BG-75-OP-1 The Doors, Yardbirds Fillmore Auditorium 1967 CGC Universal 9.8
In July 1967 The Doors, the Yardbirds, the James Cotton Blues Band, and Richie Havens took over the Fillmore Auditorium over a six-day span at the iconic San Francisco venue. The Doors had a big year in 1967 -- they were on international television in May, Light My Fire went #1 on the Billboard Top 100, and later that year Jim Morrison was arrested on stage during a concert. Out of every band on this poster, The Doors are arguably the most well-known, with one of the most intriguing histories. Frontman Jim Morrison would, unfortunately, die at age 27 in 1971.
This first printing poster was designed by Bonnie MacLean and is visually striking, with bold neon colors. This CGC blue label 9.8 is the highest graded, with CGC grading a total of 47 copies. Prices on this grade are trending up, with a one-year average at $7,050.
BG-136-OP-1 Janis Joplin/Big Brother, Santana, Chicago Transit Authority 1968 Fillmore West CGC Universal 9.8
One month after the hit Piece of My Heart was released, Janis Joplin with Big Brother performed at the Fillmore West on September 12, 1968. Performing with them were Santana and the Chicago Transit Authority, for a three-night engagement. Much like Jim Morrison, Joplin would face an untimely death at the age of 27 in October 1970. The song Piece of My Heart is still played in rotation today, with many new artists finding inspiration from Joplin -- as well as CTA and of course, Santana.
This first (and subsequent only) printing poster was created by Rick Griffin and features his autograph in the corner. As this is a CGC blue label 9.8, the autograph has not been certified by CGC -- but if you've been around this hobby long enough, you know a real sig when you see one. CGC has graded 104 examples of this poster with 55 receiving a 9.8, and only 1 receiving a 9.9. The current one-year average for examples of this grade is $1,432, with prices dipping.
BG-140-OP-1 Jimi Hendrix Experience CGC Universal 9.9
From October 10 - 12 1968, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Buddy Miles Express, and Dino Valenti performed at the Winterland ballroom in San Francisco, CA. 1968 was the year of Hendrix, with All Along the Watchtower quickly becoming one of his most popular songs, and would go on to be one of the best songs of all time.
Much like the other two noted artists in this article, Hendrix also sadly passed away at the age of 27 in September 1970. His music and spirit still live on today, and thanks to sites such as YouTube new generations can find and appreciate his artistry like never before.
This CGC blue label 9.9 example is the highest graded by CGC. To date, CGC has graded 58 examples of this poster, which has become a grail for many Hendrix collectors. While there is no current sales data for this poster, a 9.8 has a one-year average of $5,833. I have no doubt that this poster will top that.
