'Mick Rock always was a class act. We met, he and we young Queenies, at a point in our careers where the skies had opened up and creatively the scope of our journey was limitless – very exciting times.' – Brian May
This September marks the 50th anniversary of Queen's legendary Hyde Park concert, the landmark performance that drew an estimated 150,000 people and celebrated the extraordinary rise of one of Britain's greatest rock bands.
To commemorate the occasion, Genesis Publications has released Freddie Mercury by Mick Rock – The Killer Queen Archive Print. Originally created as the exclusive Deluxe print for the publication of Killer Queen, this limited edition celebrates one of rock photography's defining creative partnerships. Mick Rock's unforgettable portrait captures Freddie Mercury at the beginning of Queen's remarkable ascent, reflecting the charisma and confidence that would soon make him one of music's most iconic performers.
Limited to just 30 archive prints, only 9 are now available individually. Each print is hand-signed by Mick Rock, professionally framed to museum standards, and accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity. The remaining archive prints are available either on their own or paired with one of the final double-signed copies of Killer Queen, signed by Brian May and Mick Rock. The triple-signed copies are now sold out.
Captured at London's Rainbow Theatre in 1974, Mick Rock's portrait catches Freddie Mercury at the moment Queen's ascent became unstoppable.
Chosen exclusively as the Deluxe print for Killer Queen in 2003, the photograph was never reproduced within the book itself.
These rare archive prints come from the publisher's own collection. Originally retained as unnumbered archive copies by Genesis Publications, they are released here for the first time in a limited presentation of thirty framed examples to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen's legendary Hyde Park concert, the landmark performance that marks the culmination of the years chronicled in Killer Queen.
Expertly printed in Italy in 2003 using fine FM stochastic lithography on heavyweight art paper, each print faithfully reproduces the depth, subtlety and tonal richness of Mick Rock's original photograph. Signed in ink by Mick Rock for the original publication of Killer Queen and preserved in the publisher's archive for over twenty years, every original archive print has been individually inspected and prepared for release by Genesis Publications before being conservation mounted and framed by hand in black hardwood with UV-protective Perspex glazing.
Signed by: Mick Rock
Print size: 20.3 × 30.5 cm (8" × 12")
Framed size: 34.3 × 44.5 cm (13½" × 17½")
Printing: FM stochastic offset lithography
Paper: 300 gsm GardaMatt art paper
Edition: Limited to 30 archive prints – fewer than 10 available individually
Framing: Hand-framed in black hardwood with acid-free conservation mount and UV-protective Perspex glazing
Certificate of Authenticity: Signed by the publisher
Fewer than 10 available individually
In order to make investing in one of our limited edition books or prints easier, we offer an interest-free option to spread the cost.
For purchases over £150, the payments are spread over three months. For example, for a purchase of £360, £122.40 would be paid today, followed by two instalments of £118.80.
Genesis will dispatch your item once the last instalment is paid.
Pair the framed archive print with one of the final double-signed copies of Killer Queen, bearing the original signatures of Brian May and Mick Rock.
For the first time since the original publication of Killer Queen in 2003, the archive print returns alongside one of the last remaining double-signed copies from the publisher's own collection, presented in a newly created full-colour screen-printed solander case.
Print: Hand-signed by Mick Rock
Book: Killer Queen, signed by Brian May and Mick Rock
Print size: 20.3 × 30.5 cm (8" × 12")
Framed size: 34.3 × 44.5 cm (13½" × 17½")
Printing: FM stochastic offset lithography
Paper: 300 gsm GardaMatt art paper
Print Edition: Limited to 30 archive prints
Book Edition: Limited to 2,500 numbered copies
Framing: Hand-framed in black hardwood with acid-free conservation mount and UV-protective Perspex glazing
Certificate of Authenticity: Signed by the publisher
Only 3 print-and-book pairings remain
The final triple-signed copies of Killer Queen, bearing the signatures of Brian May, Roger Taylor and Mick Rock, have now been allocated.
Thank you for the extraordinary response to this special archive release.
Print: Hand-signed by Mick Rock
Book: Killer Queen, signed by Brian May, Roger Taylor and Mick Rock
Print size: 20.3 × 30.5 cm (8" × 12")
Framed size: 34.3 × 44.5 cm (13½" × 17½")
Printing: FM stochastic offset lithography
Paper: 300 gsm GardaMatt art paper
Print Edition: Limited to 30 archive prints
Book Edition: Limited to 2,500 numbered copies
Framing: Hand-framed in black hardwood with acid-free conservation mount and UV-protective Perspex glazing
Certificate of Authenticity: Signed by the publisher
Select from the following copies:
Since 1974 Genesis has created signed limited edition books on behalf of authors and artists ranging from the Beatles to Buckingham Palace.
Genesis news and special offers direct to your inbox.
For enquiries, please call
+44 (0)1483 540970
Genesis House, 2 Jenner Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3PL, England
