Janis Joplin / Big Brother 1968 Original FE-1 Handbill Designed & Signed by Joshua White....

Description

THE VERY FIRST ADVERTISING FOR BILL GRAHAM'S FILLMORE EAST

Janis Joplin / Big Brother 1968 Original FE-1 Handbill Designed & Signed by Joshua White. An original B&W concert flyer for opening night at Bill Graham's Fillmore East, before it had adopted that name, featuring Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company appearing for one night only (two shows) on Friday, March 8, 1968. "Bill Graham Presents In New York," it says across the top, and the venue named is the Village Theatre, before it became the Fillmore East.

This handbill is the very first piece of paper ephemera for Graham's new venue. It was designed by Joshua White, who ran Graham's light shows at the F-East. White created this to intentionally have what's called in designer's circles as a "distressed" look. It's from White's personal collection, and he's signed it at the bottom. There are only two of these known in collector's circles, so it's very rare.

To any BG completest, this piece represents a 'set breaker,' just as the Appeals I flyer (Graham's first music production) is for the west coast. So this is a rare chance to pull down an extraordinarily elusive flyer for the Grand Opening of the Fillmore East. Measures 8 1/2" x 11" and grades to Near Mint Minus condition. From the Jacaeber Kastor Collection. COA from Heritage Auctions.

Literature: See Kastor, Jacaeber and Lemke, Gayle, The Art of the Fillmore 1966-1971, Acid Test Productions, Petaluma, CA, 1997, p.109 (illus.).

More Information: When this flyer was made, Graham intended to keep the operating name "Village Theatre," but as soon as these flyers were posted, the previous party who had operated the Village objected and made a fuss. Bill pragmatically decided ‘Fillmore East' was a better name anyway, and the rest is history. Soon after when he moved operations in San Francisco from the original Fillmore location to the Carousel Ballroom, he christened it the Fillmore West. So the naming of the Fillmores hinged around this flyer.

With the new name decided on, Joshua White enlisted his friend and collaborator Charles Brandon to do the better-known postcard and poster version for the event, using Linda Eastman photos of Big Brother. (The pair had worked together on other, previous events where Brandon did the art and Josh did the lights.)

One has to love the press quotes given at the bottom of this flyer, raves about Janis Joplin from both the Village Voice and New York Free Press. Although the band had just commenced recording Cheap Thrills, featuring "Piece of My Heart," it would be six months before the world discovered those, so this San Franciscan gal had to be "sold" to the New York audience.

Condition details: Handbill has just a little bit of edge crumpling at the top right and bottom right, and general (in uneven in places) toning throughout, on both sides.


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.