This is a two-sided handbill from the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, California, promoting shows on May 27th, 28th, and 29th, 1966. Measuring approximately 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, this handbill captures the innovative and psychedelic aesthetic of its era. The artwork, created by Wes Wilson, features bold, swirling typography that matches the design of the iconic BG8 poster.
Printed on green paper, the handbill is a visually striking representation of 1960s counterculture. The front highlights the event details, showcasing Andy Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable featuring The Velvet Underground and Nico, along with The Mothers of Invention. It captures the spirit of the avant-garde multimedia performances that blended music, visual art, and film.
What sets this particular version apart is its double-sided format. The reverse side features a Los Angeles Times review of one of Andy Warhol’s earlier events. Written by Kevin Thomas and dated May 5, 1966, the article, titled “A Far-Out Night with Andy Warhol,” describes the captivating experience of Warhol’s artistic fusion of sound, visuals, and performance. It offers insights into the era’s cultural landscape and Warhol’s revolutionary approach to live entertainment.
This green handbill not only serves as a historical artifact of a groundbreaking event but also embodies the ethos of the 1960s artistic and musical revolution. It is a vivid snapshot of the collaboration between Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground, marking their contributions to the evolution of modern art and music.
