was never credited for the role he played. ‘I am very good at synthesizing and capturing what he [Bowie] Doing. I helped him with the propaganda, but Ziggy Stardust’s image and style is entirely David’s,’ Rock said BBC News.

In addition to a live performance and Rock portraits of ’70s music stars, he also shoots the images used for some of the most iconic album covers of the ’70s and is the lead photographer. for several movies and music videos, including Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, short bus, quirky space, Life on Mars and much more.

Throughout the remainder of her 30-year career, Rocks’ themes spanned genres and generations, capturing images of Joan Jett, Bob Marley, Mötley Crüe, Queen of the Stone Age, Daft Punk, The Misfits, Snow Patrol, Black Keys, Hall & Oates, Nas, Jane’s Addiction, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Richard Barone, Miley Cyrus, Michael Bublé and dozens more.

‘The stars seemed to align with ease for Mick when he was behind the camera; feeding on the unique charisma of his subjects electrified and energized him,’ read the statement posted on social media. ‘His intentions were always intense. His concentration is always complete. A man enamored with images, he absorbed sight through his lens and immersed himself in their art, thus creating some of the most amazing photographs rock music has ever seen. To know Mick was in love with him. He is a mythical creature; something we will never experience again. ‘

Ted Forbes, known as The art of photography on YouTube, published a 25-minute interview he did with Mick in 2015. It’s a brilliant, raw look at the work and life of a man who defined his time. great and well worth watching, whether you’re familiar with it or not. with Rock’s work.

No cause of death was given in the statement and it is requested that ‘the privacy of his loved ones and loved ones is respected at this time.’ As for the tribute to the legend, the announcement read ‘Let us not mourn the loss, but instead celebrate the amazing life and extraordinary career of Michael David Rock’. Finally, Rock In Peace, Mick.