Taz Tibetan Freedom Concert Washington D.C. 1998 Concert Poster
$250.00
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the 1988 Tibetan Freedom Concert with this captivating silkscreen concert poster by legendary artist Taz. This iconic artwork captures the essence of the concert's message of solidarity and support for the Tibetan people's struggle for freedom and cultural preservation. Featuring bold typography, vibrant colors, and a powerful central image, this poster is a true collector's item, perfect for any music enthusiast, art lover, or supporter of human rights.
Jim Evans, better known as Taz, is an American poster artist and graphic designer who has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. His distinctive style, characterized by bold graphics, vibrant colors, and a touch of psychedelia, has captured the essence of countless bands and concerts, making him one of the most celebrated poster artists of all time.
Early Days and Artistic Influences
Born in San Diego, California, in 1947, Taz developed an early interest in art and music. He was drawn to the vibrant underground comics scene of the 1960s and 70s, where he began creating posters for local bands. His work quickly gained recognition for its originality and energy, and he soon found himself collaborating with established musicians and venues.
Breakthrough and Collaborations with Legendary Musicians
Taz's breakthrough came in the 1970s when he began working with Bill Graham, the legendary promoter of the Fillmore West and Fillmore East concert halls. Taz created iconic posters for numerous Fillmore shows, featuring bands like The Grateful Dead, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. His work helped to define the visual aesthetic of the San Francisco rock scene and cemented his reputation as a master of the concert poster art form.
Born from the Beastie Boys' 1994 Lollapalooza Tour, the Tibetan Freedom Concert series emerged as a powerful force in the fight for Tibetan independence. This socio-political music festival, inaugurated in 1996 in San Francisco, featured a stellar lineup of musical icons, including The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Björk, Smashing Pumpkins, and Rage Against the Machine. The inaugural event drew an impressive 100,000 attendees and raised over $800,000 for Tibetan and social justice causes.
Subsequent concerts, held until 2003, continued to showcase an array of renowned artists, including Pavement, Biz Markie, Richie Havens, Sonic Youth, Beck, Foo Fighters, The Fugees, The Skatalites, and Yoko Ono/Ima. These concerts played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about the Tibetan independence movement, particularly among younger generations, and contributed to the global expansion of the Students for a Free Tibet organization.
The Milarepa Fund, the organization behind the Tibetan Freedom Concerts, was initially established to distribute royalties to Tibetan monks whose music was sampled on the Beastie Boys' 1994 album "Ill Communication." Co-founded by Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch and social activist Erin Potts, the Milarepa Fund transcended its initial purpose to become a driving force behind the Tibetan Freedom Concert series, transforming music into a powerful tool for social change.
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, commonly known as RFK Stadium, was a multi-purpose stadium in Washington, D.C., originally named District of Columbia Stadium when it opened in 1961. It was located near the Anacostia River and the D.C. Armory, approximately two miles east of the U.S. Capitol building. The stadium was notable for being one of the first major stadiums designed to host both baseball and football, utilizing the circular "cookie-cutter" design.
RFK Stadium was home to various sports teams, including a National Football League (NFL) team, two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, five professional soccer teams, two college football teams, a United States Football League (USFL) team, and hosted a range of events like NFC Championship games, MLB All-Star Games, World Cup matches, the 1996 Summer Olympics soccer games, MLS Cup matches, and numerous concerts and other events.