Celebrated photographer and video director Mick Rock has died.
The creative, who captured icons like David Bowie and Queen, passed away on Thursday aged 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,” a family statement reads.
Photo: Nathalie Rock pic.twitter.com/I50ofDuO0r
— Mick Rock (@TheRealMickRock) November 19, 2021
“Those who had the pleasure of existing in his orbit, know that Mick was always so much more than ‘The Man Who Shot The 70s’.
“He was a photographic poet – a true force of nature who spent his days doing exactly what he loved, always in his own delightfully outrageous way.
“Let us not mourn the loss, but instead celebrate the fabulous life and extraordinary career of Michael David Rock.
“While you do so in your own way, we must ask that the privacy of his nearest and dearest be respected at this time. Therefore, there will be no further comments.”
Rock, who was borning in London in 1948, was most famous for his work with David Bowie – including the Space Oddity and Life on Mars videos – and also shot iconic album covers for Lou Reed (‘Transformer’), Queen (‘Queen II’), and more.
He also worked with clients including Miley Cyrus, who shared in a tribute: “IT WAS BARELY OVER A YEAR AGO I SAT WITH YOU BY THE WINDOW LISTENING TO BOWIE STORIES…. IT WAS MY HONOR. #RIPMICKROCK. [sic]”
IT WAS BARELY OVER A YEAR AGO I SAT WITH YOU BY THE WINDOW LISTENING TO BOWIE STORIES….
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) November 19, 2021
IT WAS MY HONOR. #RIPMICKROCK 💔 pic.twitter.com/NE4Ok6Spt0
Meanwhile, Sharon Osbourne – whose husband Ozzy collaborated with Rock – penned: “We lost a legend, a true artist @therealmickrock His work will live on forever.
“There are too many epic photos to choose from, but I urge you to scroll through just a few of his greatest hits. All our love and respect to his family.”
His life was the subject of 2016 documentary ‘SHOT!’.