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Them 1966 Boxing-Style Concert Poster Signed by Van Morrison (AOR-2.277). An ori

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:525.00 USD Estimated At:798.40 - 1,197.60 USD
Them 1966 Boxing-Style Concert Poster Signed by Van Morrison (AOR-2.277). An ori
Buyer's Premium Per Lot: This auction is subject to a Buyer's Premium of 25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 12.5% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Them 1966 Boxing-Style Concert Poster Signed by Van Morrison (AOR-2.277).An original cardboard window card advertising British-invasion Irish group Them, in concert at the Oakland, California Auditorium Arena on Sunday evening, June 26, 1966. As a big bonus, the placard was signed by group leader Van Morrison in the upper right corner. Another extra: This is the exact poster photographed for, and used in, The Art of Rock, before Mr. Morrison signed it.

Other than Bill Graham posters, Them concert posters are extremely few and far between, as the group toured America only once before breaking up and Morrison launched a solo career. This is the best-looking of just a handful of Them posters we've ever seen. A big reason is the split-fountain printing technique used; notice how everything but the photograph goes from red at the top, to blue in the middle, to black at the bottom. That ink-color transition added a cool shadowy effect to Them's name.

This poster once belonged to John Goddard, of the famous Village Music record store in Mill Valley, CA near San Francisco. Musicians far and wide would make the pilgrimage to John's store, and he often had them sign their old posters up on his walls. Thus was the case when Van the Man stopped by to pay his respects... and probably buy a few records. (Village Music is pictured in all its glory on page 19 of The Art of Rock.)

Rarity is assured; this is the very first non-Bill Graham Them concert poster that Heritage has ever been able to offer. Measures 16" x 23" and grades to Very Good Plus condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.Literature: See Grushkin, Paul, The Art of Rock - Posters from Presley to Punk, Abbeville Press, New York, 1987, p.215 (illus.).