Nirvana specialist Scott Mussell is offering a $15,000 reward for his grail concert poster advertising the March 19, 1988 Nirvana concert at Community World Theater in Tacoma, Washington pictured below.
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WANTED: Iowa City, Iowa NIRVANA at Gabe's Oasis 1989 Concert Poster
Concert poster collector and Nirvana specialist, Scott Mussell is seeking this flyer advertising the bands performance at the Gabe’s Oasis in Iowa City, Iowa during the bands 1989 tour. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa and Mussell is a native of the state having grown up a Hawkeye’s fan in the capital city of Des Moines. “This flyer is important to my collection as it’s the first time Nirvana played in my home state” said Mussell who is offer a cash reward for an example printed before the concert. “I’ve seen two different designs advertising this gig, I have no idea the size of these but am eager to learn more about either” Mussell says.
In 1989 Nirvana had yet to make the cultural altering impact and Iowan’s outside of the burgeoning underground college rock scene were unaware of the band. Attendance at this Midwestern show was laughably low with most estimates at around 20-30 people. “Despite this I’ve spoken to at least 50 former U of I grads who claim to have been there” Mussell says adding “I’m hoping someone who was there will reach out with more details about the show and hopefully they also saved one of these flyers!”
Mussell is offering a cash reward for an example of this flyer for his collection. "I don't know the size of this piece, my guess is it's an 8.5x11" flyer and I'm especially interested in finding one from the grass roots level with strong provenance- I’ll put my money where my mouth is to obtain one of these.” If you have an original example of this flyer or any other artifacts from the Iowa City show or other Gabe’s Oasis concert flyers from this era contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS CLEVELAND, OHIO CONCERT POSTER
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell is offering $500 for an example of this Bob Marley & The Wailers poster from the legendary reggae artists planned concert in Cleveland, OH May 19, 1978. “It’s a terrific design featuring the classic Rastafarian colors with mirrored images of Marley” says Mussell. Few artist have archived the combination of success and retaining artistic integrity the way Marley did. Marley’s history in Cleveland is among the richest of any city in the US- including shows at the Agora Theater on June 16, 1975 and Cleveland Music Hall on May 7, 1976. Marley’s contributions to music were recognized here in Cleveland in 1994 when he was inducted into the Rock ’n Roll hall of fame.
If you have an example of this or any other Bob Marley concert poster don’t hesitate to reach out to Mussell anytime at 515-707-7250 or srmussell@me.com. Mussell is always buying concerts posters and music artifacts from single items to entire hoards.
WANTED: LED ZEPPELIN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRACE BALLROOM 1969 CONCERT POSTER
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell is seeking this and other posters from the Salt Lake City area. On July 30, 1969 Zeppelin was on their first American tour serving as the opening act for Vanilla Fudge when the groups stopped for a pair of shows at the Terrace Ballroom in . “They didn’t stay the opening act for much of the tour only in the early stages but the promoter of the Salt Lake show had the good sense to put them on the poster” Mussell says. The proximity to San Fransisco made Salt Lake City a natural next stop for many touring bands allowing the city’s music fans the opportunity to see such luminaries as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, Nirvana and more in the early stages of their career. “The Stones and Hendrix both played at Lagoon Amusement Park— the Stones hit the stage in 1966!” Mussell exclaims adding “I’ve never seen or heard of posters from any Lagoon Amusement Park gigs but there’s a chance something was made to promote these shows.”
The Zeppelin gig in 1969 featured drummer John Bonham using a double bass drum and the band in a particularly heavy groove. As Vanilla Fudge took the stage bassist Tim Bogert promptly stated “There’s no way we can follow that” according to a Summer Chronicle review of the show. “The poster from this show is a spectacular graphic of the sun/moon with bursting color” Mussell says adding “The little dirigible air ship labelled ‘Led Zeppelin’ really stands out and the entire poster is just fantastic.” If you have an example of this poster contact Mussell at 515-707-7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com.
