This poster promotes The Velvet Underground’s performance at The Paramount Theater in Springfield, Massachusetts, on January 9, 1970. Sharing the bill were Fat and Barry T & The Studebakers. The event was presented by The Woodrose and featured lighting by Captain Video. Designed by artist Steve Nelson, the poster measures approximately 10.5 x 17 inches and captures the essence of the band’s evolving identity during the early 1970s.
The design prominently features black-and-white photographic portraits of the band members, arranged in a four-square grid. Each member’s photo exudes a raw and introspective quality, offering a glimpse into their individual personas. The stark monochromatic palette and bold typography give the poster a minimalist yet striking appearance, aligning with the band’s avant-garde aesthetic.
Below the portraits, the event details are clearly listed in a clean, modern typeface. The show was scheduled for 8:00 PM, with tickets priced at $3.00. Advance tickets were available at various local outlets, including American Revolution, Melody Corner, and U.F.O., emphasizing the grassroots promotional strategies of the time. The poster also teases an upcoming performance by The J. Geils Band on January 16, further cementing the Paramount Theater’s status as a hub for groundbreaking music.
This poster is not only a promotional tool but also a piece of rock history, reflecting The Velvet Underground’s transition into the 1970s and their association with experimental venues and collaborative productions like The Woodrose. Its minimalist design, combined with evocative band imagery, makes it a striking artifact from a transformative period in the band’s career.