Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol and Nico 1966 New York City Concert Poster. ...
Description
WHERE THE HIPPEST OF THE HIP MET IN GREENWICH VILLAGE
Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol and Nico 1966 New York City
Concert Poster. An original cardboard window card advertising
the most cutting-edge and avant-garde act in town, Andy Warhol with
the Velvet Underground and Nico, performing at the Open Stage in
New York's Greenwich Village district in April of 1966. Notice how
this is the East Coast version of Bill Graham's BG-8 poster at the
Fillmore in San Francisco, even down to the words "Exploding
Plastic Inevitable." However, this was very much an East Coast
phenomenon, happening concurrently with the West Coast's crazy acid
tests.You have to love the simplicity of this boxing-style concert poster, because the affair it was advertising was about as psychedelic and far-out as you could get in 1966. Just like the acid tests, these were multi-media affairs with music, light shows, dancing, movies and "more movies!" Warhol-produced, of course. It was a presentation ahead of its time, but both Warhol and the VU went on to become solid legends in their genres, giving this rare poster terrific gravitas.
This first-ever Heritage offering measures 13 7/8" x 22" and grades to restored Very Good plus condition. From the Archives of Charlie Rothschild. COA from Heritage Auctions.
More Information: Charlie Rothschild is a music manager with a career that spanned decades. In his early career, Charlie booked musical acts at Gerde's Folk City in Greenwich Village, most notably Bob Dylan in September 1961, Dylan's first paid gig in New York City. He went on to work for renowned manager Albert Grossman (Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Janis Joplin). As a manager, touring manager and concert promoter himself, Charlie worked alongside folk and rock 'n' roll greats Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground, Gordon Lightfoot, Judy Collins, Peter, Paul & Mary, Allen Ginsberg, Ian & Sylvia, The Clancy Brothers, Odetta, The Fugs and Pearls Before Swine, among others. Charlie also ran the storied 1960's New York City music venue Balloon Farm, before going out on his own in 1972.
Condition details: Chameleon Restoration addressed a few edge and corner issues, touching up any printing or color where necessary, mending pinholes, eradicating surface blemishes and greatly reducing any creasing it might have had. The result is a wonderfully satisfying piece with little or no evidence of past damage. There does remain one tiny nick down on the bottom edge, straight down from the "LI" in "Lightworks." There's no material missing, just a nick that turned up the tiniest amount of top paper.
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.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid (minimum $49) per lot.
This lot is in: 2 -
Signature® Floor Session - Concert Posters (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 26058-26240) - 2:00 PM Central Time, Friday, November 7, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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