An extremely rare first-printing of John Van Hamersveld’s classic concert poster advertising a February, 1968 show by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Soft Machine, Electric Flag and Blue Cheer at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles (illustrated in The Art of Rock as plate # 3.72). This highly sought after poster is in excellent condition, with no restoration, and the faintest hint of toning found on nearly all examples.

Often cited as the greatest of all Hendrix concert posters, this classic has been reprinted four times.  First printings, made before the show and used for advertising, are distinguished by the white background behind Hendrix’s head and the absence of a distribution credit in the lower left corner (second printings, made soon after the show, have a silver background).  “J. Van Hamersveld” is printed in the lower right corner.

This was a poster fans thumb tacked or taped to their 60s bedroom walls, and majority of the copies that have survived exhibit wear (or restoration),  fading to the blue/orange areas, and toning to the square behind Hendrix’s head.  This exceptional example is in superb condition, with no wear or restoration, no fading, and the faintest, barely discernible bit of even toning to the white background–in person it looks creamy white.

The poster is custom framed using archival acid free materials, and has been inspected outside the frame (see photographs).  The surface is in excellent condition, with no issues other than a tiny printing flaw to the bottom center edge, which is covered by the matte (see photos).  The back exhibits the usual toning, but none is visible on the front. Poster: 19 1/2″ x 27 5/8″. Frame: 26 1/2″ x 34 1/2″.

One of the nicest example we’ve seen in nearly 50 years. With Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity.  (Because of this poster’s tendency to fade, we strongly suggest the purchaser display it out of direct light).