This is only a preview. The auction will open on: 10/28/2026 1:00:00 PM
Offered Here: Van Halen 1973 Mammoth La Puente Park August Concert Flyer With COA
Item Details: A spectacular artifact from the formative era of rock royalty, this lot features an original concert flyer tracking the rapid ascent of Van Halen during their final months performing under their original name. Measuring 8 1/2 x 11 inches, the vintage flyer advertises a free concert held on Wednesday, August 8, 1973, at La Puente Park. The historic bill highlights Mammoth positioned right in the middle of a three-band lineup, capturing the raw, community-driven energy of the Southern California rock scene that propelled the young musicians forward. This flyer stands as a vital piece of ephemera from a definitive summer in the band's early timeline, just before their legendary name change.
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.
Before becoming Van Halen, brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen built their following in the Pasadena area as Mammoth, playing backyard parties, high school dances and free park concerts that made them a top draw on the Southern California club and party circuit. After changing their name to Van Halen, the band signed with Warner Bros. and released a 1978 debut album that went on to be certified Diamond in the United States, with Eddie Van Halen's two-handed tapping technique on tracks like "Eruption" reshaping rock guitar playing for a generation. Van Halen became one of the most commercially successful hard rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Condition: This original paper flyer remains in extremely good condition, demonstrating an impressive level of preservation for a piece designed for temporary display. It shows only minor, standard signs of aging and decades of careful storage, with light foxing visible along the edges of the paper. The piece also exhibits mildly bumped corners, consistent with authentic handling, while retaining its overall structural integrity as a prime collectible.
SKU: DST1014