Later this month, the cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” turns 50. Just in time for the celebration, legendary rock photographer Mick Rock is debuting a captivating visual compendium titled “Rocky Horror: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic.” Scheduled for release on September 30, 2025, the book features 256 pages of rarely seen photographs and unique behind-the-scenes moments from the production of the iconic film.
Capturing the essence of a cultural phenomenon that defied the odds, Rock’s collection is a testament to the film’s enduring legacy and its vivid undercurrents of sexual fluidity and B-movie camp. The Rocky Horror Picture Show initially flopped upon its release but rose to become a midnight cult classic, inspiring audiences to interact with the film through live performances and spirited audience participation.
Mick Rock—famous for his work with music legends like David Bowie, Queen, and Blondie—was granted exclusive access during the six weeks of filming. His camera captured not only the action on set but also the essence and energy that made Rocky Horror unique. “I could snap whatever caught my eye, stirred my imagination,” says Rock. This creative freedom resulted in an extraordinary collection of images that offer a fresh perspective on the film.
The book features a Foreword by Richard O’Brien, the creative force behind “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” who reflects on the film’s incredible journey to becoming a theatrical staple with the longest-running release in history. Interviews with cast members, Mick’s personal notes, and other production ephemera are beautifully compiled in a stunning four-color format. The book also contains quotes from the legion of fans of the movie, including Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, Courtney Love, Juliette Lewis, Jinkx Monsoon, Duff McKagan, Anna Sui, Karen O, Trixie Matel, Peaches, Norman Reedus, Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark), and many, many more.
“Rocky Horror: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic” is an artistic homage to a film that has had an unparalleled impact on popular culture and is set to be the ultimate collector’s item for fans and cinephiles alike. The book gives fans a chance to delve deeper into the world of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show and relive its magic through the eyes of one of rock photography’s legends.
The book will be available in both hardcover and e-book formats and is now available for pre-order from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org, Target, and Walmart.
