Today, a salute to the artistry of the late Alton Kelley, who passed away on June 1st. He and Stanley Mouse created some of the most memorable psychedelic poster art, album jackets and more during the late 60’s in San Francisco.
I knew them rather well, and once had quite a collection of their posters. All I have left is the magnificent KMPX “Family Radio” poster.
Here are some tunes played by artists who were featured on the posters for the Avalon Ballroom as early as the summer of 1966.
Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band: “Abba Zabba”
Oxford Circle: “Foolish Woman”
Big Brother and the Holding Company: “Light is Faster Than Sound”
Quicksilver Messenger Service: “Smokestack Lightnin’” (rare early live version)
Sir Douglas Quintet: “The Rains Came”
Jefferson Airplane: “Tobacco Road” (-Takes Off, with Signe Toly Anderson on vocals)
The Great Society: “White Rabbit” (Live version, with Grace Slick)
Grateful Dead: “Sitting On Top Of The World” (Early live version- 1966)
Sopwith Camel: “Cellophane Woman”
13th Floor Elevators: “Roller Coaster”
Jim Kweskin’s Jug Band: “Viola Lee Blues” (Geoff Muldaur, vocal)
Country Joe and the Fish: “Bass Strings”
Many of these and other posters can be found at http://www.wolfgangsvault.com.
Now, some stuff at random:
Steve Miller Band: “Children of the Future”
Pearls Before Swine: “Uncle John”
Frumious Bandersnatch: “Hearts to Cry”
Kaleidoscope: “Keep Your Mind Open”
Mystery Trend: “Johnny was a Good Boy”
Love: “August”
Salvation: “Think Twice”
Fever Tree: “San Francisco Girls”
Mad River: “Amphetamine Gazelle”
the Misunderstood: “I Can Take You To The Sun”
The Chocolate Watchband: "No Way Out"
H.P. Lovecraft: "Electralent"
The Family Tree: "Live Your Own Life"
Thanks for listening- see you in two weeks-
Stay Groovy!
Larry Miller
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