From 1972 to 1973, Mick Rock served as David Bowie’s official photographer, capturing the rocker as he rose to fame via his otherworldly alter-ego Ziggy Stardust. Rock’s tour of duty resulted in numerous famous ”” and not so famous ”” pictures, many of which have been collected in a new numbered limited-edition photo book, The Rise of David Bowie: 1972-1973. Due out later this month via Taschen, the 310-page tome is co-signed by Bowie and Rock and features a host of iconic images of the legend along with lots of previously unseen ones. We recently chatted with the photographer about the book and his long relationship with Bowie, and in the gallery that follows, he shares with us some of his favorite photos from the era.
Soul Train
David Bowie and Mick Ronson enjoy a British Rail lunch on the train from London to Aberdeen on May 14th, 1973.
Becoming Ziggy
Bowie applies makeup in Aberdeen, Scotland, on May 16th, 1973.
Heroes
Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed at the Dorchester Hotel in London on July 16th, 1972.
Stage Oddity
Bowie performs at the Worcester Gaumont Theatre in the U.K. on June 4th, 1973.
Rock Reflection
Bowie at Haddon Hall in Beckenham, U.K., in March 1972.
Going Down
This photo of Bowie trying to bite Ronson’s guitar onstage at Oxford Town Hall in 1972 was met with controversy when it was published in Melody Maker on June 20th.
Red Sails
Bowie on board the luxury liner the QE2 in January 1973.
All Stripes
Bowie onstage at the Empire Theatre Liverpool on October 10th, 1973.
