Back in Time Today
Get ready to embark on a colorful journey through the world of vintage concert posters! This collection of 20 iconic images transports us back to the golden age of live music, where each poster captures the essence of its time and the legends who graced the stage.
These visual masterpieces not only announced the shows but also became lasting pieces of art, worthy of admiration and preservation.
From psychedelic swirls to minimalist elegance, these posters tell stories of musical history and artistic innovation. Join us as we explore these treasures that deserve a place in any museum.
1. The Beatles at Shea Stadium (1965)
The Beatles’ legendary performance at Shea Stadium in 1965 remains etched in music history. This poster, minimal yet powerful, encapsulates that monumental moment.
With its simplistic design, bold text, and imagery of the iconic stadium, it draws the viewer back to the height of Beatlemania. The muted colors reflect the era, while the large illustration of the crowd evokes the energy and excitement of the concert.
It stands as a timeless piece, capturing the essence of the 1960s and the seismic impact of The Beatles on pop culture.
2. Janis Joplin with Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967)
Bonnie MacLean’s work on the 1967 poster for Janis Joplin with Big Brother & the Holding Company is a visual feast. Bold colors and expressive fonts bring the energy and emotion of Joplin’s performance to life.
The poster is drenched in the aesthetics of 1960s counterculture, featuring psychedelic art elements that symbolize the era’s rebellious spirit.
This piece stands as an unforgettable representation of a groundbreaking artist and a testament to the power of visual art in amplifying the music’s emotional resonance.
3. Bob Dylan at the Hollywood Bowl (1965)
Bob Dylan’s 1965 concert at the Hollywood Bowl is celebrated through a poster that embodies elegance and simplicity. The muted colors and clean lines create a minimalist aesthetic that foreshadows modern gig art.
This design reflects Dylan’s enigmatic and introspective nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the music’s depth. It’s a timeless piece that captures a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career and the evolution of concert poster art.
As a precursor to contemporary designs, it stands as a bridge between the past and the present, honoring Dylan’s enduring legacy.
4. Jimi Hendrix at Fillmore East (1968)
Vibrant colors and swirling patterns perfectly capture the essence of Jimi Hendrix’s legendary 1968 performance at Fillmore East. This psychedelic poster is more than just an announcement; it’s an artistic expression of Hendrix’s electrifying presence.
The abstract art elements, coupled with a prominent guitar motif, mirror the innovative and boundary-pushing nature of his music.
As viewers gaze upon this visual masterpiece, they are transported to a world of auditory and visual delight, where art and music intersect in a kaleidoscope of creativity.
5. The Grateful Dead at Avalon Ballroom (1966)
The Grateful Dead’s 1966 performance at Avalon Ballroom is immortalized through a poster that defies conventional design. Wes Wilson’s iconic trippy lettering dances across the paper, reflecting the music’s essence and the counterculture spirit.
The vibrant colors and surreal imagery perfectly encapsulate the San Francisco Sound, a fusion of rock, blues, and psychedelia.
This poster not only marks a moment in musical history but serves as a testament to the artistic revolution of the 60s, where music and visual art intertwined to create a new cultural language.
6. The Doors at Whisky a Go Go (1966)
Before The Doors became legends, they performed at Whisky a Go Go in 1966, captured in a poster that radiates anticipation and raw energy. The dark, moody colors and bold fonts reflect the band’s edgy and enigmatic aura, standing on the cusp of fame.
This design embodies the 1960s vibe, where music was a force of change and rebellion. It’s a snapshot of a pivotal moment when The Doors were set to break through, leaving an indelible mark on rock history and visual art alike.
7. Led Zeppelin at the Fillmore West (1969)
Led Zeppelin’s 1969 performance at the Fillmore West is immortalized in a fiery red and black poster that screams intensity. The dynamic fonts and bold design elements symbolize the band’s larger-than-life presence and legendary status.
This poster is not merely an announcement but a visual representation of the raw power and energy that defined Led Zeppelin’s live shows. It stands as a testament to a concert that became legendary, echoing through time as one of rock’s most unforgettable moments.
8. Pink Floyd at UFO Club, London (1967)
Pink Floyd’s 1967 performance at the UFO Club in London is encapsulated in a poster that feels otherworldly. With its underground, spacey vibe, the design immerses viewers in the psychedelic journey that defined Pink Floyd’s early years.
The visual elements are a tribute to the 1960s counterculture, where art and music collided in a cosmic dance.
This poster transports us to a time of experimentation and discovery, where Pink Floyd began their journey to becoming one of rock’s most innovative and influential bands.
9. Jefferson Airplane & Grateful Dead at Fillmore (1966)
In 1966, rock titans Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead collided at Fillmore, captured in a vibrant poster designed by Stanley Mouse. The psychedelic art bursts with color, reflecting the revolutionary spirit of the times.
This piece is a harmonious blend of two iconic bands, their music and message intertwined in a visual symphony.
It represents a moment when music was more than sound, becoming a movement that challenged norms and inspired change. The poster remains a timeless artifact of artistic and musical collaboration.