In additional to the 1969 Zepp poster Mussell is seeking other material highlighting the shivery of concert in the Salt Lake area from the 50s to the 90s and beyond. “I’m most serious about collecting Nirvana material but I’m a sucker for any poster with a combination of history and art” Mussell says. If you have concert posters, flyers, handbills or other historic material contact Mussell anytime at 515.707.7250 or srmussell@me.com
WANTED: NIRVANA CONCERT POSTER FLYER 1989 AND 1990 CHICAGO METRO
Concert poster collector and Nirvana specialist Scott Mussell is seeking these and other flyers advertising the bands performances in Chicago. "I grew up in Iowa and flyers from Midwestern concerts are really high on my want list" Mussell said. The band played the windy city twice in 1989- at Club Dreamerz on July 7 and at Cabaret Metro on September 30. "I’ve never seen a flyer from the Club Dreamerz show but I have seen flyers from the venue so maybe there is one" Mussell states adding "the September gig had a great bill with the Chicago legends Eleventh Dream Day on the bill." Mussell is offering a cash reward for original examples of flyers printed prior to the show to advertise tickets and attendance. “I think this material is really sacred and I’m putting my money where my mouth is in an effort to preserve these.” Mussell said.
The band returned to the Metro again in 1990 playing April Fools day with God’s Acre and Bhang Revival. “I’ve seen a couple flyer designs from this show but I’m not sure what the story is behind each one so please contact me if you know anything about them.” Mussell says. If you have flyers, posters, handbills or other Nirvana concert material from Chicago or other Midwestern cites contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 or by email at srmussell@me.com. He is especially interested in single owner flyers and will pay a premium for provenance. Always buying single flyers or entire hoards.
WANTED: PRINCE 1982 ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS CONCERT POSTER.
What's that noise...? Prince in Illinois... or maybe cha-ching if you happen to have an example of this 1982 poster advertising tickets for a concert at Metro Centre in Rockford, Illinois, on March 5, featuring The Time, Zapp and Prince. "I'd pay $1000 for one" says concert poster collector Scott Mussell adding "It's hard to find Prince material and this is really a gem I'd love to add one to my collection." Mussell is also seeking other Prince posters from the early 1980s as well- especially those printed on cardboard by Globe Posters Baltimore. "Globe produced tour blanks for several early career Prince tours, I'd love to hang one next to the 1957 Little Richard poster on my wall also produced by Globe" Mussell notes. That's high praise considering Richard's importance in the history of rock 'n roll. Prince is perhaps the most unique star of the 80s or any decade for that matter with his combination of unabashed style and unquestioned artistic integrity. Mussell is seeking concert posters in any condition- if you have an example of a poster advertising a Prince concert that occurred before 1984 contact Mussell at srmussell@me.com or 515.707.7250 any time.
WANTED: NIRVANA CONCERT POSTERS FROM PORTLAND, OREGON
Concert poster collector and Nirvana Specialist Scott Mussell is seeking original posters, flyers and handbills from the Portland area. While the legendary grunge band is synonymous with Seattle, Portland was a key destination in the early days of the banana. “After expanding from the Tacoma area into Seattle- Portland was really the next testing ground” explains Mussell adding “The band preformed there as early as 1989, as the opening act to Mudhoney at the legendary Satiricon venue, the poster & handbill produced for this show misspell the bands name only further illustrating the unknown status they carried at the time.”
Another flyer Mussell is seeking is from a 1990 show at the Pine Street Theater. The flyer was produced on an offset press and features a killer design with a tyrannosaurus rex and a headline "It Came From Up North." The Feb. 9, 1990 show saw Tad and Rawheadrex open and Screaming Trees in the headlinging slot. "The graphics here really capture the attitude of the era, it’s very snarky and I love that fellow grunge giants Screaming Trees are on the headliners” says Mussell.
If you have examples of either of these flyers or any other Nirvana or related material from Portland Mussell is always looking to add to his collection. Other bands of interest include; