Review: 'Rocky Horror by Mick Rock'

Mick Rock was a rock star photographer both in the sense that he photographed rock stars and that he was something of a rebel star himself. He gravitated toward the most visually electrifying artists of his time, including Queen, Bowie, Iggy, and T. Rex. So he was the perfect fit to serve as set photographer during the making of that most visual, rocking, and rebellious of seventies cult classic films, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

Rock caught Tim Curry in full Frank n' Furter makeup from as close as you could get without soiling yourself and out of makeup radiating every bit as much attitude as he exuded in character. Rock caught creators Richard O'Brien and Jim Sharman conferring behind the scenes and Little Nell in Vivienne Westwood finery. He captured the application of Frank's iconic "Boss" tattoo, posed publicity poses, candid action dancing shots, and rough-test Polaroids (his one regret...not snapping Charles "The Criminologist" Gray [perhaps because he's got no fucking neck!!]). 

Rocky's Rocky shots are collected in a lavish new volume titled, appropriately enough Rocky Horror by Mick Rock. There are sections devoted to each of the main characters and loving commentaries from fans such as Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson, Juliette Lewis, Peaches, Mark Mothersbaugh, Courtney Love, Betsey Johnson, Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, and many others. But it's the photos that will put gartered asses in the seats and they are pretty groovy.