Offered here is an actual original first printing of one of the most historic psychedelic rock posters in music history. This is the first printing of the graphic advertising poster that was used to promote a pair of rock music and light shows featuring the Jimi Hendrix Experience & Sly & The Family Stone (who was not listed on the poster, but performed both shows) and the Joshua Light Show. These shows took place on May 10, 1968 at Bill Graham’s Fillmore East in New York City. This famous poster has a psychedelic theme well-suited for the band led by the musician Jimi Hendrix, arguably the most legendary electric guitarist in rock and roll history. On May 10, 1968 two shows were held at the Fillmore East, rock promoter Bill Graham’s concert venue in Manhattan, during the absolute peak of Hendrix’s meteoric albeit short-lived performing career. The unique yet classic artistic rendering of Jimi Hendrix image was created by artist David Byrd. Byrd remains one of the most respected and celebrated poster artists in rock history. This poster is the 7th image in the Bill Graham Fillmore East series, and is prominently featured in the iconic music poster book “The Art Of Rock” as Plate 2.90. As the exclusive designer for the Fillmore East, Byrd produced 11 posters for Bill Graham between 1968-71. With his architectural training, powerful linework and sense of dimension and balance, Byrd said his understanding of symmetry… Led [me] right up to Art Nouveau. Add to that my LSD experiences, and it all connected up somehow. Byrd’s credits include concert poster designs for Jimi Hendrix, the Who, the Grateful Dead, movie posters for Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar, posters for The Pasadena Playhouse productions, cover art for TV Guide, and work for Warner Bros. David Byrd used a drop-bow compass to draw the little circles, and he labored to get Hendrixs hair Just right. Hendrix was at the height of his career in mid-1968, and he did two shows for the one-night-only concert. Sly & the Family Stone, not mentioned on the poster, was the second band. Just starting to get airplay, Sly was relatively unknown and was heckled by a crowd that couldnt have cared less who was opening up for Hendrix. A few internet quotes about the 1968 concerts that this first printing of this promotional poster heralded. Mid 1968 is arguably the best possible time to have caught Hendrix in concert. He was playing at his most joyful and carefree, and the trappings of success haven’t yet taken a toll on his mental health. He was also developing at an incredible rate during this time and beginning work on the Electric Ladyland album, which would find him experimenting more than ever before. This set catches Hendrix in a very comfortable and playful mood and engaging in humorous dialogue with the audience. At one point, someone yells Take off your hat, Jimi! ” to which he replies, “I’ll take off my hat if you take off your pants! Amidst cheers and laughter from the audience. The item “Jimi Hendrix Experience 1st Print 1968 Bill Graham Fillmore East Concert Poster” is in sale since Tuesday, December 10, 2019. This item is in the category “Entertainment Memorabilia\Music Memorabilia\Rock & Pop\Artists H\Hendrix, Jimi\Posters”. The seller is “carnivalcollectibles” and is located in Running Springs, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Size: 14″ x 22″
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Original/Reproduction: Original