The Rolling Stones’ first ever major exhibition, Exhibitionism, delivered by DHL, will make its North American debut in New York City in November. Following its star-studded opening in London, which garnered rave reviews and drew huge crowds, Exhibitionism, will come across the pond to the iconic Industria Superstudio (775 Washington Street) in the West Village. Exhibitionism is the largest touring experience of its kind ever to be staged, and the first time in history the band has unlocked their vast private archive.
Exhibitionism tells the story of the most influential rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, allowing visitors to experience their incredible journey from their early days living together in a tiny flat to headlining the biggest stages in the world.
Originated and produced by Australian-based iEC Exhibitions! with the full participation of Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie, and curated by New York native Ileen Gallagher, this highly immersive and interactive exhibition explores the Stones’ extraordinary career with over 500 rare items. From their most cherished instruments, onstage and off stage clothes, valuable works of art and handwritten lyric books to personal diaries, recordings, unseen film and photos, a screening cinema and interactive recording studio that all culminates in an exciting and powerful backstage-to-onstage 3D concert experience.
“We’ve been thinking about this for quite a long time but we wanted it to be just right and on a large scale,” said Mick. “It’s not going to be like walking into a museum. It’s going to be an event, an experience. It’s about a sense of The Rolling Stones – it’s something we want people to go away talking about it.”
“While this is about The Rolling Stones, it’s not necessarily only just about us,” said Keith. “It’s also about all the paraphernalia and technology associated with a group like us, and it’s this, as well as the instruments that have passed through our hands over the years, that should make the exhibition unforgettable.”
Over the past 50 years, The Rolling Stones became, and have remained, one of the most culturally important acts in history. From the daring white dress worn by Mick Jagger in 1969, to the seminal Sticky Fingers (1971) album cover and iconic tongue and lips logo, The Rolling Stones have continued to break the boundaries of cultural norms over their incredible career.
“This was such a unique opportunity to collaborate with the band and get their insights into the project,” said curator, Ileen Gallagher. “The quotes on the wall and all of the text in the exhibition is in the voice of the band or people who work very closely with them. You’re actually having the band tell you what happened at the time.”
The original works of key collaborators who helped to make the band not just musical but cultural icons are also on show, including Andy Warhol, John Pasche, who designed the band’s iconic tongue logo, fashion designers Ossie Clark and Alexander McQueen, artist Shepard Fairey, producer Don Was, and film director Martin Scorsese.
Exhibitionism gives visitors a look back at the high points of the band’s career through a new film, with a high-octane soundtrack. It then steps back into the early days, to an amazing recreation of the Edith Grove flat that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones shared in 1962. The flat was located just off the King’s Road in London’s Chelsea neighborhood.
There is a recreation of a Stones recording studio complete with their original instruments, plus a “backstage” area to give fans a sense of what it truly feels like just before the band heads out on stage. A guitar gallery brings together examples of some of Keith, Ronnie and Mick’s prized instruments, including a rosewood Fender Telecaster and a Maton that Keith played on Let It Bleed, which famously disintegrated as he reached the final notes of ‘Gimme Shelter’.
Other unique items include the cassette player on which Keith famously sketched out the idea for ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’, just before falling asleep in a Florida motel room, Mick Jagger’s lyric book which features the hand written words for ‘Miss You’, ‘Hey Negrita’ and ‘Worried About You’, Keith Richards 1963 diary, and the toy drum kit that Charlie Watts used in the recording of ‘Street Fighting Man.’
“Exhibitionism is the ultimate experience for Rolling Stones fans but also for anyone interested in art and design, fashion, film and the artistry of music. The size and scale of Exhibitionism is unprecedented, and required a very large and unique venue space,” said iEC Exhibitions! Founding Director and Managing Partner Thea Jeanes-Cochrane.
Exhibitionism is the largest touring experience of its kind to be staged by any band or artist, and continues the Stones’ proud tradition of ground-breaking innovation combined with the highest production values.
Tickets for New York will go on sale to the general public in September. Register at stonesexhibitionism.com to be the first to receive more details.
DHL are the Presenting and Official Logistics Partner of Exhibitionism. As the world’s most international company, DHL will use the power of its global network to transport Exhibitionism to New York and beyond. DHL CEO Ken Allen said, “delivering over 500 rare and priceless artifacts on behalf of the band is both an honor and recognition of the company’s worldwide expertise. We’re truly delighted to play the dream role of ‘roadies’ and bring Exhibitionism to the fans.”
Jackson National Life Insurance® (Jackson®), a leading provider of retirement products, will serve as the official U.S. Sponsor. “For Jackson, sponsoring the exhibit is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the creative and age-defying journey of true rock-and-roll legends,” said Barry Stowe, chairman of Jackson. “By embracing the living legacy of the Rolling Stones, Jackson can connect on a deep emotional level with a generation that is defined by these very ideals. The Baby Boomers helped to usher in one of the most powerful eras of change and disruption in music, culture and philosophy. As a company focused on helping Baby Boomers plan for the next phase of their lives, we are pleased to be able to bring to North America this world-class exhibit focused on an artistic and cultural phenomenon that helped define and shape a generation.”
The Rolling Stones officially opened Exhibitionism, delivered by DHL, on April 5 at London’s Saatchi Gallery. It will run in London through September 4. Giving it a four star review, The Daily Telegraph called it, “The most magnificent multi-sensory barrage of Stones ‘stuff’ you’re ever likely to encounter.” The Guardian exclaimed it as, “genuinely jaw-dropping” with the Daily Mail adding that it is, “The most comprehensive and immersive insight into the band’s fascinating fifty year history.” Tickets for the London exhibition are on sale now at www.stonesexhibitionism.com.