As part of its massive celebration marking fifty years of the Time Warp, fans can now get a sneak peek behind the curtain into the making of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A new photobook, Rocky Horror: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic, is being released next month, featuring on-set photography by the legendary Mick Rock, offering fans the “ultimate visual time capsule of the film that redefined camp, glam, and queerness on screen.”
Rock, who passed away in 2021, was best known for his photography of rock and roll icons like David Bowie, Blondie, and more — he even shot the iconic cover for Queen’s second album, appropriately titled Queen II. As the only photographer invited to the set of the cult classic film, Rock was given total freedom to roam Bray Studios as The Rocky Horror Picture Show was shot, where over six weeks he captured images of the entire cast, including Tim Curry, Nell Campbell, Susan Sarandon, and more.
The 250-page book, which retails for $50 USD, captures not only Rock’s images of the film, but also his notes, as well as rare production ephemera, cast interviews, and reflections from an all-star roster of Rocky Horror lovers, including but not limited to Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, Anna Sui, Jinkx Monsoon, Betsey Johnson, Trixie Mattel, Courtney Love, Cassandra Peterson, and more.
The release of the book also coincides with special exhibitions of Rock’s work in New York and Los Angeles, aligning with the late artists’ birthday. While details on dates and locations have yet to be announced, the events will showcase rare prints and unseen contact sheets, and feature appearances from some of Rock’s collaborators.
Rocky Horror: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic hits shelves on September 30, and is available for pre-order now.
