Introduction
Among the vast array of Dead & Company concert posters, AJ Masthay's creation for the band's 2017 Boulder, Colorado performance stands out as a true masterpiece of psychedelic art. This vibrant and intricate poster perfectly captures the spirit of the Grateful Dead's music and the energy of their live shows.
Masthay, a renowned artist known for his bold and colorful style, seamlessly blends elements of psychedelic imagery, nature, and the Grateful Dead's iconic iconography to create a visually captivating composition. The poster's central focus is a skeleton, a recurring motif in Grateful Dead artwork, adorned with vibrant flowers and dancing amidst a swirling array of colors. The background features a mountainous landscape, reminiscent of the picturesque surroundings of Boulder, Colorado.
Masthay's use of vivid colors and intricate details draws the viewer into the poster's psychedelic world. The skeleton's vibrant floral adornments symbolize the band's enduring legacy and its ability to connect with fans on a deep, personal level. The mountainous backdrop represents the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, adding a sense of place and time to the poster.
Key Features
- Artist: AJ Masthay
- Year: 2017
- Numbering: 500/650
- Signature: Signed by the Artist
- Dimensions: Approximately 18" x 24"
- Material: 9 Color Linoleum Block Print
- Venue: Folsom Field
The Artist: AJ Masthay
In the realm of rock and roll posters, AJ Masthay has been of the bright emerging artists, having created iconic visuals for some of music's most revered acts. His work is characterized by its bold, psychedelic style, which perfectly captures the spirit of the bands they represent.
The Band: The Dead & Company
Dead & Company is an American rock band that formed in 2015. The band is made up of former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir (guitar and vocals), Mickey Hart (drums), and Bill Kreutzmann (drums), along with John Mayer (guitar and vocals), Oteil Burbridge (bass, percussion, and vocals), and Jeff Chimenti (keyboards).
Dead & Company primarily performs Grateful Dead covers and is credited with popularizing Grateful Dead music to a younger audience. The band is known for its long, improvisational live sets, which are often described as being “jam band”-style. Dead & Company has been praised for its ability to capture the spirit of the Grateful Dead, and its concerts have been described as being “like being transported back in time.”
The band has released two studio albums, "Dave's Picks Volume 2" (2016) and "Live/Dead" (2019). Dead & Company has also released a number of live albums, including "Live from Madison Square Garden" (2015) and "Live from the Hollywood Bowl" (2017).
The band has headlined numerous sold-out tours, and it has been estimated that Dead & Company has played for over 3 million fans since its inception. The band is one of the most popular live acts in the world, and it continues to attract new fans of all ages.
The Venue: Folsom Field
Nestled in the heart of the University of Colorado Boulder campus, Folsom Field holds a special place in the hearts of Dead Heads worldwide. Since 1972, this iconic stadium has hosted numerous legendary Grateful Dead concerts, cementing its status as a hallowed ground for music lovers and jam band enthusiasts.
Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Folsom Field, Dead Heads are immediately transported to a realm of shared passion, camaraderie, and musical bliss. The stadium's vast expanse, capable of accommodating over 50,000 spectators, forms a natural amphitheater, amplifying the electrifying sounds that emanate from the stage. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Rocky Mountains, the air crackles with anticipation, the collective heartbeat of the crowd pulsating in unison.
The stage, bathed in an array of psychedelic lights, transforms into a portal to another dimension, a canvas upon which the Grateful Dead paints their sonic masterpieces. Jerry Garcia's soaring guitar riffs intertwine with Bob Weir's soulful vocals, creating an intricate tapestry of sound that washes over the crowd. The rhythm section, anchored by Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, lays down a pulsating groove that sets the stage for musical exploration.
As the music swells, the crowd erupts in a sea of dancing bodies, their arms raised in unison, their voices blending in a chorus of joy. The boundaries between performer and audience dissolve, creating a shared experience that transcends the ordinary. The music becomes a unifying force, connecting individuals from all walks of life into a single, vibrant community.
For Dead Heads, Folsom Field is more than just a concert venue; it is a sanctuary, a place where they can shed their inhibitions and immerse themselves in the transformative power of music. The stadium's rich history with the Grateful Dead has woven a deep connection between the band and its fans, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and unite generations of Dead Heads.
Whether it's the thrill of witnessing a jam band legend or the simple joy of sharing in the collective experience, Folsom Field holds an undeniable allure for Dead Heads worldwide. It is a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of the Grateful Dead lives on.