The Decade that Rocked! Photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss

ICONIC 80’S ROCK & ROLL PHOTOGRAPHER MARK “WEISSGUY” WEISS FOR A SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE LATE 70’S AND 80’S ROCK MUSIC SCENE

“THE DECADE THAT ROCKED” – THE ROCK & ROLL PHOTOGRAPHY OF MARK “WEISSGUY” WEISS FEATURES ARTISTS SUCH AS

BON JOVI, OZZY OSBOURNE, GUNS N’ROSES, LED ZEPPELIN, AEROSMITH, VAN HALEN & MUCH MORE!

Preview Party Friday March 17th 6-8pm

Weiss will appear live at Gallery 725 on Saturday, March 25 6-8pm and Sunday, March 26 1-4pm to greet fans and talk about the history behind his classic photographs.  He will also team up with artist Michal Pellicone for a live demonstration of embellishing a large photograph on canvas with paints to create a one-of-a-kind collectible.

 Mark Weiss, was a 14-year old kid from New Jersey when he made a deal with a neighbor to cut his lawn in exchange for a 35mm camera. Thus began a lifelong journey of rock & roll mayhem that continues to this day.  While in high school, Mark would sneak his camera into concerts, paying off security guards to get him closer to the stage.  Mark developed the prints in his parent’s bathroom to sell the next morning out of his school locker and then in front of the concert venue that night.  When KISS came to New York City in 1977 for a 3-day stint, Mark was arrested outside of Madison Square Garden for selling his photos for a buck a piece.  After spending the night in jail, his peddling days were over. A week later, Weiss walked into the offices of Circus Magazine, the leading rock publication at the time, with his portfolio.  Circus published Weiss’s photo of Steven Tyler of Aerosmith in their October 1978 issue.  Within a few months he became a major contributor to the magazine and then a full-time staff member, shooting covers and features.  

 His connections with the bands and their managers led to album cover shoots including the famous Bon Jovi “Slippery When Wet” cover and more.  In the 90s Weiss shot album covers for CMC records that included George Thorogood, Cinderella, Lynyrd Skynyrd to name a few.  Weiss is also credited for introducing Zakk Wylde to Ozzy Osbourne and introducing Sebastian Bach to Skid Row.  

In late 2015, Weiss’s photos filled Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre as his photography was showcased on the theatre walls during the entire run of the musical “Rock of Ages.”  In February 2019, Saturday Night Live included Mark’s photo of Joan Jett in a comedy sketch featuring the cast with Halsey.  Weiss has also published several books including his bestselling book “The Decade That Rocks” featuring endorsements from artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Steven Adler (Guns N’Roses) and Ace Frehley (KISS).