The famous FD14 “Zig-Zag Man” promotes a pair of concerts by Big Brother and The Holding Company and Quicksilver Messenger Service at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco, California, in 1966. This masterpiece was designed by two of the most famous and legendary artists of the era, the late Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse. It was also the first dates Janis Joplin ever performed with Big Brother and the Holding Company!

Over 50 years later, we believe that this is still a “sleeper issue” given its iconic artwork, historical significance and legendary artists. The quintessential vintage 1960’s concert poster!

Poster expert Eric King states in his guide: "Because of the popularity of this poster, most of the copies of the original printing were tacked up on telephone poles and also tacked up on the walls of hippie crash pads, so most of the existing copies that survive today have substantial damage, tack holes, tape marks and staple holes."

Given the fact that we ever so rarely see examples of this original poster surface, this lot offers collectors a special opportunity that may not present itself again for a VERY long time. Bid accordingly!

Poster – Big Brother and The Holding Company

Subtitle – Zig–Zag Man

Catalog #FD 14

Grade – CGC 5.5

Bands/Bill – Big Brother and The Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service

Venue – Avalon Ballroom

City – San Francisco, California

Date – 6/24-25/1966

Dimensions – 14 15/64” x 19 15/16”

Printing – OP-1, Original Pre-Concert First Printing

Artist – Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley

Condition Details