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Flyer/Handbill: Grateful Dead Skeleton & Roses 1966 FD-26 Avalon Ballroom Handbill 1st printing
31 May 2025
24 May 2025
1 bid
849
2242
United States
Unknown
Rock & Pop
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We are offering a rare and valuable 1st printing handbill from the 1966 Grateful Dead show at the Avalon Ballroom that features the iconic Skeleton & Roses design that forever cemented the bands iconic logo. This piece of music memorabilia captures the essence of San Francisco psychedelic rock with its distinctive Grateful Dead aesthetic, making it a sought-after collectible for fans and collectors alike. Measuring 11x8.5'', this original handbill is CGC graded a 9.6 and it is almost perfect except for a tiny crinkle in the top right corner.
The handbill is signed by Mouse, complete with his famous mouse doodle. While many second and third edition printings of this handbill abound, only these first editions were printed before the show to promote the two-night event. Most are lost to the ravages of time, but a few remain and even fewer in pristine condition like this one.
It doesn't get much better than this one.
Undoubtedly the most famous poster from the Family Dog series, as well as the most recognized image ever used by the Grateful Dead. The central image is a drawing done by Edward Joseph Sullivan, a late 19th and early 20th century artist. Sullivan created this drawing to illustrate one of the quatrains of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Mouse and Kelley added the color, as the original drawing was in black and white. The resulting poster has lived on through time and has increased in value at a dramatic pace. Since most of these posters were hung on walls at the time of the concerts, many exhibit severe damage and discoloration. Finding a Near Mint original handbill requires a lot of patience, but you are in luck.
The notation “The Bindweed Press San Francisco” appears immediately above the right side of the ticket strip. Many originals show some degree of over-inking.
The notation “The Bindweed Press San Francisco” appears immediately above the right side of the ticket strip. Many originals show some degree of over-inking.