Mick Rock, Rock: Music, currently showing at the Idea Generation Gallery, is a searing document of a rock scene that its subject helped to shape. With a seemingly acute ability to be in the right place at the right time, Mick Rock has photographed
Mick Rock, Rock: Music, currently showing at the Idea Generation Gallery, is a searing document of a rock scene that its subject helped to shape. With a seemingly acute ability to be in the right place at the right time, Mick Rock has photographed some of the finest and most provocative images in rock’n’roll history: David Bowie as he morphed into Ziggy Stardust; Debbie Harry as the Marilyn Monroe of pop, circa Heart Of Glass; Lou Reed’s panda-eyed pose for the cover of Transformer, with more recent sitters including Karen O, Kate Moss, Brandon Flowers and Lady Gaga.
Shooting intimate and personal portraits for forty years, Rock isn’t regarded as a mere observer of the period. He became an integral part of the music scene during its headiest period, and still counts many of the prominent performers that became his subjects as close friends. Here we speak to the “Man Who Shot the 70s” about studying at Cambridge, hedonistic times, and how he owes it all to Syd Barrett.
How did you get into photography?
By accident – I was studying Modern Languages and Literature at Cambridge University in the late 60's, and in a state of chemical intoxication, I picked up a friend's camera and started to play. I was with an especially attractive blonde lady at the time, so she lent some inspiration to the occasion.
What drew you to rock ‘n’ roll in particular?
I knew some musicians and was a fan of the music. My first memorable session was with a friend of mine called Syd Barrett. If it wasn't for Syd's special charisma and photogeneity, I may not have continued my pursuit of the lens.
You have captured some of the most iconic images in rock music – what’s the secret to a good photograph?
The magic question. It's very hard to articulate. Above all it should be memorable and have a special impact on the observer. It has to tickle your frontal lobes. That's about as close as I can get.
Attending some of the wildest gigs, parties and events – how much of it was fun, and how much was hard work?
Hard work really had nothing to do with it. The ability to focus amid so many distractions – that was the key. Plus the enjoyment I found in the company of so many of my early subjects.
Do they differ to today’s generation of performers?
Things were much more “underground” when I started out. Individuals could be uninhibited, without fearing that lurid details would be disseminated within about 10 minutes. Gossip columnists and the Internet didn't rule the world. Of course I was also a lot younger, so that fact also affected my perspective.
If you could pick a favourite sitter from the past and a current one, who would they be and why?
Maybe Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy, with whom I did a lot of sessions in the early and mid seventies. He had everything: the talent, the looks, the timing and a very sweet nature. Unfortunately he also developed a significant chemical habit, which of course led to his early demise. And Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Besides being enormously talented and photogenic, she's also very playful and really enjoys the interaction. She's one of my all time fave subjects.
Is there anyone you wish you had or could shoot?
Elvis Presley in 1956, before his manager Coloner Parker decided to exert complete control over his image. Check out my venerable friend Al Wertheimer's superb photos of that period. Also, Bob Dylan around the time of 'Like A Rolling Stone' with his wild hair, and crazy poet demeanor, and Keith Richards in 1969, around the time of Altamont, with his gipsy/bohemian clothing style and his definitive rock’n’roll hairdo.
What are you working on at the moment?
There is a documentary about me that will go into production some time in the New Year, to be released in late 2011, or more likely 2012. I've also been approached many times in recent years about a photo book based on my images of Lou Reed in the 70s. I may finally put this into gear, as long as Lou agrees to contribute – he has indicated that he will. There may also be another David Bowie book, and I've been asked to work on a musical based on my photo-book, Glam!, as a co-writer, designer and co-director... We'll see. Musicals are a lot of work, and take a great team to pull them off. The process is just beginning. Plus, I will finally do some exhibitions of my photo art later in 2011. It's a busy life.
What advice would you give to budding music photographers?
Follow your instincts and your obsessions. Shoot what you love. Learn your inner process, and what it takes to focus you into the immediate present. Don't get hung up on the technical stuff. Above all, shoot, shoot, shoot: that's how your eye gets sharpened. Think like a hitman.
Text by Lucia Davies
Idea Generation Gallery and Raj Prem Art Photography present Mick Rock, Rock: Music In Association with Zippo, which runs 11 November – 16 January at Idea Generation Gallery, Shoreditch. Sailor Jerry lent a hand on the night serving their Caribbean spiced drink inspired by old school tattoo artist Norman Collins.
