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Rocky Horror: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW- Richard O'Brien's tribute to B-movie sci-fi, campness and sexual fluidity - is one of the most beloved and revered cult films ever made. Its 'don't dream it, be it' ethos has since made the movie the longest theatrical release in film history, grossing more than $225 million over nearly five decades.
In 1973, photographer Mick Rock was making his name shooting rock acts like David Bowie, Queen and Lou Reed, and was invited by director Jim Sharman to be the film's official photographer. Given absolute freedom, not only did Mick shoot rare images of the filming process, but he also captured candid and unique shots of the cast and crew, who were together for only a few weeks.
Released to coincide with the film's 50th anniversary, Mick Rock's Rocky Horror is the story of wild, hedonistic, riotous fun packed with never-before-seen images, beautifully packaged in a full-colour coffee-table volume that's perfect for any fan.
In 1973, photographer Mick Rock was making his name shooting rock acts like David Bowie, Queen and Lou Reed, and was invited by director Jim Sharman to be the film's official photographer. Given absolute freedom, not only did Mick shoot rare images of the filming process, but he also captured candid and unique shots of the cast and crew, who were together for only a few weeks.
Released to coincide with the film's 50th anniversary, Mick Rock's Rocky Horror is the story of wild, hedonistic, riotous fun packed with never-before-seen images, beautifully packaged in a full-colour coffee-table volume that's perfect for any fan.
- GenresNonfictionPhotography
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
10 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Mick Rock
43 books22 followersMick Rock was the man who photographed rock 'n' roll in the seventies, especially glam. He was the official photographer of David Bowie through all his personas.
A photographer best known for his iconic shots of rock and roll legends such as Queen, David Bowie, Syd Barrett, Lou Reed, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Joan Jett, Talking Heads, Roxy Music, Crossfade, Thin Lizzy, Motley Crue, and Blondie. Rock has had major exhibitions in London, Liverpool, Berlin, Manchester, New York, Los Angeles, Oslo, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Tokyo, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
A photographer best known for his iconic shots of rock and roll legends such as Queen, David Bowie, Syd Barrett, Lou Reed, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Joan Jett, Talking Heads, Roxy Music, Crossfade, Thin Lizzy, Motley Crue, and Blondie. Rock has had major exhibitions in London, Liverpool, Berlin, Manchester, New York, Los Angeles, Oslo, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Tokyo, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 5, 2026
If you're huge fan of the movie then I highly suggest this book. Mick Rock did a fantastic job with these pictures, legendary photographer, and with a cult classic no one knew these pictures are a tribute to Mick's work and everyone who made this film the cult classic it is today. There are pictures I have never seen and learned new things about the movie, the music, the actors, and how it was adapted to film. A beautiful tribute for it's 50th anniversary in 2025.
Personally, this movie has meant a lot to me, from the time it was released in 1990 on VHS and wasn't allowed to see the whole thing because I was 9 at the time which of course made me curious, this will explain why my favorite character is Magenta (Patricia Quinn) because I mainly saw her, Columbia, or Riff Raff. When I was 10 I was able to watch an edited version on VH-1 and then for Christmas of the same year it was gifted to me and I was able to watch the whole thing. My mom said you can ask me questions, but I may not answer because you're not old enough yet. When I entered 6th grade in the Fall of 1992 at the age 0f 11, this is where this movie saved my life. I was bullied from 6th grade to most of my 7th grade year, mainly by boys, because the lady who cut my hair didn't know what she was doing, screwed up what my mom had asked her to do, and made me look like a boy. I was teased and bullied even by a couple of the teachers who let the bullying happen, no one stuck up for me and I hated school. 6th grade was also the year I could stay home alone and not go to daycare, so it was homework, watch Rocky Horror, eat dinner, watch Rocky Horror again, and then watch other programs like MTV or VH-1 or cartoons. I wore out my first VHS and my mom had to buy another. I was bullied so bad that I had attempted suicide once, but thankfully I didn't know how and was stupid, and a blessing this was before the internet. Again, this movie saved me because it was the only bright spot that kept me going that I didn't think I'd ever get out of. It has helped me with not only that stage in my life, but when I got older the loss of my grandparents, it has now become a comfort movie that whenever I need to feel a spark of joy, it's there for me.
