Evan's Gate

At the Morrison Hotel Gallery at 116 Prince Street, 2nd Floor in New York City, an evening with legendary photographer Mick Rock was on tap to celebrate the band Queen in the wake of their new film, “Bohemian Rhapsody”. This is an exhibition and sale of images taken between 1974 and 1982.

Upon entering the space the song Killer Queen was setting the mood as I saw the first photographic images of Freddie Mercury and Queen from 1974 when Mr. Rock created the now iconic images of the Queen II cover and interior gatefold sleeve.

Sitting down at the left side end was the man himself.  I approached to find a distinguished fellow who insisted on a fist bump.  I informed him of my love for his work as well as Queen.  Thanks to prodding by my very loving husband, Brian Lipton, and his press credentials that allowed me to have this amazing experience, I met one of my heroes.

After decades of appreciating his work for artists like David Bowie, Lou Reed, The Ramones, and many others it’s his photos of Queen that have had the most staying power.  Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon have had this mania inducing power over me since I was a kid.  They were a fab four like creation.

The songs they wrote included story songs like “Brighton Rock” about two kids off to have a love affair away from prying parents.  “March of the Black Queen” on the second album was about a Lewis Carroll type monarch whose wrath you do not want to feel.  Like the Beatles the lyrics are very tounge in cheek.  And Mick Rock’s portrait of Freddie is like the darkness incarnate of this character he sings about.

Inspired by golden age of Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich the photographic image of Freddie with arms crossed, eyes totally askance as if in trance,  and sexually alluring.  This is the image I was fortunate to gain as an early birthday gift from my Brian.  Thank you my dear for being so supportive.

The Morrison Hotel Gallery is open This showing is open to the public through November 10th.

Monday – Saturday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
212.941.8770

 Mr. Rock (top right corner).  The inner gatefold image of Queen II (middle left).  Bottom L-R:  Freddie Mercury 1974 in his Marlene Dietrich pose, onstage with chainmail glove; in Zandra Rhodes designed frock for their tour.