FD-38 Janis Joplin/Big Brother & Holding Co. 1966 "Swirling Eyes" Avalon Ballroom Concert Poster Graded 9.6. ...

Description

FD-38 Janis Joplin/Big Brother & Holding Co. 1966 "Swirling Eyes" Avalon Ballroom Concert Poster Graded 9.6. First-printing San Francisco concert poster for Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin, the Oxford Circle and Lee Michaels playing at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, December 9 & 10, 1966. Known as FD-38 in the Family Dog numbered series and nicknamed "Indian with the Swirling Eyes," this poster was designed by Victor Moscoso and graded a shagadelic 9.6 Near Mint Plus by CGC (the Certified Guaranty Company). Measures 14 1/4" x 18". COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: For his central image, Moscoso took the joint-smoking American Indian from the Family Dog logo and went to town with him. The hypnotic red & blue swirls throughout the poster certainly played into the LSD aesthetic that was prevalent on the scene.

Following these two nights of concerts, Big Brother would travel to Los Angeles on Sunday and record their debut Mainstream Records album, Big Brother and the Holding Company, over the next three days, December 12-14. So we certainly know exactly what they sounded like on this occasion ("Down on Me").

Davis, CA-based Oxford Circle are best known for being the opening act on the Grateful Dead's famous FD-26 "Skeleton & Roses" concert poster from 10 weeks earlier. And Lee Michaels was still a couple of years away from making career headway with A&M Records, eventually releasing the Top 10 hit "Do You Know What I Mean."


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.