A Look Back at Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch, From Beastie Boy to Filmmaker
The passing of Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch hits hard because he was so young — only 47 years old — but also because he managed to pack that short lifetime with so many indelible accomplishments and outlandish experiences. Vulture has put together a photo slideshow of some of MCA’s best moments; click through to relive Yauch’s amazing journey, from his early days with the Beasties and Run DMC, all the way up to his more recent triumphs as an independent film producer and activist.


On Eighteenth Street, in New York.

With Keith Haring at Madison Square Garden.
Photo: ? Chase Roe / Retna Ltd./? Chase Roe / Retna Ltd.
At the Palladium in Los Angeles, during the Licensed to Ill tour.



At the 29th Annual Grammy Awards.
Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd.

During the "She's On It" video shoot.
Photo: Josh Cheuse / RetnaAt a portrait session in New York.
Photo: Catherine McGann/2008 Catherine McGannAt the MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: Jeff KravitzAt the MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/@2005 Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.comAt the MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/@2005 Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.comPerforming.
Photo: Mick Hutson/Mick HutsonAt the Amnesty International Awards.
Photo: KMazurIn Paris, France.
Photo: BERTRAND GUAY/2004 AFPAt the KROQ Weenie Roast.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/2004 Getty ImagesFilming a video in New York.
Photo: New York Daily News Archive/2004/Daily News, L.P. (New York)At the MTV2 Presents: A LIFEbeat Benefit.
Photo: John ParraAt the Live Earth London show.
Photo: Dave Hogan/2007 Getty ImagesAt the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/2010 Getty Images