W Hotels Worldwide Presents ROCKED: An Exclusive Traveling Exhibit by Legendary Music Photographer Mick Rock

As part of its ongoing passion for music and an extension of its Symmetry Live concert series, W Hotels Worldwide today unveils ROCKED, an exclusive traveling exhibition shot and curated by legendary music photographer Mick Rock. Since 2008, Rock has been capturing both intimate, behind-the-scenes portraits and the on-stage theatrics of emerging artists who have performed as part of the W brand’s Symmetry Live concert series. Curated by W Hotels Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L’Acqua, Symmetry Live has offered W guests and locals insider access to performances by the hottest, just-discovered acts in music such as Cee Lo Green, Janelle Monae, Ellie Goulding, Theophilus London, and many more. Some of Rock’s favorite Symmetry Live images will be featured in the ROCKED exhibit alongside his iconic photographs of David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Queen and Iggy Pop. In addition, the exhibit will include several never before exhibited images of some of music’s most acclaimed talent, including Bono, Madonna, Freddie Mercury, and Lady Gaga, among others.

The ROCKED exhibit will debut this evening at W New York – Downtown and The Residences at W New York - Downtown with an exclusive Symmetry Live performance by electronic rock duo Phantogram, followed by an electrifying set by internationally renowned DJ Mark Ronson. For the occasion, the hotel and residences – an integral part of the revitalization of Lower Manhattan – have erected a sleek, temporary outdoor tent on the outside plaza space.

"We’re thrilled to launch ROCKED tonight with two dynamic performances set amongst some of Mick’s most iconic rock-n-roll photography,” said Carlos Becil, Vice President, North America Brand Management for Starwood’s design and luxury brands. "If music is in your DNA, like it is in ours, this show is not to be missed.”

The ROCKED exhibit will open to the public on December 8, 2011 in W Downtown’s fifth floor Living Room Bar & Terrace throughout the month of December. ROCKED will then travel to W Hotels across the country, starting with W Washington D.C. in February 2012, followed by W Seattle in March. For updated information on the ROCKED tour, please check out www.facebook.com/whotels.

"I appreciate the dedicated passion that W Hotels has shown for rising music talent and the variety of dynamic new acts they've brought to my camera in recent years,” said Rock. "I'm certainly excited about the terrific environment they have provided for this exhibition and the sheer size of some of the prints, normally only possible in my museum shows! I trust the viewers will enjoy ROCKED as much as I've enjoyed curating it.”

For more information on W Hotels Worldwide, please visit www.whotels.com or follow us on Twitter: @WHotels.

About Mick Rock

Often referred to as "The Man Who Shot the Seventies,” legendary rock and roll photographer Mick Rock is perhaps best known for his iconic images of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, Debbie Harry, the Stooges, Syd Barrett and Queen. He has also published a series of books including Glam: An Eyewitness Account (foreword by David Bowie) (Omnibus Books, 2006)), Picture This / Debbie Harry & Blondie (foreword by Debbie Harry) (Omnibus Books, 2004), and, most recently, Exposed – Faces of Rock n Roll (Chronicle Books, Autumn 2010). His recent subjects include Black Keys, The Gossip, Lady Gaga, Michael Stipe and Kate Moss. For more information, visit www.mickrock.com.