We trace not a single example of the present important original pirated Beatles 1967 poster offered privately or at auction.
The base image, modified by Astro, is an enlargement of a 1906 photograph of a "red face" marching band by Herbert Wendell Gleason [1855-1937]. The image shows a group of 29 white people with faces painted red and dressed as Native Americans. The entire group is led by a band leader, not dressed as a Native American, who has been artificially colored red for the print. He's the "leader of the band."
The message wasn't subtle. The Haight-Ashbury / hippie scene was occupied with the plight of Native Americans at the time. Rick Griffin released his "Huichol Indian" print in San Francisco the same year; other artists released images, and protests erupted. Much of the anger centered around the Indian Resources Development Act of 1967. The act argued that while the "land area" in reservations was Native American land for their community, the land itself was still American, including oil and gas rights, mining, etc., "The man" again, thinking he could conduct the band.
A superb piece of design, protest, counter-culture, and Beatles memorabilia.
Produced at Berkeley in 1967 by Astro Posters, one of the most influential designers and printers of the era. A good + example. 19 x 24 inches. A small price sticker removed at lower left, stored rolled, so some light remnants which would be easily handled with framing, two small marginal tears not infringing on image. Image nicely preserved. Likely never displayed.
