Psychedelia at Ewbank’s: Rare Concert Posters and Beatles Treasures at Auction

Rare Rock History Under the Hammer

On May 21st, Ewbank’s Auctions will host a sale dedicated to psychedelia-inspired concert posters, handbills, and programmes from the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring nearly 300 lots, the two collections together are expected to reach £95,000.

This auction includes works celebrating some of the most legendary names in music: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Cream, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and more.

Introduction

The 1960s and ’70s produced some of the most vibrant and iconic poster designs in music history. These psychedelic artworks were not only advertisements but also cultural artifacts, merging rock music with avant-garde design. Ewbank’s upcoming auction shines a spotlight on this golden era, offering collectors a chance to acquire pieces tied to rock’s greatest legends.

Beatles Rarities

The star lot of the auction is a Royal Box programme from The Beatles’ Royal Variety Show performance in 1963. This is the very concert where John Lennon delivered his famous quip:

“For our last number I’d like to ask your help. Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you’ll just rattle your jewellery.”

Only seven of these programmes are believed to have been printed, with this being the only one ever to appear at auction. Embroidered with the Royal Coat of Arms, it is estimated at £7,000–10,000.

*The bespoke Royal Box programme from The Beatles’ Royal Variety Show performance in 1963.*

Other Beatles items include:

A handbill for the Big Beat Sessions at Tower Ballroom, New Brighton (1961) – est. £1,500–2,000.
Two concert tickets from St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Youth Club, Birkenhead (1962) – est. £1,000–1,500 each.
A programme from Embassy Cinema, Peterborough (1962) – est. £1,000–1,500.
A programme from Royalty Theatre, Chester (1963) – est. £800–1,000.
Handbills and programmes from global Beatles concerts, including Carnegie Hall (1964).

Hendrix and Psychedelic Posters

The auction also highlights the visual explosion of psychedelia, with stunning posters created for major concerts:

Bill Graham Presents Jimi Hendrix Experience, John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers, Albert King, February 1,4, 1968 at The Filmore San Francisco, February, 2, 3, at The Winterland, Rick Griffin design, No. 105-3, flat, 21 x 14in. 1960s concert poster
Estimate £400-600.

Hapshash & the Coloured Coat poster – Saville Theatre, London, Aug 27, 1967, featuring The Jimi Hendrix Experience – est. £1,000–1,500.
Grateful Dead New Year’s Eve Blue Rose poster, signed by artist Alton Kelley – est. £800–1,200.
Hendrix/Mayall/Albert King concert poster, Fillmore & Winterland, 1968, Rick Griffin design – est. £400–600.

The Doors and Beyond

The collection also celebrates other greats of the era:

The Doors, Lavender Hill Mob, A Dance Concert Presented By Kacy and Jim Salzer at Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara, August 5, 1968 R. Tolmach design, No.105-1, flat approx 22.75 x 13½in. 1960s concert poster. Estimate £200-300.

The Doors – Santa Barbara, 1968, poster by R. Tolmach – est. £200–300.
Eric Burdon and the Animals poster, signed by Burdon, Fillmore San Francisco (1967), design by Bonnie Maclean – est. £300–500.

Signed by Eric Burdon – Bill Graham presents, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Mother Earth, Hour Glass, October 19-21, at the Fillmore, San Francisco, 1967, Bonnie Maclean design, 89, flat, 21 x 14in. 1960s concert poster. Estimate £300-500.

Auctioneer’s Insight

“These wonderful designs show how closely rock and pop music of the late 1960s and early ’70s meshed with fine art, and the concept of the hippy,” said Andrew Ewbank, Senior Partner.

“Flowers, surreal designs, the revival of Art Nouveau concepts, and psychedelia all played their part in inspiring these artists. Their original purpose may have been fleeting, but they now take their rightful place in the canon of 20th-century art.”

FAQs

1. When is the Ewbank’s Psychedelia auction?
The auction takes place on May 21st.

2. What is the star lot?
A Royal Box programme from The Beatles’ 1963 Royal Variety Show, estimated at £7,000–10,000.

3. Which artists are featured?
The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Cream, Pink Floyd, and many others.

4. How many lots are there in the sale?
Nearly 300 lots from two private collections.

5. Are there signed items?
Yes – including a poster signed by Eric Burdon promoting Eric Burdon and the Animals.

6. How can I bid?
Live online bidding is available at Ewbank’s Auctions.

Conclusion

Ewbank’s Psychedelia auction offers collectors a rare opportunity to own iconic memorabilia from the golden age of rock. From Beatles rarities to psychedelic Hendrix posters and Doors concert artwork, the sale celebrates a cultural movement that fused music, art, and rebellion. With values ranging from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands, May 21st promises to be an unforgettable day for music history enthusiasts.