June 7, 2009
As with album cover art (and yes, I mean ALBUM. As in Record album. Vinyl. 33 1/3 and all that fun stuff), the posters and flyers that bands, venues, and concert promoters work up to advertise upcoming shows tell stories. They reflect the pop culture of the times in which they were made, or of the subculture they represent.
Yes, that was me all those years ago at the famed Fillmore West, staring open-mouthed at the gig posters hanging on the walls. Yes, that was me with the gumption to ask for a VIP pass — not to meet the band. Who cared about them when there were these amazing posters on the walls?? I could meet the band some other time. I couldn’t drink in this amazing history when the band next played at Generic Center.
Yep, for real. I’d have traded meeting some of my musical heroes for the artwork hanging on the walls. Can you blame me?
I’ve found two cool ways to do make up for the lack of VIP pass that night.
First is a website. It’s called Gig Posters, and I totally need to spend time there. Lots of time.
And secondly, check OUT this cool new movie!
American Artifact Movie is all about, they say, concert posters. The history. The new renaissance of gig posters.
If you’re going to be West of Mars, or thereabouts, anytime this summer, on a lesser scale, The Warhol Museum will be hosting the Warhol Live exhibit. This is all about the influence that music and dance had on the artist’s life. It’s not nearly as sexy as gig posters, but … it’s live. And it gives me an excuse to try to not get lost on Pittsburgh’s North Side…
Sandy
June 8, 2009 9:42 pm
Seems I always have questions when I make my rounds here. When I clicked on your name from my blog (remember I added you to my blog log …linky love), the page I went to was not this one, and in fact I could find no place to leave a comment. There was a large empty space…perhaps something’s not working right? It was about a cool shirt, which is what’s listed as your most recent blog post on my blog roll. So, then I clicked on your twitter and am following you there; but the button needed for reply, or leave a message to you there doesn’t seem to be activated. However, the url there for your webpage brings me here…where I’m leaving you a comment.
Then for a 2nd question, unrelated. I just joined Technorati, but haven’t been able to get the code for the little widget you have…There are many others. Took me about 4 days to join, as I kept getting a message sorry there account functions weren’t working, so I’m figuring it’s an extension of that. I can see it, the widget that is on their site; but the code is only partial visible and is not clickable to do a cut and paste? Ideas?
Thanks
Sandy
Sandy’s last blog post..Mission San Carlos Borrome’o de Carmel, Traveling in California
koe whitton-williams
June 9, 2009 6:46 am
Susan – the gig posters are fantastic. I need a quick equity infusion in order to have about 25 of those headed this way. Amazing stuff. Thanks for posting this.
koe whitton-williams’s last blog post..fourteen threadless needles #3
Jennifer
June 9, 2009 9:27 am
We go to the Fillmore sometimes and they still hand out posters to the crowd. And sitting upstairs before the show is quite an education — the posters really are amazing.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Beware of Estonians bearing basil *recipe not included
Carol
June 9, 2009 1:35 pm
We haven’t been to the Warhol Museum in years. We keep talking about it, just never make it. This would be a great excuse.
spyscribbler
June 9, 2009 4:05 pm
You’re blogging. Okay, for some weird reason, I keep LOSING your blog, LOL! I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I really do like you. 🙂
spyscribbler’s last blog post..In The Works
Bumbles
June 9, 2009 9:16 pm
Thanks for the link to that soon to be released film – looks totally cool. My hubby still buys posters at concerts – picked up a neat one from the ABB at the Beacon this past March. Skipped one from Phish @ Fenway – the choices weren’t all that great which was a bummer.
Bumbles’s last blog post..ON BLOGGING ~ Blogging Quest…
susan
June 10, 2009 3:24 pm
Hey, my pleasure! Keep us updated on it; I’d love to see the film.
Shelley Munro
June 10, 2009 5:30 am
Some of the posters are amazing. I’m glad I’m not the only one who kept losing your blog. 🙂
Shelley Munro’s last blog post..Recipe for a Prize-Winning Novel
Alice Audrey
June 12, 2009 1:19 pm
I love the artwork from the 60’s. Not so much Warhol, but the Haight-Ashberry scene. Yeah.
Alice Audrey’s last blog post..Suzie’s House 120: Comes Around