This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/1/2020
The Beatles extremely rare, original, one-of-a-kind cardboard concert poster for their last ever show, which took place at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada on August 17, 1966. It is our understanding that only a few of these posters, perhaps just one or two, were originally produced to be hung up at the venue. It is also our understanding that this is the actual poster that hung behind the Fab Four during their press conference at the Hot Stove Lounge, which was held during the same day as the concert. This is the only poster that we are aware of to have surfaced since the concert.
This poster had been hastily made as the promoters were having difficulty in filling the venue, and it was thought this would help sales. During the press conference John Lennon and the rest of the Beatles were asked repeatedly about his alleged claim a few months prior that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus - something that Lennon and the band had said for months was not what he had meant. Regardless of the political climate going into the show, it was a bittersweet and monumental affair for their last show ever in Canada. The beginning of the end. If you remember hearing the music clearly that day then you probably weren’t there because the volume of screaming fans had drowned out the music. This was a big factor, which led the Fab Four to stop touring and conclude that their musical mission would be better executed in the studio by creating albums. This was a pivotal point in the Beatle's legacy.
The poster from the Lounge was taken home by a security guard who kept it for many years and later sold it to his neighbor when he moved. The poster was subsequently sold to a private collector around 2006, and this is the first time it is being offered to the public.
Measures 14 x 22. Overall very good condition, with some wear, the colors are strong and vibrant. For further details on condition please contact us at info@gottahaverockandroll.com or 212-750-7900. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.