It’s being reported today that Wes Wilson, inventor of the modern psychedelic poster design made famous in the heyday of Bill Graham and used extensively by Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead, has passed away.
The Capitol Theatre posted this small tribute earlier this morning.
RIP Wes Wilson who is regarded as the inventor of the psychedelic poster. Best known for designing posters for Bill Graham, he invented a style that is synonymous with the 60s. From Jefferson Airplane, Otis Redding, the Grateful Dead, Wilson's designs are some of the most iconic. pic.twitter.com/JVq0fZHa6U
— The Capitol Theatre 🐿 (@capitoltheatre) January 26, 2020
He was working up through his death and designing new poster art regularly, especially for the Moonalice crew in Northern California. And he was one of the original five poster designers back in the 60’s that really pushed forward the art of the scene; read more here as a good primer on his career.
Sad news. His impact on the concert community forever is unmistakeable, though.
https://twitter.com/dnorsen1/status/1221429382675423232
Iconic psychedelic poster artist Wes Wilson has died at age 82 https://t.co/PVSwJppSuK pic.twitter.com/xw2bgU5lgb
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) January 31, 2020
