A Brief History of Concert Posters

The History of Concert Posters: A Visual Journey Through Music

Concert posters have long been an integral part of the music industry, serving as both promotional tools and artistic expressions. From their humble beginnings as simple handbills to the elaborate and collectible works of art they are today, concert posters have evolved alongside music itself, reflecting the changing styles and trends of the times.

Early Pioneers: The Golden Age of Posters

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a golden age of poster art, with renowned artists like Toulouse Lautrec, Jules Chéret, and Alphonse Mucha creating iconic works that captured the essence of the burgeoning music scene. Lautrec's posters for the Moulin Rouge, featuring dancers and performers in vibrant colors and bold lines, epitomized the era's artistic exuberance. Chéret's posters for Parisian cabarets, with their graceful women and playful scenes, captured the spirit of the Belle Époque. Mucha's theatrical posters, with their stylized figures and intricate patterns, became synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement.

These early poster artists employed a variety of techniques to create their works, including lithography, chromolithography, and woodcut. Lithography, a process of printing images from stone, allowed for mass production and widespread distribution. Chromolithography, a more complex process, enabled artists to incorporate multiple colors into their designs. Woodcut, a technique of carving images into wood blocks, produced bold and striking results.

The posters of these early pioneers served not only to advertise upcoming performances but also to establish the identities of performers and venues. They helped to shape public perception of music and its role in society, elevating it from a mere form of entertainment to an art form worthy of serious consideration.

The Rise of Rock and Roll: A New Era of Concert Posters

The advent of rock and roll in the 1950s ushered in a new era of concert posters, characterized by a bolder, more graphic style. Artists like Wes Wilson, Victor Moscoso, and Rick Griffin embraced the rebellious spirit of rock and roll, creating posters that were as electrifying as the music they promoted. Wilson's iconic posters for the Fillmore West, featuring psychedelic swirls and bold typography, became synonymous with the San Francisco music scene of the 1960s. Moscoso's posters for the Fillmore West and Avalon Ballroom, with their intricate patterns and whimsical imagery, captured the essence of the psychedelic era. Griffin's posters for bands like the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Janis Joplin, with their dynamic compositions and expressive use of color, became symbols of the counterculture movement.

These poster artists drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Art Nouveau, pop art, and the psychedelic movement. They employed a range of techniques, from hand-drawn illustrations to photomontage and collage, to create their unique and innovative designs. Their posters were not just promotional materials; they were works of art that reflected the social, cultural, and artistic currents of the time.

Collectable Treasures: The Rise of Concert Poster Collectibles

As the years progressed, concert posters evolved into highly sought-after collectibles, with some fetching impressive prices at auctions. Posters from legendary bands like the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd command top dollar, with rare and original examples sometimes selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

In the 1970s, the first dedicated concert poster galleries began to emerge, providing a platform for collectors to buy, sell, and appreciate these unique works of art. The rise of the internet in the 1990s further expanded the market, allowing collectors from around the world to connect and share their passion for concert posters.

Today, the market for concert posters is thriving, with a diverse range of collectors seeking out posters from various eras, genres, and artists. Original posters from the 1960s and 1970s remain highly sought-after, but contemporary posters are also gaining popularity, reflecting the continued vitality of the music industry and the enduring appeal of concert posters as artistic expressions.

Notable Examples of Valuable Concert Posters

The world of concert posters is filled with iconic and valuable examples, each with its own unique story and significance. Here are a few notable examples. These are considered by many as Holy Grails for collectors:

• Grateful Dead - Avalon Ballroom, 1966: This psychedelic masterpiece by Rick Griffin is considered one of the most iconic concert posters of all time. Its original printing can fetch over $20,000.

• Led Zeppelin - Fillmore West, 1969: This vibrant poster by Wes Wilson captures the raw energy of Led Zeppelin's early performances. Its original printing can sell for over $10,000.

• Jimi Hendrix - Winterland, 1968: This bold and colorful poster by Victor Moscoso epitomizes the psychedelic era.

Conclusions

Concert posters have played a significant role in music history, serving as visual chronicles of the industry's evolution. From the iconic works of early poster artists to the diverse creations of modern designers, concert posters continue to captivate and inspire music lovers worldwide. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to capture the essence of music and its power to connect people from all walks of life.