Originally prepared in 2015 with Bowie’s blessing, this unique tribute was created by David Bowie’s official photographer and creative partner, Mick Rock.
In 1972, David Bowie released his groundbreaking album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars . This marked the arrival of Bowie’s Stardust alter ego: a glitter-clad, made-up, sexually androgynous figure who overturned the boundaries between male and female, straight and gay, fact and fiction, transforming them into a dazzling phenomenon of ’70s self-expression. From then on, London’s ‘Ziggy’ was one of the world’s biggest stars.
London photographer Mick Rock had both an artistic and a personal connection with Bowie. Between 1972 and 1973, he worked as the singer’s photographer and videographer.
The legendary rock photographer documented the ’70s through his iconic photographs of David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Queen, the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, Blondie and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, among others. He later made many memorable photographs of more recent pop stars and remained active as a photographer at the time of publication.
This collection, half of which consists of previously unpublished photographs, brings together spectacular stage shots, iconic photo shoots and intimate backstage portraits. The lenticular cover, featuring several headshots, pays tribute to Bowie’s fearless experimentation and unpredictability and reflects the many facets of his personality and fame.
The book is a passionate tribute to a brilliant and inspiring artist whose creative vision will never be forgotten.
Mick Rock did not know about Bowie’s illness when they worked on this beautiful book together the previous year. Mick Rock told Yahoo News: “One thing that struck me in the photographs was how often David laughed...” “Beyond sad. Difficult to absorb. Deeply moved. He was a sweet sweet soul. He went out with such a creative bang. Such a privilege to have known and worked with him. Such a remarkable man and artist. I loved him.” — Mick Rock, 2016
Translation: © Gertruud de Smit, Fotografie.nl
The Rise of David Bowie, 1972–1973 - Mick Rock
Pages: 300
Price: €225.00
Publisher: Taschen/Librero