10. Velvet Underground & Nico at The Boston Tea Party (1967)
The 1967 poster for Velvet Underground & Nico at The Boston Tea Party is a striking homage to Warhol-style pop art. Bold colors and avant-garde elements capture the experimental and boundary-pushing nature of both the band and the era.
This piece is more than a concert announcement; it’s a visual reflection of the band’s artistic ethos and cultural impact. As viewers explore the design, they are drawn into a world of innovation and rebellion, where art and music dared to defy convention.
11. The Rolling Stones at Oakland Coliseum (1969)
The Rolling Stones’ 1969 concert at Oakland Coliseum is captured in a bold poster that oozes rock ‘n’ roll attitude. With strong fonts and rebellious energy, it embodies the essence of a band that defined a generation.
The design reflects the raw, untamed spirit of the era, where music was a symbol of freedom and defiance. This poster is more than just memorabilia; it’s a statement of identity and a testament to The Rolling Stones’ enduring legacy as pioneers of rock.
12. The Who at Monterey Pop Festival (1967)
The Who’s explosive performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival is immortalized in a dynamic poster that captures the British Invasion’s impact on California. The vibrant colors and energetic design elements reflect the spirit of a band that lit up the stage with unparalleled intensity.
This piece is a celebration of a moment when worlds collided, music transcended borders, and The Who cemented their place in rock history. It’s a visual tribute to a festival that shaped the future of live music.
13. Nirvana at the Roxy (1991)
Before “Smells Like Teen Spirit” catapulted Nirvana to fame, their 1991 performance at the Roxy was captured in a raw, indie-style poster. The grunge elements and minimalist design reflect the band’s unpolished, authentic vibe.
It’s a snapshot of a moment when Nirvana was on the brink of changing music forever, embodying the spirit of the underground scene. This poster serves as a reminder of a time when music was raw, real, and ready to redefine the boundaries of rock.
14. The Clash at Bonds International Casino, NYC (1981)
The Clash’s 1981 performance at Bonds International Casino in NYC is captured in a poster that epitomizes punk ethos. The urban, gritty design and rebellious energy reflect The Clash’s anti-establishment stance and musical influence.
It’s a visual representation of a band that challenged norms and inspired a generation to question authority. This piece is more than just a concert announcement; it’s a call to action, a tribute to the power of music as a force for change and a testament to The Clash’s enduring impact.
15. B.B. King at Fillmore Auditorium (1967)
B.B. King’s 1967 performance at Fillmore Auditorium is celebrated in a poster that blends blues soul with psychedelic style. The rich, colorful design and soulful elements reflect the depth and emotion of King’s music.
This piece is a testament to the power of blues as a foundational genre that influenced rock and psychedelia. It’s a visual homage to a legendary musician and a reminder of a time when music brought people together in celebration of authenticity and expression.
16. Cream at Fillmore West (1968)
The 1968 poster for Cream at Fillmore West is a bold celebration of pop art and psychedelic culture. The trippy Cream logo and vibrant colors capture the band’s groundbreaking sound and artistic vision.
This piece is more than a concert announcement; it’s a visual expression of a moment when music and art were intertwined, pushing the boundaries of creativity. The design invites viewers to explore a world of imagination and innovation, where Cream left an indelible mark on the music scene.
17. Elvis Presley at Louisiana Hayride (1955)
Before fame enveloped him, Elvis Presley’s 1955 performance at Louisiana Hayride was captured in a poster that echoes rockabilly roots. The vintage country-style design and nostalgic elements reflect a time when Elvis was on the brink of becoming the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
This piece is a time capsule, transporting viewers to an era where music was evolving, and Elvis was leading the charge. It’s a visual testament to his humble beginnings and the impact he would soon have on the world.
18. Talking Heads at CBGB (1977)
The 1977 poster for Talking Heads at CBGB embodies the spirit of new wave cool with its minimalist, DIY-style design. The stripped-down aesthetics and new wave elements reflect a time when music was breaking free from convention, embracing creativity and innovation.
This piece is a celebration of a band that helped define a genre, capturing the essence of a movement that redefined the music landscape. It’s a visual reminder of a time when CBGB was more than a venue; it was a cultural institution.
19. David Bowie at Hammersmith Odeon (1973)
David Bowie’s 1973 farewell as Ziggy Stardust at Hammersmith Odeon is immortalized in a glam-inspired poster that bursts with color. The bold design elements and vibrant aesthetics reflect Bowie’s larger-than-life persona and artistic genius.
This piece is more than just a concert announcement; it’s a celebration of a moment when Ziggy Stardust bid farewell, leaving an indelible mark on music history. It’s a visual homage to a legend who redefined glam rock and inspired countless artists.
20. Patti Smith at Max’s Kansas City (1974)
Patti Smith’s 1974 performance at Max’s Kansas City is captured in a poster that echoes her raw, poetic essence. The stark design and punk elements reflect Smith’s artistic spirit and influence on the music scene.
This piece is a testament to a time when punk was more than a genre; it was a cultural revolution, and Patti Smith was at its forefront. The poster serves as a visual reminder of a moment when music and poetry collided, leaving a lasting impact on artistic expression.