I have other books and the comics about this movie. I have the movie on VHS, DVD, & Blu-Ray, still have my cassette and CD of the soundtrack and of course it's on my playlist on my phone. I have met Patricia Quinn in 2023 and my inner child was doing cartwheels, couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the night. I also have the sequel on VHS & DVD, Shock Treatment, not sure if I have it on Blu-Ray, but I enjoyed it and it also was ahead of its time, may not have been as popular, yet I love that one, too, plus the sequel is as old as me (released in 1981).
Thank you for reading this, I am sure many fans of this movie will understand this review and why the personal story. Without this movie I don't think I would be here, it kept me going, basically don't dream it, be it was something that kept me striving to see those better days in life. This book reminded me how much this movie has meant to me and to others. To those who have adored this movie, this book is for you, cherish it always.
Personally, this movie has meant a lot to me, from the time it was released in 1990 on VHS and wasn't allowed to see the whole thing because I was 9 at the time which of course made me curious, this will explain why my favorite character is Magenta (Patricia Quinn) because I mainly saw her, Columbia, or Riff Raff. When I was 10 I was able to watch an edited version on VH-1 and then for Christmas of the same year it was gifted to me and I was able to watch the whole thing. My mom said you can ask me questions, but I may not answer because you're not old enough yet. When I entered 6th grade in the Fall of 1992 at the age 0f 11, this is where this movie saved my life. I was bullied from 6th grade to most of my 7th grade year, mainly by boys, because the lady who cut my hair didn't know what she was doing, screwed up what my mom had asked her to do, and made me look like a boy. I was teased and bullied even by a couple of the teachers who let the bullying happen, no one stuck up for me and I hated school. 6th grade was also the year I could stay home alone and not go to daycare, so it was homework, watch Rocky Horror, eat dinner, watch Rocky Horror again, and then watch other programs like MTV or VH-1 or cartoons. I wore out my first VHS and my mom had to buy another. I was bullied so bad that I had attempted suicide once, but thankfully I didn't know how and was stupid, and a blessing this was before the internet. Again, this movie saved me because it was the only bright spot that kept me going that I didn't think I'd ever get out of. It has helped me with not only that stage in my life, but when I got older the loss of my grandparents, it has now become a comfort movie that whenever I need to feel a spark of joy, it's there for me.
I have other books and the comics about this movie. I have the movie on VHS, DVD, & Blu-Ray, still have my cassette and CD of the soundtrack and of course it's on my playlist on my phone. I have met Patricia Quinn in 2023 and my inner child was doing cartwheels, couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the night. I also have the sequel on VHS & DVD, Shock Treatment, not sure if I have it on Blu-Ray, but I enjoyed it and it also was ahead of its time, may not have been as popular, yet I love that one, too, plus the sequel is as old as me (released in 1981).
Thank you for reading this, I am sure many fans of this movie will understand this review and why the personal story. Without this movie I don't think I would be here, it kept me going, basically don't dream it, be it was something that kept me striving to see those better days in life. This book reminded me how much this movie has meant to me and to others. To those who have adored this movie, this book is for you, cherish it always.
September 30, 2025
For a short time in between photographing some of the greatest rock legends in the world, prolific photographer Mick Rock (1948-2021), “the man who shot the ’70s,” visited the set of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to capture hundreds of casual images of the cast and crew from the 1975 cult classic. His posthumous collection, with Tim Mohr, “Rocky Horror: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic,” will be released Sept. 30 by Harper/Pop, timed with the film’s 50th anniversary.
Inside the sultry dark slipcase featuring Tim Curry’s face on the cover, the square-shaped book includes hundreds of photographs of the cast and crew. Along with the photos are essays by many prominent people who testify to their enduring love for, and inspiration from, the film, including Joan Jett, Courtney Love, Cassandra Peterson and Jinkx Monsoon.
“Rocky Horror” creator (and Riff Raff) Richard O’Brien wrote the foreword, and other essays include interviews with Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. Director Jim Sharman, costume designer Sue Blyne, and others are included as well.
Other subjects delve into Rock’s documentation of 1970s rock, from Bowie glam to Iggy’s punk, and famous Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody” pose. But the bulk are glamorous poses by Curry, Patricia Quinn, Meatloaf and other actors, who each get their own sections. Many include black and white contact sheets. Each subject gets their own essay/interview.
