Introduction
The Alton Kelley "The Dead 2003" poster is a significant piece in the realm of rock art, showcasing the distinctive style of one of the most influential artists in the concert poster genre. Alton Kelley, in collaboration with his longtime partner Stanley Mouse, played a pivotal role in defining the visual aesthetics of the 1960s psychedelic rock era, and this particular poster is a testament to his enduring legacy.
Created for The Dead's 2003 New Years Eve run at the Oakland Coliseum, this poster is a vibrant homage to the Grateful Dead, a band synonymous with the psychedelic music scene. Kelley's design encapsulates the spirit of the band and its fans, known as "Deadheads," who revered the Grateful Dead for their improvisational style and eclectic sound. The artwork features classic Kelley elements: bold, fluid lines, and a fusion of psychedelic and Art Nouveau influences, resulting in an image that is both captivating and symbolic.
The centerpiece of the poster often includes iconic Grateful Dead imagery, such as the skull and roses, reinterpreted through Kelley's visionary lens. These elements are not just decorative but carry deep meaning for fans, symbolizing the band's themes of life, death, and rebirth. The use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns creates a sense of movement and energy, mirroring the dynamic and transformative experience of a Grateful Dead concert.
Key Features
- Artist: Alton Kelley
- Year: 2003
- Edition:
- Numbering: 170/900
- Signature: Signed by the Artist
- Dimensions: Approximately 19.75" x 26.75"
- Material: Fine Art Print with Archival Pigment Inks
- Venue: Oakland Coliseum
The Artist: Alton Kelley
Alton Kelley, born on June 17, 1940, and passing away on June 1, 2008, was a pivotal figure in the American counterculture art movement, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. He is best known for his work in creating iconic concert posters and album covers, primarily for the Grateful Dead and other San Francisco-based bands.
Kelley's journey into the world of art and rock 'n' roll was as unconventional as the imagery he created. Originally from Connecticut, Kelley moved to San Francisco in the early 1960s, immersing himself in the burgeoning Haight-Ashbury scene. It was here that he met Stanley Mouse, with whom he would form a legendary artistic partnership. Together, they became central figures in the psychedelic art movement, crafting visuals that defined the look and feel of the era.
Kelley's art often featured a blend of traditional American and Art Nouveau styles, infused with psychedelic elements. He had a knack for repurposing older images and styles, giving them a contemporary, countercultural twist. One of his most famous works, created with Mouse, is the "Skeleton and Roses" design for the Grateful Dead, which remains an enduring symbol of the band.
In addition to the Grateful Dead, Kelley designed posters and album covers for a myriad of other prominent artists and events, including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Monterey Pop Festival. His work was not just visually stunning; it also captured the spirit of the music and the cultural zeitgeist, making it resonate deeply with the audiences of that era.
The Tour:
The 2003 tour by The Dead, formerly known as the Grateful Dead, marked a significant moment in the band's history. After the passing of Jerry Garcia in 1995, the remaining members of the Grateful Dead had pursued various projects, but in 2003, they reunited for a tour under the name "The Dead." This tour was notable for bringing back together several core members of the Grateful Dead and introducing new elements to their sound and lineup.
Band Members: The lineup for The Dead's 2003 tour included several original Grateful Dead members and notable additions:
- Bob Weir (guitar, vocals)
- Phil Lesh (bass, vocals)
- Mickey Hart (drums, percussion)
- Bill Kreutzmann (drums, percussion)
- Jimmy Herring (guitar), known for his work with The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic
- Jeff Chimenti (keyboards, vocals), a veteran of Bob Weir's band RatDog
- Rob Barraco (keyboards, vocals), who previously played with Phil Lesh and Friends
- Joan Osborne (vocals), a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, added a new dynamic to the group as a lead vocalist.
Tour Cities and Venues: The Dead's 2003 tour covered a wide range of cities across the United States. While the exact tour schedule encompassed numerous locations, here are some key cities and venues where they performed:
- The Warfield in San Francisco, CA
- The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Charlotte, NC
- Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA
- Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY
This tour was marked by a mix of nostalgia and renewal, with setlists that included classic Grateful Dead songs as well as new material. The addition of Joan Osborne and other new members brought fresh interpretations to the band's storied catalog. The 2003 tour was a celebration of the Grateful Dead's legacy and an exploration of new musical directions, reaffirming the band's enduring influence and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of rock music.