The Art of Rock

Electric, outrageous, erotic, blatant, vital. The adjectives that describe rock music also apply to the artwork created to sell it. Add to this list sumptuous, dazzling, definitive, ultimate, and you've described ‘The Art of Rock’ as well.

From the 1950s through today, here is the complete visual history of the rock concert poster: the funkiest bills advertising Elvis, B.B. King, and Howlin’ Wolf; the multicoloured psychedelic hallucinations promoting the Grateful Dead, Dylan, and the Doors; the deliciously tasteless art for the Sex Pistols, Crime, and the Clash.

From the Red Dog Saloon in San Francisco, where the psychedelic scene started, to CBGB, New Yorks punk Mecca, and beyond. 1500 images searched out world-wide from clubs, attics, and bedrooms-as well as more formal collections-are reproduced in their original blazing colours.

Electric, outrageous, erotic, blatant, vital. The adjectives that describe rock music also apply to the artwork created to sell it. Add to this list sumptuous, dazzling, definitive, ultimate, and you've described 'The Art of Rock' as well. From the 1950s through today, here is the complete visual history of the rock concert poster: the funkiest bills advertising Elvis, B.B. King, and Howlin' Wolf; the multicoloured psychedelic hallucinations promoting the Grateful Dead, Dylan, and the Doors; the deliciously tasteless art for the Sex Pistols, Crime, and the Clash. From the Red Dog Saloon in San Francisco, where the psychedelic scene started, to CBGB, New Yorks punk Mecca, and beyond. 1,500 images searched out world-wide from clubs, attics, and bedrooms-as well as more formal collections-are reproduced in their original blazing colours. Replete with firsthand history-including exclusive interviews with scores of insiders, poster artists, musicians, and promoters-this is the ultimate high for the rock music fan, required reading for the poster collector, a treasure trove for the graphic artist, and a riotous feast for anyone who digs pop culture.