This is a poster for a concert featuring The Velvet Underground, The Grateful Dead, and The Fugs, held on February 7, 1969, at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The event included two performances, with shows at 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM. The poster, printed on goldenrod-colored paper with red ink, measures approximately 10 x 16.25 inches.
The design reflects the vibrant countercultural aesthetic of the late 1960s, with swirling, hand-drawn typography and whimsical illustrations filling the space. The poster prominently announces the lineup, beginning with “Grateful Dead,” followed by “The Fugs” and “The Velvet Underground.” Above this, a playful message from the “Solar System Light and Power Co.” invites attendees to “Launch” into an unforgettable experience, tying into the psychedelic theme of the era.
The lower portion of the poster lists ticket prices ranging from $3.50 to $5.50, providing accessible entry points for fans. The chaotic yet structured layout, along with its bold use of color and imagery, captures the experimental energy of the featured acts and the cultural moment.
This event brought together three groundbreaking groups, each influential in their own right: The Velvet Underground’s avant-garde edge, The Grateful Dead’s psychedelic improvisations, and The Fugs’ radical, satirical style. The poster, with its artistic design and historical significance, serves as a unique artifact of a moment when diverse musical genres and cultural ideas converged on a single stage.