Mick Rock’s ‘Rocky Horror’: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic’

For a short time in between photographing some of the greatest rock legends in the world, prolific photographer Mick Rock (1948-2021), “the man who shot the ’70s,” visited the set of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to capture hundreds of casual images of the cast and crew from the 1975 cult classic. His posthumous collection, with Tim Mohr, “Rocky Horror: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic,” will be released Sept. 30 by Harper/Pop, timed with the film’s 50th anniversary.

Inside the sultry dark slipcase featuring Tim Curry’s face on the cover, the square-shaped book includes hundreds of photographs of the cast and crew. Along with the photos are essays by many prominent people who testify to their enduring love for, and inspiration from, the film, including Joan Jett, Courtney Love, Cassandra Peterson and Jinkx Monsoon.

“Rocky Horror” creator (and Riff Raff) Richard O’Brien wrote the foreword, and other short essays include interviews with Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.

Other subjects delve into Rock’s documentation of 1970s rock, from Bowie glam to Iggy’s punk, and famous Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody” pose. But the bulk are glamorous poses by Curry, Patricia Quinn, Meatloaf and other actors, who each get their own sections. Many include black and white contact sheets. Each subject gets their own essay/interview. Director Jim Sharman, costume designer Sue Blayne, and others are included as well.

But the real prize in the book is of course the photos, most which have never been seen before. They offer a lush and colorful behind-the-scenes look at everyone’s favorite “Sweet Transvestite”–starring film. Director Jim Sharman is credited with inviting Rock to visit the Bray Studios set, and the rambling mansion Oakley Court in Windsor, England.

Although a famous flop upon release, and after the successful stage musical’s run, “Rocky Horror” went on to gross nearly $225 million and earn the distinction of being the longest-running theatrical release in history, thanks to its raucous midnight screenings. More than a movie, it became a movement, a communal ritual of fishnets, call-backs, and liberation that continues to ripple through our culture in many ways.

Toward the end is a fascinating timeline of the play and film’s history, and the continued events that filled the years up until the 50th “Transylversary.”

And although he died in 2021, (and cowriter Mohr passed 2024), Rock was aware of the development of the book and got a few quotes in his own essay.

“Maybe the strongest impression that these modest stills project is that everyone appears to be having such a good time,” wrote Rock. “That also may partly account for the delightful potency of this celluloid classic. It’s a privilege to have been of service to such a legendary piece of art.” 

The book release is also timed with upcoming exhibitions of Rock’s photos in New York City and Los Angeles.

“Rocky Horror: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic,” by Mick Rock, with Tim Mohr, $50, 256 pages. https://www.harpercollins.com