July 12 marks 50 years since ¬†The Rolling Stones¬†made their first live performance, the anniversary of one of the greatest bands in history. Sydney’s¬†Blender Gallery is currently showcasing an extensive retrospective of stunning images from some of rock & roll‚Äôs finest photographers – an extensive archive that celebrates the legendary band across many decades.

The Rolling Stones are one of the greatest rock and roll bands in the world Рwith universal appeal, their sound is identifiably their own, and their story is unique Рultimately it’s hard to believe that the Stones have been rocking for 50 years!!

Established in London in 1962, their first official line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bassist) and Charlie Watts (drummer). Their first album, the self-titled “The Rolling Stones” was released in 1964.

Since then they have released 29 studio albums, 12 live albums, 30 compilation albums, and over 100 singles. Everyone knows at least one Stones tune and this is what defines them as one of music’s most influential and significant bands of all time.

To coincide with the milestone – a new book has been launched by Thames & Hudson, and a documentary is set for release in November 2012.

rollingstones.com // blender.com.au  // previous post on MICK ROCK photography at Blender featuring Debbie Harry, David Bowie and more РHERE

EXHIBITION RUNS UNTIL JULY 28, 2012

All images remain (c) copyright of respective photographers and are available for sale from Blender Gallery, Sydney.

IMAGES from top // Keith Richards Deplanes, 1972 (c) Ethan Russell // Keith Richards & Ron Wood, Los Angeles CA 1979 by Henry Diltz // Keith Ricard & Pattie Hanson, NYC 1981, (c) Lynn Goldsmith

IMAGES ABOVE // Mick Jagger, London, 1964 (c) Terry O’Neill //¬†Keith Richards ‘Patience Please’ 1972, (c) Ethan Russell //¬†The Rolling Stone ‘Star’ 1968, (c) Ethan Russell //¬†Mick Jagger, Ringmaster Circus, 1968, (c) Ethan Russell //¬†The Rolling Stones, Tin Pan Alley, 1963 (c) Terry O’Neill