REVIEW: Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones Exhibit

The Rollings Stones’ mobile museum and event Exhibitionism has rolled into Sydney and already has proven a hit with media and baby boomers eager to get a vicarious view of the phenomena that are the Stones.

Covering 50 years from 1962 when they were bunking down in a London bedsit to the massive 2013 Glastonbury show Exhibitionism follows the arc of a nascent blues band evolving into the ‘Greatest Show On Earth’ who created a soundtrack which follows our lives.

Featuring over 500 items from the deeply personal to an insight into the huge machinery that goes into putting the Stones on stage.

This is not a standard static museum set but a highly engaging and at times interactive event.

Entering a time lab the events opens with an enormous video wall introducing us to the Stones as they begin their rise around England and eventually to the United States.

Another room opens shrine like with Charlie’s first professional kit bought on hire purchase.

We get to see Keith’s personal diary, Mick’s handwritten lyrics and a mock up of an early studio.

Then there are the costumes and clothing from Carnaby Street to their record breaking world tours, artwork for tour posters and record covers.

Guitar freaks won’t be disappointed as on show are Keith’s early Harmony axes, his famous Telecasters and Gibsons and Ronnie Wood’s custom disk faced Zemaitis.

Bring plenty of plastic as the merch at the end will prove irresistible.

Until Feb 3. ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney. $15-$36.50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.iccsydney.com.au

Reviewed by John Moyle