But the real prize in the book is of course the photos, most which have never been seen before. They offer a lush and colorful behind-the-scenes look at everyone’s favorite “Sweet Transvestite”–starring film. Director Jim Sharman is credited with inviting Rock to visit the Bray Studios set, and the rambling mansion Oakley Court in Windsor, England.
Although a famous flop upon release, and after the successful stage musical’s run, “Rocky Horror” went on to gross nearly $225 million and earn the distinction of being the longest-running theatrical release in history, thanks to its raucous midnight screenings. More than a movie, it became a movement, a communal ritual of fishnets, call-backs, and liberation that continues to ripple through our culture in many ways.
Toward the end is a fascinating timeline of the play and film’s history, and the continued events that filled the years up until the 50th “Transylversary.”
And although he died in 2021, (and cowriter Mohr passed 2024), Rock was aware of the development of the book and got a few quotes in his own essay.
“Maybe the strongest impression that these modest stills project is that everyone appears to be having such a good time,” wrote Rock. “That also may partly account for the delightful potency of this celluloid classic. It’s a privilege to have been of service to such a legendary piece of art.”
The book release is also timed with upcoming exhibitions of Rock’s photos in New York City and Los Angeles.
Inside the sultry dark slipcase featuring Tim Curry’s face on the cover, the square-shaped book includes hundreds of photographs of the cast and crew. Along with the photos are essays by many prominent people who testify to their enduring love for, and inspiration from, the film, including Joan Jett, Courtney Love, Cassandra Peterson and Jinkx Monsoon.
“Rocky Horror” creator (and Riff Raff) Richard O’Brien wrote the foreword, and other essays include interviews with Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. Director Jim Sharman, costume designer Sue Blyne, and others are included as well.
Other subjects delve into Rock’s documentation of 1970s rock, from Bowie glam to Iggy’s punk, and famous Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody” pose. But the bulk are glamorous poses by Curry, Patricia Quinn, Meatloaf and other actors, who each get their own sections. Many include black and white contact sheets. Each subject gets their own essay/interview.
But the real prize in the book is of course the photos, most which have never been seen before. They offer a lush and colorful behind-the-scenes look at everyone’s favorite “Sweet Transvestite”–starring film. Director Jim Sharman is credited with inviting Rock to visit the Bray Studios set, and the rambling mansion Oakley Court in Windsor, England.
Although a famous flop upon release, and after the successful stage musical’s run, “Rocky Horror” went on to gross nearly $225 million and earn the distinction of being the longest-running theatrical release in history, thanks to its raucous midnight screenings. More than a movie, it became a movement, a communal ritual of fishnets, call-backs, and liberation that continues to ripple through our culture in many ways.
Toward the end is a fascinating timeline of the play and film’s history, and the continued events that filled the years up until the 50th “Transylversary.”
And although he died in 2021, (and cowriter Mohr passed 2024), Rock was aware of the development of the book and got a few quotes in his own essay.
“Maybe the strongest impression that these modest stills project is that everyone appears to be having such a good time,” wrote Rock. “That also may partly account for the delightful potency of this celluloid classic. It’s a privilege to have been of service to such a legendary piece of art.”
The book release is also timed with upcoming exhibitions of Rock’s photos in New York City and Los Angeles.
November 2, 2025
"I don’t get critics anyway - why not just ignore what you don’t like and put your powers of discrimination into celebrating something you admire?”
Rocky Horror is a beautiful work of coffee table art, but there’s so much more to discover between the pages.
5.00 / 5.00
Step behind the lens of famed rock and roll photographer, Mick Rock. Rock was the only photographer allowed on the Rocky Horror Picture Show film set, and the story of how he got there is as iconic as the pictures he took.
To say I enjoyed this book was an understatement. I’ve been a huge RHPS fan my whole life. It was such an integral part of me embracing my weirdness, and reading this book validated that I wasn’t alone. RHPS became the symbol of so many groups of people struggling to feel seen, and I don’t see this changing in the next 50 years.
