FD-40 Grateful Dead "Hippie Santa Claus" 1966 Avalon Poster Signed by Victor Moscoso, Graded 9.2. ...

Description

FD-40 Grateful Dead "Hippie Santa Claus" 1966 Avalon Poster Signed by Victor Moscoso, Graded 9.2. First-printing San Francisco concert poster for the Grateful Dead, Steve Miller Blues Band and Moby Grape playing at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, December 23 & 24, 1966. Known as FD-40 in the Family Dog numbered series, this poster was designed by Victor Moscoso and has been signed by him, in pencil, in the lower left margin, mirroring his printed signature on the other side.

Nicknamed "Hippie Santa Claus," this popular poster was awarded a stocking-stuffer 9.2 Near Mint Minus grade by CGC (the Certified Guaranty Company). Measures 14 1/4" x 20". COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Being Christmas week, it's only fitting that Moscoso's primary colors were red & green. The central image features a devilish Santa Claus (complete with horns) looking like he's seeking out children who were naughty rather than nice. A solid triple bill of Bay-Area rock bands enhance this piece's popularity.

This show was for Chet Helms' Family Dog; the following weekend, the Dead would play their very first New Year's Eve show for Bill Graham over at the Fillmore, continuing to divide their loyalties between the two Bay-Area promoters.


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