September 2012

Famous Rose Bowl Rock Poster

Just a follow up to the famous rose bowl rock poster that was sent to us for an appraisal.  It occurred to me that you may not have been able to appreciate this at the image size I had posted it earlier.  So, here it is in all its glory!

Well, i did receive some more information on this art work and the artists. The artists of this famous rose bowl rock poster are VanHamersveld and Schnef.   The year (1968) and that it’s in the Art of Rock Series #3.71 for those following closely – this ACTUALLY is a handbill / postcard not the full poster. The full poster looks to be in the neighbor hood of around $1,200.00 (mint condition)Famous Rose Bowl rock poster

Handbills are not as valuable as a rule of thumb. But, there is a Dave Clark Five at the Melodyland Theater handbill I saw recently that was worth $1,575.00.

Wow! thats a rare piece – you can see it here:

The Dave Clark Five Handbill

Many nice selection of handbills, postcards, posters and much rock and roll memorabilia to peruse there, as well.

Anyway, back to our American Music Show poster.  After further investigation these artists (it must have been a collaboration) John Van Hamersveld and Bob Schneph  both have a body of work in the psychedelic concert poster design category and no telling what else.

I will be doing even MORE R&D on these guys and this famous Rose Bowl rock poster…for I still do not have a value  I can come back to the seller with.  They own 30 of these from an estate sale and are willing to let them go – but for what price?  More to follow for sure on our “mysterious” new psychedelic artifact.  Garsh, I would really like to talk to some one who was at this famous rose bowl rock concert…it looks like a whopper.  If your old enough to recognize the acts on this bill  then YOU KNOW it  was around 1968 when it took place.

over & out, for now.

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Concert Poster Design

Concert poster design certainly did not originate in the 1960’s. But , I would say that between the years 1955-1971 were the golden years of famous rock concert posters. Early on (if your old enough to remember) posters for events such as wrestling, boxing and musical events were very mundane and predictable. They were usually just a 2 color printing job and plastered on telephone poles near stop lights. For the times, this type of  concert poster design was exciting and caught your eye. Very bold and you got the message quick.

However, if you compare the posters of music, sports, and other events of the time…they all had a similar formula.  Also, they were cheap to produce.  Therefore you could print in high quantity to get the message out.  Most of them had this same look and feel as the James Brown poster featured here.

I have a sentimental feeling for these type of posters (from a graphics artist /historical viewpoint).   But, when you realize the multitude of posters produced with the same elements it was over kill and kind of boring after a while.  These type of 2-3 color events posters were produced mainly in the 1950’s. Concert poster design would get turned on it’s ear during the next decade.  No more restrictions on color – no more stamped out clones of posters.  There will be a revolution of art and music coming in the 60’s.

The type of original music created (mainly to compete with the British Invasion, a la “The Beatles”) would bring a new creative and colorful posters to represent it.  Also, notable artists, cartoonists and graphics people were on board for this art explosion.  Speaking of which, i just had a nice hand bill sent to me for apprasial.

Wow, it is nice.  I cant say that ive ever seen this particular piece for  “An American Music Show At The Rose Bowl”  I can tell you it must have been some event in 1968 with the muscial line up that was presented.  Joan Baez, The Byrds, Big Brother & The Holding Co. – the list goes on and on.

This looks to be from an underground cartoonist to me. But, I cant place it.  Anyone have a clue? If you have any info on this postcard/handbill or this event send me something back on it.  I am currently doing some research on this concert poster design and would welcome some advice info or help.

Keep On Truckin’ !!

 

 

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