Mick Jagger backstage at the Forum, Los Angeles, California 1972 | All images © copyright and courtesy Jim Marshall Photography LLC

Since I know next-to-nothing about photography and famous photographers, I had never heard of Jim Marshall before I stepped into the new The Rolling Stones 1972, Photographs by Jim Marshall exhibit. (Obviously, though, I had heard of the Stones). Luckily, guest curator Michelle Dunn Marsh was on hand to tell me all about Jim, share details of the photos, and just generally amaze me.

EMP’s Curatorial Director Jasen Emmons helped it all come together by providing a history of the band—and to compliment Marshall’s photos with a lovely centerpiece from the museum’s collection: the original artwork for Exile on Main Street, which is unbelievably awesome.

But enough about that; let’s get to the actual PHOTOS. There are so many to gawk over! I spent a long time looking at each one, and probably still didn’t really SEE everything. Candid snaps of The Stones backstage, images of the band performing (in like, the best. outfits. ever. Eyelet jumpsuit, anyone?), and a few publicity photos: one of my favorites being Mick in a Palace Laundry tee. I swear to you, hipsters are going to walk into that exhibit and pass out because Mick was setting style trends for them before they were even born.

As a bonus, you get to look at all these amazing photos while grooving to some great tunes. Basically, I could have stayed there all day—and next time, I will.

{The Rolling Stones 1972, Photographs by Jim Marshall | EMP Museum | July 14, 2012-January 6, 2013 | Included in regular admission price of $20/$18 online} 

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in performance, 1972 | All images © copyright and courtesy Jim Marshall Photography LLC