FD-40 Grateful Dead "Hippie Santa Claus" 1966 Avalon Ballroom Concert Poster. ...

Description

FD-40 Grateful Dead "Hippie Santa Claus" 1966 Avalon Ballroom Concert Poster. 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 is nicknamed "Hippie Santa Claus."

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.

Measures 14 1/4" x 20" and grades to Very Good condition. There's some grime and blemishing to the bottom ticket area, especially under "Hut." Otherwise just a little bit of extremely mild, no-harm creasing to the thick vellum paper, plus a tiny bump or two to the edges. Fairly strong toning throughout. COA from Heritage Auctions.

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