Swiss-American photographer Robert Frank, whose resume included significant work with The Rolling Stones, died on Monday at the age of 94 in at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital in Nova Scotia.
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As The New York Times reports, Frank’s relationship with one of rock n’ roll’s biggest bands began when he was commissioned to create photos for the now-iconic cover of the Stones’ 1972 studio album, Exile on Main Street. The band was so happy with his work that he was then asked to shoot a documentary film about their return to the U.S. for the first time since Altamont on their 1972 concert tour, which would go on to be titled, Cocksucker Blues.
However, the band would go on to set a restraining order on the release of the film, putting a limit on where and how often the film could be screened since it showed the rampant drug use and sexual escapades which took place throughout the tour.
The band has since shared a statement in thoughtful tribute to Frank via their Facebook page on Tuesday.
“We’re very sad to hear the news that the visionary photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank has died,” the band posted. “Robert collaborated with us on a number of projects including the cover design of ‘Exile On Main Street’ and directed the ‘Cocksucker Blues’ documentary. He was an incredible artist whose unique style broke the mould. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Watch some of the Super 8 footage shot by Frank of the band in Los Angeles and New York City in 1971 below.
The Rolling Stones – “Rocks Off” (feat. Robert Frank Footage)
[Video: videodrumz]
[H/T Brooklyn Vegan]