We’ve just learned of the passing of legendary photographer Mick Rock at the age of 73. This photo by Natalie Rock was posted on his Official Facebook along with a family statement. Please read on.

Family Statement:
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. 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.

The stars seemed to effortlessly align for Mick when he was behind the camera; feeding off of the unique charisma of his subjects electrified and energized him. His intent always intense. His focus always total. A man fascinated with image, he absorbed visual beings through his lens and immersed himself in their art, thus creating some of the most magnificent photographs rock music has ever seen. To know Mick was to love him. He was a mythical creature; the likes of which we shall never experience again.

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.

*** end of statement ***

PiercingMetal Thoughts: This saddens me very much as the body of work that Mick has left behind is too difficult to even describe. Though I thought I had encountered him a few times over the years, the only real memory I have of an in-person hello was during the 2014 Book Expo America where he was signing posters from an upcoming book. I’ve shared that image up above in addition to using the one taken by his daughter Natalie from their Facebook Page to use in the memorial. We send the deepest of condolences to his immediate family and close friends and say let’s celebrate his life and work by taking a few pictures during the course of your day. To me that feels like the best way to celebrate the life of such a photographer. Maybe you’ll find something interesting and can be inspired to create more as well. Rest in Peace Mick Rock and thank you for the visuals that you brought to everyone’s eyes. You will be missed by many.

Official Artist Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Rock