EXHIBITIONISM – THE ROLLING STONES, Delivered by DHL
SYDNEY, NOVEMBER 2018
#STONESISM
The Rolling Stones’ first ever major exhibition, Exhibitionism, delivered by DHL, will make its Australian debut in Sydney in November, 2018. Following its star-studded London season, which garnered rave reviews and drew huge crowds, Exhibitionism was secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in conjunction with iEC Exhibitions! and TEG Live.
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!, led by directors Tony Cochrane and Thea Jeanes-Cochrane, Exhibitionism has the full participation of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood. This highly immersive and interactive exhibition explores the Stones’ extraordinary career with over 500 original items, spanning fashion, art, film and recordings. 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 culminate into 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.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said the exhibition was making its way around the world and would arrive in Sydney in 2018.
“We’re pleased the greatest rock band of all time has selected Sydney as the only Australian stop on the global tour of their exhibition. It’s a great endorsement for Sydney as Australia’s number one event capital and we look forward to hosting Exhibitionism at the new International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney,” Mr Baird said.
Minister for Major Events and Tourism Stuart Ayres said, “We have a proven track record in hosting world-class events and expect this exhibition will attract thousands of people to Sydney and deliver an estimated $35 million to the local economy.”
TEG Chief Executive Officer Geoff Jones said Exhibitionism would be a forerunner in the entertainment sector where lifetime experiences that could be shared are a major drawcard.
“The Rolling Stones have such longevity and an enduring fascination as cultural icons, so the audience appeal is almost unlimited,” said Jones. “When we first discussed this concept with Destination NSW we all knew there would be many people who would instantly say it was a ‘must see’ event.
“I think iEC have developed an exceptional touring experience and I commend Destination NSW and the Major Events Minister Stuart Ayres for their support in making this happen in Sydney.”
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.
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.”
Tommy Hilfiger is the official apparel sponsor for Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones. Tommy Hilfiger said, “The Rolling Stones was one of the first bands I fell in love with as a kid, and their music has remained a huge source of inspiration for me. Throughout my career, I’ve always looked for ways to blend fashion and music, and our sponsorship of Exhibitionism is another incredible opportunity to fuse our two worlds.”
Exhibitionism will open at ICC Sydney in November, 2018.
Click here to sign up for tickets and more information.
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About TEG Live
TEG Live has a mission to connect people and brands through exceptional live content in four distinct genres; music, sport, family & theatre and exhibitions. TEG Live is a part of the TEG Group, Australasia’s leading Ticketing, Live Entertainment and Data Analytics Company. TEG includes Ticketek, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Analytics, TEG Rewards, Softix, Qudos Bank Arena & Eventopia. TEG, formerly known as Nine Live when a part of the Nine Entertainment Co, became an independent company in August 2015 under the ownership of Affinity Equity Partners.
About iEC Exhibitions!
iEC is an international entertainment, exhibitions and special events company based out of London and Australia. iEC EXHIBITIONS! specialize in the concept creation, design, production and touring of unique international travelling exhibitions. iEC Directors have produced and promoted over 400 sporting and entertainment events worldwide. To date, selling in excess of 25 million tickets. Over the next five years, iEC EXHIBITIONS! will have further global touring exhibitions making their way around the world.
For more information:
iEC Website: http://iecons.com.au
iEC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iECons
iEC Twitter: https://twitter.com/iECons
About DHL
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. DHL’s family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 325,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including e-commerce, technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 56 billion euros in 2014.
About Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is the official apparel sponsor for Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones.
“The Rolling Stones was one of the first bands I fell in love with as a kid, and their music has remained a huge source of inspiration for me,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Throughout my career, I’ve always looked for ways to blend fashion and music, and our sponsorship of Exhibitionism is another incredible opportunity to fuse our two worlds.” Hilfiger has previously sponsored the Rolling Stones’ acclaimed ‘No Security’ tour in 1999. For Exhibitionism, Tommy Hilfiger has designed a limited-edition Hilfiger Denim capsule collection of graphic t-shirts and custom jackets adorned with Rolling Stones imagery and the band’s iconic logo.
London Review Quotes
“an exceptionally well curated exhibition with an immaculate attention to detail.”
Mashable
“Exhibitionism is a dream come true.”
NME
“a staggering show…”
BBC Radio 6
“the Rolling Stones exhibition gives us plenty of Satisfaction.”
Londonist
“All fifty four years of the Stones rock ‘n’ roll history is laid out in this sprawling retrospective. The costumes they wore, the guitars they played, and the global brand they created.”
BBC, News at Ten
“It is incredible – even if you’re not a Rolling Stones fan this will blow your mind!”
ITV – Good Morning Britain
“The Rolling Stones are the ultimate subject for a blockbusting new rock ‘n’ roll exhibition.” Metro