What this project is

On This Day is a place to document and share the world surrounding these posters:

• The events and venues
• The bands and promoters
• Pop culture and historical context
• The details collectors notice over time

Why we’re starting now

We’re beginning with a piece we call “The Seed.”

• The original poster was created for dates June 1–15.
• We’re intentionally starting with the first, imperfect attempt — because it shows the origin.
• “The Seed” became the catalyst for the posters that followed.

The next items in this week’s release move forward into 1966 and 1967, including work by Wes Wilson. One example, “It’s Only You,” helps illustrate how many variations were produced.

What you’ll see in the releases

For many posters, we’ll show multiple forms when available:

• The original artist work (often visible in black and white)
• A fully rendered version
• A handbill version (usually smaller, often one-color, printed on colored paper)

Sensitive and offensive symbols: addressed upfront

Some historical materials include symbols that are painful or offensive today. We won’t erase that fact, but we will handle it with care and respect.

In the case of “The Seed,” an early version includes a swastika, and a later version removes it. That change suggests a reconsideration, and we’ll present it in that context.

To further ground the period, we’re also including another original work by Wes Wilson — not a concert poster, but a protest piece. It’s jarring, powerful, and historically important.

What this is not

This project isn’t about making money. It’s about capturing knowledge — while it can still be found — and preserving the stories that risk disappearing.

If you’re here, you’re part of that preservation effort. Thank you.