In 1976 Rick had his first and only retrospective show while he was alive. The show was held overseas at The Roundhouse in London, the Sutherland Art Center in Northern England and The Milky Way in Amsterdam. The show was put together by Dick Pope, a cinematographer that had been hired by the BBC to cover the punk movement in London and Rick’s good friend, fellow collector, surfer buddy and art agent, Gordon McClelland. At the time The Round House was where all the big rock concerts were held; bands like Led Zeppelin, Cream, and Eric Clapton performed there. Dick rented out The Round House and turned it into an art gallery. Gordon knew that Rick had a following, but they were both shocked at the thousands of people arriving in bus loads to see Rick’s work. Gordon and Rick got to listen to The Clash who were practicing in a funky, little, brick, studio next door to the Roundhouse. He and Gordon had been introduced to Joe Strummer from the band on the opening night of Rick’s show and were invited to come over. After the shows Rick and Gordon headed to the quaint town of Biarritz, France to surf. Upon return Gordon put together a coffee table book of Rick’s work, “The Art of Rick Griffin.” Gracing the cover was an illustration of Rick’s classic signature (in the shape of a cross) with a heart backgrounded eyeball, clutching an Egyptian snake in the middle of it. 8 x 11

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