Introduction
Step back in time to the San Francisco psychedelic scene of the 1960s with this captivating poster by legendary artists Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley, commemorating Quicksilver Messenger Service's electrifying performance at the Avalon Ballroom on September 9-10, 1966. This visually striking artwork captures the essence of the band's pioneering psychedelic rock sound and the vibrant energy of the era. With its swirling colors, intricate linework, and a touch of whimsical flair, this poster is a must-have for any fan of Quicksilver Messenger Service or collector of vintage concert memorabilia.
- Artists: Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley
- Year: 1966
- Edition: FD-25 RP-3
- Numbering: NA
- Signature: NA
- Dimensions: Approximately 14"x20"
- Material: Original Screen Print
- Venue: The Avalon Ballroom
The Artists: Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley
Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley's partnership began in 1965, when a chance encounter sparked a creative synergy that would forever shape the landscape of psychedelic art. Mouse, a skilled draftsman with a flair for the dramatic, brought his technical expertise to the forefront. Kelley, a visionary with a penchant for the surreal, infused their work with a dreamlike quality. Together, they formed Mouse Studios, a creative hub that became synonymous with the psychedelic poster movement.
The Band: Quicksilver Messenger Service
Quicksilver Messenger Service, a band formed in 1965, epitomized the spirit of psychedelic rock. Their music, characterized by its improvisational nature, its blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences, and its exploration of altered states of consciousness, resonated with the counterculture movement. The band's electrifying performances at the Avalon Ballroom, immortalized by Mouse and Kelley's poster, cemented their status as pioneers of the psychedelic era.
The Venue: The Avalon Ballroom
The Avalon Ballroom, a legendary venue in San Francisco, emerged as a sanctuary for the counterculture movement. Its psychedelic ambiance, pulsating with music and energy, provided the perfect backdrop for Mouse and Kelley's art. The Quicksilver Messenger Service 1966 Concert Poster, designed for their performances at the Avalon, became an emblem of the venue's transformative spirit, a visual representation of the era's rebellion, its rejection of conventional norms, and its pursuit of a more enlightened world.