The Gotta Have Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction Winter 2021

Lot #284:

Bob Dylan & Joan Baez Original 1965 Concert Handbill

One of the iconic images of the folk era featuring the two most important voices of their generation is this Toulouse-Lautrec inspired poster designed by artist and fellow folk musician, Eric Von Schmidt, a friend of both Dylan and Baez. From the book Positively 4th Street: "Eric attempted to design the illustration & lettering in such a way that neither Baez or Dylan would appear to outshine the other. Joan appeared first (if you're looking left to right) but Dylan appeared higher, so they were each given equal prominence, equal billing." His stylized "VS" can be seen in the lower left corner of this mesmerizing work of art. The Richard Waterman photograph serving as the basis of Von Schmidt's design is published in "Positively 4th Street" by David Haju. The extreme scarcity of the poster can be attributed to the fact that it was utilized for only ten eastern U.S. tour stops between late February and late March, 1965. We are aware of only one known venue printed version of this poster; that being for the November 6, 1965, concert at Connecticut's New Haven Arena. This series of shows marked the "beginning of the end" of the working relationship between Dylan and Baez. Both Dylan and Baez were a huge star of the Folk Scene. Joan's feelings were hurt because she would introduce Dylan every night and he would then join her onstage yet he never reciprocated. Soon after their professional and personal relationship ended and the two would not perform together for another 10 years. This was a mere four months before the Newport Folk Festival when Dylan played electric for the first time in public and was booed, effectively ending the Folk Zenith. Very Good condition. Measures 5.5" x 8". Good condition. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.