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How did Mick Rock die? David Bowie’s photographer, 72, 'shot the '70s'

The unfortunate news of Mick’s demise was shared by his family on social media. He is survived by wife his Pati Rock and daughter Nathalie Rock

One of the most prolific rock photographers Mick Rock died at the age of 72. He was best known for taking iconic images of David Bowie while serving as his official photographer. Mick Rock also worked extensively with other music icons such as Queen, T. Rex, Syd Barrett, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and The Stooges, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and several others.

The unfortunate news of Mick’s demise was shared by his family on social media. He is survived by his wife Pati Rock and daughter Nathalie Rock. The British native was famously known as “The Man Who Shot the 70’s” all thanks to his legendary shots. Speaking of celebrity deaths, we recently lost ‘Below Deck’ star Captain Mark Howard. The 'Deliverance' star Ned Beatty too left us for the heavenly abode. Other celebrities that we lost in the last few months include Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, legendary comedian Mort Sahl, Jeanette Maus, and many more.
 
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How did Mick Rock die?

While sharing the news of Mick Rock’s death, his family members posted a lengthy obituary on Instagram but refrained from sharing the cause of the death. They also did not share the day or the date of Mick Rock’s passing away. A picture clicked by Nathalie Rock was shared on Instagram as the official statement read, “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 statement further read, “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”, adding, “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.” The statement concluded, “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.” Mick Rock also served as the chief photographer on the films namely ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, and ‘Shortbus’. He even helmed videos for Bowie songs such as ‘John, I’m Only Dancing’, ‘Jean Genie’, ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Life on Mars.’

‘Shocked, stunned, and heartbroken’

The news of Mick Rock passing away left the social media users in shock. “RIP Mick Rock - shot some of the most iconic music images of the 70s & lived an amazing life. His documentary SHOT! is essential viewing for anyone into photography & music. Sad news to start the day”, said one as another posted, “Farewell to Mick Rock, one of the greatest photographers in rock history.” One added, “The word legend gets abused and overused. But the iconic aesthetic of the 1970s is largely known to us today because of the eye and skill of Mick Rock. I dreamed what he saw. #RIP”
 
The next one shared, “So sad to hear about the passing of my old friend ,a shining light who always made me smile just to be in his presence. I grew up staring at the iconic album covers/photos he shot. Was quite surreal when we became friends through David Bowie. Loved the man. The legend, Mick Rock.”  Meanwhile, another posted, “Shocked, stunned, and heartbroken over the passing of my dear friend and poet of the lens, #MickRock. Rest in peace, darling. @TheRealMickRock” And, one user concluded, “I am so beyond heartbroken. Mick Rock took the classic cast photos on the Rocky Horror set, along with countless other iconic images. It was an honor to recreate his work, and I’d always hoped to meet him one day. Everyone I’ve met who knew him spoke so highly of his character.”