This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/23/2023
An original paper concert poster advertising John, Paul, George and Ringo on their last-ever tour appearing at New York's Shea Stadium on Tuesday, August 23, 1966. This poster remains the king of the hobby and world-record holder for any price ever paid for a concert poster at auction, $275,000.
"The Beatles" and "Shea Stadium" are two sets of couplets that go together in pop culture like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers up through Jay-Z and Beyonce. Not only world-changing music, but entertainment history was made at Shea by the Fabs in 1965 and '66, and it's easy to see why: by stepping on stage at Shea, the Beatles faced an audience that probably exceeded all of their 279 appearances at Liverpool's Cavern Club combined - all in one night.
For their first appearance there in 1965, no advertising materials were needed. Word of mouth alone was enough to sell the place out 10 times over. Once New York DJs started mentioning it on the air, promoter Sid Bernstein just sat back and watched the ticket money roll in. Who needed to spend money on advertising? Concert posters were just an advertising expense back then, despite collectors' love for them today. They weren't created frivolously in the 1960's; they were produced only if needed.
While relatively simple and straightforward in presentation, at the same time this 1966 poster is a masterwork of charisma, color, type fonts, our heroes' faces and, of course, rarity. How many did Sid have printed up? Nobody knows. A couple hundred is a good guess, with a range ultimately of anywhere from 100 to 500.
This incredible poster is the even rarer paper version that was sold at the concert venue. Only one other specimen of this has ever surfaced publicly, making this even rarer than the cardboard counterpart.
This poster is in fair condition, having been framed there is slight discoloration and some rips.
Dimensions: approx 28 x 40 in.
An incredible specimen that is easily classified as the “Holy Grail” of posters.
Authentication: Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.