Mar 26, 2017

1960s Concert Posters - A Journey Pt.1



I've always been fascinated with the creative artwork and stunning visual effect of concert posters from the late 1960s. Psychedelic drugs, revolutionary ideas and new ways of thinking were everywhere - through the emerging pop culture and the up-and-coming music scene of the era.

This had a strong influence on the design aesthetic. The vibrant contrasting tones with vivid stripe effects, bold colors and weird, wild & wonky fonts. It stemmed from op art influences which were a hot & popular trend in the mid 1960s. This artwork not only helped to promote and advertise performers of the day but also reflected their music.

Here's a small but smokin' sampling of music concert posters from that time - mainly from the American West Coast.


"Bill Graham Presents The Fillmore" Concert Poster by Bonnie Maclean, October, 1967.



"Bill Graham Presents The Fillmore" Concert Poster by Bonnie Maclean, July, 1967.
"Big Brother & The Holding Company" Concert Poster by Joe Gomez
Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, November, 1967.


Dance Concert Poster by Bob Schnepf, Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, December, 1967.



The "Jimi Hendrix Experience" Poster, Fillmore East, San Francisco, 10th May, 1968.



"Moby Grape and Big Brother & The Holding Company" Concert Poster,
The Ark, Sausalito, CA, 4th November, 1967.



"The Who" Concert Poster by Rick Griffin, Hollywood Palladium, 13th June, 1969.




These last two aren't psychedelic concert posters but magazine covers which paid homage to the fashionable trend of the times.

Playboy Magazine Cover, December, 1967.



Lui Magazine Cover #49, France, January, 1968.