Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Homages to Wes Wilson

In Posters and Prints > Music and Concert Posters > Show & Tell.
Wes Wilson7 of 11When Janis met OtisThem and the Sons of Champlin at the Fillmore
3
Love it
2
Like it

ho2cultchaho2cultcha loves this.
aghcollectaghcollect loves this.
rniedermanrniederman loves this.
jojomangjojomang likes this.
lisalisa likes this.
See 3 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 13 years ago

    Belltown
    (241 items)

    Last weekend I purchased an old Fillmore Auditorium postcard (see photo on left) from my friend Ron. It is a smaller version of the poster created by Wes Wilson in November of 1966 for a show featuring the Grateful Dead, the James Cotton Blues Band, and Lothar & the Hand People.

    People often toss around the word "iconic" rather loosely when talking about rock posters, but this one definitely qualifies. Between the peace sign, the beautiful hand lettering, and the band names, it's a triple threat.

    It's also one of the most imitated images in rock. For example, in 2007, Gary Houston—whose work, in my mind, is a bridge between the old school stuff from the '60s and the best posters being produced today—created a poster for a Joss Stone show in Portland (see center photo). I like that deliberate homage to the original quite a bit, but the Gary Grimshaw poster created for a Spinal Tap show at the Warfield (see photo at right) "goes to 11."

    logo
    Music and Concert Posters
    See all
    Original Poster Elvis 28
    Original Poster Elvis 28"x14" Stuck...
    $204
    Grateful Dead Sting Las Vegas Original Concert Poster from 1993 Lizards In Sand
    Grateful Dead Sting Las Vegas Origi...
    $230
    TOOL Band Signed Autographed 2013 Concert Poster Sydney, AU Night 1 ADAM JONES
    TOOL Band Signed Autographed 2013 C...
    $162
    Grateful Dead Poster Vintage Tulsa, OK 1979 Original Rare Artist Signed 23X35
    Grateful Dead Poster Vintage Tulsa,...
    $325
    logo
    Original Poster Elvis 28
    Original Poster Elvis 28"x14" Stuck...
    $204
    See all

    Comments

    1. Mac Musick, 13 years ago
      We have all heard it said that imitation if a form of flattery but when does imitation become a rip off. I think Gary copied Wes. Wes might not mind and I don't really mind either but is this homage or copying? With all due respect to Gary's ability as an artist.

      Mac Musick
      Durango CO

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.