Forever 27 exhibition showcases iconic images of ill-fated rock stars

Including Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix

4 August 2008 16:03 GMT / By Verity Burns

Proud gallery in Camden has announced its new exhibition, Forever 27 - a portrait of the infamous "27 Club".

The 27 Club was the nickname given to the group of ill-fated rock stars who died at the age of 27. The exhibition will feature iconic images of five of the Club's members, from a collaboration of renowned rock photographers.

Out of over 30 musicians, Proud Camden has chosen Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones and Kurt Cobain for the exhibition, each of whom will be depicted through both iconic and never before seen images in an attempt "to shed fresh light on their short lives and mysterious, untimely deaths".

Whilst Brian Jones, founding member of the Rolling Stones drowned in a swimming pool in 1969, the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix overdosed on sleeping pills in 1970, just months before singer Janis Joplin also overdosed on heroin. Doors frontman Jim Morrison followed, dying in mysterious circumstances in 1971 and most recently Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s notorious singer and songwriter, committed suicide in 1994.

The exhibition will showcase work from some of the best music photographers in the world, including Elliott Landy, Phil Townsend, Steve Double, Jill Gibson, Gered Mankowitz and the late Joel Bordsky.

The launch night is to be held on August 20th, with the exhibition running from 21st August to 12th October.