Grateful Dead 1968 Grand Rapids, MI “Winged Pigpen” Concert Poster

A 1968 concert poster, known as “Winged Pigpen”, with Grateful Dead on the bill in Grand Rapids, MI.

About The Grateful Dead

Grateful Dead fans, known as Deadheads, followed the band from city to city for decades. The Grateful Dead formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1965 and became famous for long, improvised live shows. Poster artists such as Wes Wilson, Victor Moscoso, Stanley Mouse and Rick Griffin defined the San Francisco psychedelic style. It was designed to promote a 1968 concert. The late 1960s saw a boom in psychedelic poster art, with swirling hand-drawn lettering and clashing colours. By the 1970s, concert promotion moved to arenas and stadiums, and posters advertised ever larger shows.

Styling this Grateful Dead concert poster

This 1968 poster for Grateful Dead brings a slice of 1960s music history to the wall. Hang it at eye level, about 57 inches (145 cm) to its centre; 18×24″ is a versatile size for most walls. A black or antique-gold frame suits this Grateful Dead concert poster well and keeps the focus on the image. This Grateful Dead concert poster also anchors a gallery wall well; surround it with smaller pieces at even 2–3 inch gaps.

At a glance

• Type: Grateful Dead concert poster
• Band: The Grateful Dead
• Year: 1968
• Style: Vintage concert posters
• Collections: Grateful Dead Posters, Vintage Concert Posters