This is only a preview. The auction will open on: 10/28/2026 1:00:00 PM
Offered Here: Frank Zappa/The Mothers of Invention 1969 Shrine Hall Concert Handbill With COA
Item Details: This is a spectacular offering featuring an original concert handbill for Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention performing at the Shrine Hall on January 24 and 25, 1969. Measuring 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, this historic piece showcases an incredible avant-garde lineup that included support from Fleetwood Mac, Sir Douglas Quintet, and Black Pearl. Beautifully designed by renowned artist Bill Merkens, the flyer stands as a quintessential example of late 1960s psychedelic art and counterculture history. Artifacts from this legendary era of the Mothers of Invention are highly prized by serious collectors, making this striking handbill a standout addition to any rock ephemera collection.
Provenance / Authenticity: This lot originates directly from the personal collection of Mark Stone, a multi-talented artist who was the original bass player and backing vocalist for Mammoth and Van Halen from 1972 to 1974 and an accomplished luthier. As a foundational figure in the band's legendary early history, Stone performed on their seminal studio demos and extended his creative contributions by designing the iconic original band logo utilized by Mammoth and early Van Halen. Offered directly from his estate, these historic items will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by an authorized representative of the Stone estate.
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention debuted in 1966 with Freak Out!, one of rock's first double albums, which blended rock and roll, doo-wop, satire and avant-garde composition in ways few groups of the era attempted. Drawing on influences that ranged from rhythm and blues to modern classical composers such as Edgard Varèse and Igor Stravinsky, Zappa used the band as a vehicle for social commentary and complex, often improvised music that challenged the conventions of the late 1960s counterculture as much as the mainstream. Zappa disbanded the original Mothers later in 1969 and went on to a prolific career spanning rock, jazz and orchestral work, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Condition: The handbill is in good condition, exhibiting an authentic vintage character through common signs of wear, aging, and storage. It features minor surface creasing and light edge wear, alongside general discoloration and light staining due to liquid exposure. Notably, the bottom left corner is missing, and the remaining corners show pin hole tears. Additionally, there are staple holes located near the center top edge and light scuffing across the paper, all consistent with a genuine piece of music history that was likely posted or displayed at the time of the event.
SKU: DST1024