Introduction
Take a captivating journey through the psychedelic artistry of the 1960s with the iconic poster designed by artist Wes Wilson for the band Them's 1966 San Francisco event. This poster is a vivid representation of the era's artistic fervor, encapsulating the essence of a transformative period in rock 'n' roll history. Join us as we delve into the creative brilliance of Wes Wilson, celebrated in this poster that stands as a testament to the spirit of the time.
Key Features
- Artist: Wes Wilson
- Year: 1966
- Edition: BG-12 RP-2
- Numbering: NA
- Signature: NA
- Dimensions:Approximately 14"x20"
- Material: Original Screen Print
- Venue: The Fillmore Auditorium
The Artist: Wes Wilson
Wilson wasn't your average graphic designer. He was a revolutionary force, taking the humble concert poster and transforming it into an electrifying canvas of counterculture rebellion and mind-bending visuals. Born in 1937 in Sacramento, California, Wilson's artistic journey started with philosophy and religion studies, but his true calling whispered in the vibrant streets of San Francisco in the mid-1960s.
He stumbled upon a copy of a poster by the Viennese Secessionist artist, Alfred Roller, and something clicked. Roller's bold lettering and intricate patterns resonated deeply with Wilson, who began experimenting with his own typographic alchemy. This newfound passion, coupled with the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene, became the perfect recipe for his artistic explosion.
Enter Bill Graham, the legendary rock promoter, who commissioned Wilson to design posters for his Fillmore Auditorium. This was where Wilson's genius truly took flight. He channeled the pulsating energy of bands like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, translating their music into visual vortexes of swirling colors, distorted figures, and cryptic symbols.
Wilson's posters weren't just advertisements; they were invitations to a different dimension. They were windows into the kaleidoscopic world of the Haight-Ashbury scene, where free love, mind-expansion, and questioning authority were the anthems. His iconic imagery, like the melting clock face for Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" or the skeletal hand grasping a flower for the Grateful Dead's "Skull & Roses," became instantly recognizable and forever etched in rock poster history.
But Wilson wasn't a one-trick pony. He also delved into album covers, creating masterpieces for bands like the Tubes and The Electric Prunes. His art wasn't confined to music either; he designed logos, flyers, and even clothing, leaving his psychedelic stamp on every medium he touched.
Sadly, Wilson passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists. His posters are not just nostalgic relics; they're vibrant testaments to a time when music and art collided to create a cultural revolution. Owning a Wes Wilson piece is like owning a piece of that revolution, a portal back to a time when anything seemed possible, and the only limit was your imagination.
So, next time you see a mind-bending concert poster, take a moment to appreciate the genius of Wes Wilson, the man who dared to paint the sounds of a generation and forever changed the way we see music.
The Band: Them
Them: Pioneers of Garage Rock and Van Morrison's Launchpad
Emerging from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1964, the band Them burst onto the music scene with their raw, energetic sound, a blend of garage rock, blues, and R&B. Fronted by the charismatic and enigmatic Van Morrison, Them quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances and their unique blend of musical influences.
The Early Years: R&B Roots and the Birth of "Gloria"
Them's early repertoire was heavily influenced by R&B and soul music, with covers of songs by artists like James Brown and Ray Charles dominating their setlists. However, it was their original composition, "Gloria," that catapulted them to international recognition. Released in 1965, "Gloria" became an instant hit, its raw energy, catchy melody, and Morrison's impassioned vocals capturing the spirit of the emerging garage rock scene.
The Venue: The Filmore Auditorium
The Fillmore Auditorium was a legendary venue that played a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant counterculture movement of the 1960s. Located in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, the Fillmore became a beacon for the city's burgeoning psychedelic rock scene, hosting countless iconic performances by some of the most influential bands of the era.
Established in 1965 by legendary rock promoter Bill Graham, the Fillmore was a former movie theater transformed into a pulsating hub of musical energy. Its intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of just over 2,500, created an electrifying connection between the performers and the audience, fostering a sense of community and shared experience that resonated deeply with the counterculture ethos.
The Fillmore's roster of performers was a who's who of 1960s rock legends. From the psychedelic pioneers of Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead to the blues maestros of Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, the Fillmore stage hosted a diverse array of talent that reflected the era's eclectic and rebellious spirit.
The Fillmore's impact extended beyond its musical offerings. The venue became a cultural epicenter, hosting poetry readings, political rallies, and other events that fueled the social and political movements of the time. It was a place where activism and art converged, where music and free expression reigned supreme.