It was incredible to read blurbs from celebrities talking about how much the film meant to them and how it impacted them personally and professionally. It was great to step inside the minds of the actors and learn how they found their characters inside themselves and brought them to life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in Rocky Horror Picture Show as there’s really something for everyone - beautiful pictures for the casual fan, behind the scenes stories for those with a deeper interest, and tons of back story and jumping into the minds of the actors for those deeply invested in all things RHPS.
Drumroll please… I couldn’t choose any song other than Time Warp to sum up this book. Learning everything I did about how this song came to be and why and how iconic it has stayed in pop culture for 50 years was such a treat for me. When my peers at school dances were begging to hear Cupid Shuffle, all I wanted was to do the Time Warp again. And after reading this book, I know I’m not alone. For those of you who don’t know the steps, “It’s just a jump to the left!”
Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!
Rocky Horror is a beautiful work of coffee table art, but there’s so much more to discover between the pages.
5.00 / 5.00
Step behind the lens of famed rock and roll photographer, Mick Rock. Rock was the only photographer allowed on the Rocky Horror Picture Show film set, and the story of how he got there is as iconic as the pictures he took.
To say I enjoyed this book was an understatement. I’ve been a huge RHPS fan my whole life. It was such an integral part of me embracing my weirdness, and reading this book validated that I wasn’t alone. RHPS became the symbol of so many groups of people struggling to feel seen, and I don’t see this changing in the next 50 years.
It was incredible to read blurbs from celebrities talking about how much the film meant to them and how it impacted them personally and professionally. It was great to step inside the minds of the actors and learn how they found their characters inside themselves and brought them to life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in Rocky Horror Picture Show as there’s really something for everyone - beautiful pictures for the casual fan, behind the scenes stories for those with a deeper interest, and tons of back story and jumping into the minds of the actors for those deeply invested in all things RHPS.
Drumroll please… I couldn’t choose any song other than Time Warp to sum up this book. Learning everything I did about how this song came to be and why and how iconic it has stayed in pop culture for 50 years was such a treat for me. When my peers at school dances were begging to hear Cupid Shuffle, all I wanted was to do the Time Warp again. And after reading this book, I know I’m not alone. For those of you who don’t know the steps, “It’s just a jump to the left!”
Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!
November 1, 2025
Mick Rock's work remains forever iconic. His ability to capture energy on film was uncanny. The emotion and aesthetic that have given The Rocky Horror Picture Show such an enduring legacy is on full display in Rocky Horror: A Behind The Scenes Look At The Cult Classic. Through a vast collection of Rock's behind the scenes photography, paired with interviews with the film's cast and production team, this book is both a love letter to Mick Rock and everything Rocky Horror, making for a spectacular 50th anniversary celebration.
December 28, 2025
4.5 Stars - The photos themselves are absolutely gorgeous, but the text in this volume was a bit distracting, mostly quotes (some from famous fans?), and at times a bit boring. We're here for the photos though, not the text.
Text aside, these photos are showstoppingly beautiful. Mick Rock had an eye for his subjects and, as promised by the title, almost all of these photos were new to me! I flipped through this multiple times and found new things in the shots each time I looked. Didn't think there would be an official release of new Rocky Horror photos, but here we are!
Text aside, these photos are showstoppingly beautiful. Mick Rock had an eye for his subjects and, as promised by the title, almost all of these photos were new to me! I flipped through this multiple times and found new things in the shots each time I looked. Didn't think there would be an official release of new Rocky Horror photos, but here we are!
December 15, 2025
I was expecting this to just be iconic photos, but it's also anecdotes from the cast and crew and people who have loved and been influenced by the show over the years. It's a really interesting, well-put-together book that any fan of the show will enjoy. And the photos are, of course, stunning.
December 30, 2025
Fun coffee table book, loved reading Peaches and Elvira talk about frank inspiring their style.
Planet Hot Dog by The Rocky Horror Show Roxy Cast
Planet Hot Dog by The Rocky Horror Show Roxy Cast
January 6, 2026
Iconic photos from an iconic movie. RIP Mick Rock.
January 11, 2026
Gorgeous photo collection by Mick Rick, renowned photographer of Bowie, Queen, and many more. In addition to the photos, there are interviews on the history of the show and filming.
February 9, 2026
If you love the film and the Broadway musical you will love this book
February 16, 2026
Loved being able to read a book about my family history!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews