Mick Rock - Rock: Music - in association with Zippo at Idea Generation Gallery

Mick Rock - Rock: Music - in association with Zippo at Idea Generation Gallery

11 November, 2010
by: JoSuthers

Rock. Literally. Jo Sutherland reports.

Shoreditch was marinated in the spirit of rock last night, and it was, without question, the place to be. Chance Street’s Idea Generation Gallery was filled to the brim with people admiring the work of the legendary Mick Rock, often referred to as ‘the man who shot the Seventies’. And he was there in person too, meandering around the crowd, radiating an essence of cool…

Rock – and yes, that is his real name – built his reputation snapping shots of some of the most ostentatious musical celebrities of the 1970s, and ultimately defining rock 'n’ roll. A former language and literature student of Cambridge University, Rock discovered his talent for photography by sheer accident. In a state of chemical inebriation, Rock picked up a camera admitting he “wasn’t in a hurry to get a proper job”, and began snapping away. Shortly after discovering his ‘niche’, Syd Barrett, friend and lead-singer of Pink Floyd, asked Rock to photograph him for the cover of his album 'The Madcap Laughs'. And there the story begins…

Mick Rock – Rock: Music is a retrospective of the photographer’s work documenting rock music’s most provocative and enduring images: outrageous moments and characters frozen in a time of anarchy and zest for life. The exhibition celebrates the launch of Rock’s new book, Exposed: The Faces of Rock 'n’ Roll, which includes previously unseen and unpublished images.

Rock shot to fame in 1972 with a portrait of David Bowie. By his own admittance, the photographer’s life changed dramatically. From earning a modest living taking photos of relatively unknown bands, Rock went onto act as Bowie’s official photographer, snapping his Ziggy Stardust days, and capturing his alter ego in countless poses. In the successful attempt to be ‘at the right place and the right time’, Rock’s career shifted between London and New York. Rock finally took permanent residence in the States in 1977, believing “it was something about the girls and the chemicals that sucked [him] in”.

The exhibition features iconic portraits of Syd Barrett, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed and Freddie Mercury, amongst others… and some recent images, such as the stunning Kate Moss wearing nipple tassels, and an unusually feminine shot of Lady Gaga. Each image captures Rock’s impeccable sense of timing. The gritty, sexy and mesmerising images almost transport you into the era –  drama and extremity unfold behind every shot.

Nextdoor, in the Zippo Rehearsal Rooms, new bands are given the chance to raise their profile and perform to the crowd. Zippo has always had a long-standing affiliation with music, with the well-known sea of flames created decades ago when Zippo lighters were first waved in the air calling for an encore. By partnering with Rock: Music, Zippo is showcasing its rich heritage in rock, and by incorporating the bespoke Zippo Rehearsal Rooms, the company is supporting emerging talent to create the next generation of rock legends.

This cozy space oozes personality. The atmosphere is amazing, and the energy infectious. Strobe lighting turns the rehearsal rooms into a gritty den of awesomeness. Definitely recommended! Live feeds will be streamed from rehearsals with highlights available as podcasts and downloads, so check out www.neugalleries.com.

Mick Rock – Rock Music in association with Zippo is at idea Generation gallery from 11th November 2010 to 16th January 2011.

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JoSuthers