Concert Poster Sale

Classic Poster Auctions event live April 30

The April 2015 Classic Poster Auctions event, featuring an entire section of CGC-graded rare and unusual posters and handbills, started Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. MDT. A link to the entire auction can be found here: Classic Poster Auctions

With more than 300 lots in all price ranges, Classic Posters has something to offer everyone interested in psychedelic concert posters. Here are just a few highlights from the CGC section of the sale:

This is a rare poster, used for a two-day show in San Diego. The BG-202 was printed only once and it is one of the keys to the BG series. The reason behind the rarity of this poster is unknown, but it probably stems from a lack of distribution in the San Diego area.

Despite the efforts of collectors to find a hidden stash of these, they remain elusive and are offered for sale only occasionally. Classic Poster Auctions sold a slightly lesser example in a September 2014 sale that realized $2,234.

Size: 14" x 22" CGC-graded: Near Mint / Mint 9.8; Signature Series Notes: Essentially flawless. Signed by Randy Tuten on 10/25/14. The yellow label signifies that the poster was signed in the presence of a CGC witness and that the autograph is guaranteed by CGC. Estimate: $2,500–4,500

This Grateful Dead poster was designed by Wes Wilson and rendered in an art deco style. Appearing on the bill alongside the Dead is Chicago blues legend James Cotton, as well as Lothar and the Hand People. This poster was printed several times, but this piece is from the original first printing known as BG-38-OP-2 in Eric King’s guide.

Size: 13½" x 21¼" CGC-Graded: Near Mint Plus 9.6; Signature Series Notes: Other than a very small (and very light) spot on the back where something splashed on the poster, we see no defects. This poster was signed by Wes Wilson on 10/25/14 in the presence of a CGC witness. Estimate: $1,500–2,500+

With the rise in popularity of Jimi Hendrix, Bill Graham used the more spacious Winterland instead of The Fillmore to hold this concert. Rick Griffin and Victor Moscoso designed the poster and it is one of two designed in this style (the other is the BG-141/Iron Butterfly poster). This poster features the “trademark” scarab that Griffin included in many works. It was so popular that it was printed twice. This poster is an original pre-show printing and it is quite scarce.

Size: 14" x 21" CGC-Graded: Near Mint/Mint 9.8 Notes: As nice as an example as we have seen. Estimate: $1,500–2,500

With its swirling, flaming letters, this Wes Wilson design captured the essence of the typical dance concert. Headlining the show was The Association. The band had recently released the single, "Along Comes Mary," which hit No. 7 on the Billboard charts and led to the release of the group’s first album later in the year. A song from that album, Cherish, became the first No. 1 hit for The Association.

Size: 14" x 20" CGC-Graded: Very Fine / Near Mint 9.0 Notes: Handling along the right edge includes two small bumps that resulted in a pair of eighth-inch edge tears. Estimate: $1,000–2,000

This is a very scarce original, first print Family Dog poster designed by Victor Moscoso for The Doors. The design is tastefully done in almost neon colors that seem to vibrate when viewed. Due to the popularity of this poster, it was reprinted in the '60s and later bootlegged. Printed prior to the show, this piece is the real deal.

Size: 14" x 20" CGC-Graded: Near Mint 9.4

Notes: Despite a couple of very light handling marks, this poster looks dead Mint from the front. Estimate: $750–1,250+