Mick Rock: The Rise of David Bowie. 1972–1973

by Barney Hoskyns

A unique tribute from David Bowie’s official photographer and creative partner, Mick Rock, compiled in 2015, with Bowie’s blessing.In 1972, David Bowie released his groundbreaking album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. With it landed Bowie’s Stardust alter 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 ’70s 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. Through the aloof and approachable, the playful and serious, the candid and the contrived, the result is a passionate tribute to a brilliant and inspirational artist whose creative vision will never be forgotten.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published November 22, 2023

Reviews

[Marcel B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in my best friend’s dorm after gifting it to him for his birthday a couple years ago lol, I ended up buying me a copy as well. I used to play The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust on my old cars cassette player everyday, so much so that when I totaled it, it was inside. I miss that car. I ended up prying it out of the radio at the impound lot and my flathead cracked it open. I’m glad to have rescued it even if it won’t ever play again, there’s something poetic about my crushed 2004 Honda CRV revealing my crushed cassette… Anyway, thank you David Bowie and thank you little carrito for all the wonderful adventures and insane side quests. Rip to my goats.