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Mick Rock, Legendary Photographer for David Bowie and Queen, Dies at 72

If a picture is really worth a thousand words, then it’s nearly impossible to quantify all the stories Mick Rock told with his camera. The legendary photographer captured “some of the most magnificent images rock music has ever seen.” Unfortunately, he passed away earlier this week at the age of 72.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share our beloved psychedelic renegade Mick Rock has made the Jungian journey to the other side,” part of a Twitter statement posted to his account reads. Shooting the likes of David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, and Queen, Mick Rock was a household name within the music industry.

Let’s raise a metaphorical glass to “The Man That Shot the ’70s” as we look back on his fruitful career.

Remembering ‘The Man That Shot the ’70s’

Here’s the full statement regarding Mick Rock’s death at 72. It includes a snap of the late photographer captured by Nathalie Rock. His only daughter, Nathalie is thought to have taken after Mick as a practicing photographer herself. However, Mick and his family have always remained notoriously private about their personal lives.

The statement does not reveal the nature of the death, but instead reflects on his lasting impact:

“He was a photographic poet,” the statement reads. “A true force of nature who spent his days doing exactly what he loved, always in his own delightfully outrageous way.”

And that’s how seriously he took his craft. “The stars seemed to effortlessly align for Mick when he was behind the camera; feeding off the unique charisma of his subjects electrified and energized him. His intent always intent, his focus always total.”

How Did He Get His Start?

Before becoming the face behind “Rock ‘n Roll,” Mick Rock actually studied medieval languages in Cambridge. This is also where he forged a connection that would change his life. He befriended the brother of Rolling Stone’s frontman, Mick Jagger.

Well, there’s also another story. Apparently, he never had any interest in photography at all before a journey with three letters. That would be an L, an S, and a D. He reflected on one day in particular with The Post.

“I was at the home of a friend who had all the toys, including a great record player and camera. Sitting around his room, tripping…I picked up the camera and began playing with it. Every time I clicked, there was an explosion and I saw a lady’s faces in a million ­iterations.”

“It was a different time,” he said. “I picked up what I needed to know as I went along. I realized that you didn’t need to know much when it came to photography.”