Dylan, Bob. (b. 1941)

Bob Dylan & Joan Baez 1965 concert handbill

One of the iconic images of the folk era is this Toulouse-Lautrec inspired design by artist and fellow folk musician, Eric Von Schmidt, a friend of both Dylan and Baez. His stylized “VS” can be seen in the lower left corner of this exceptional work of art. The extreme scarcity of the handbills and posters bearing this image can be attributed to the fact that it was utilized for only ten US tour stops between late February and late March 1965. To date, handbills with pre-printed venue and ticket information have surfaced for only three cities - Raleigh, Pittsburgh, and New Haven. This series of shows marked the “beginning of the end” of the working relationship between Dylan and Baez. It also put a strain on their personal relationship as well, even though Baez would open for Dylan on his eight city tour of Great Britain between April 30th and May 10th. Dylan's star status, increasing eccentricity, his disdain for most members of the press and his upcoming debut as an ‘electric’ artist at July's Newport Folk Festival, all contribute to the valid notion that Von Schmidt's design is, indeed, a vivid documentation of the last remnants of Dylan as a ‘folk’ artist; a sign of the times transition in the ever-changing career of the enigmatic Bob Dylan.


5.5 x 9.5 inches. Toning along the top edge, light rippling, and light remnants from previous mounting, otherwise fine condition. This legendary item is one of the most scarce and sought-after rock handbills of all time. (7584)


Program, unsigned
Song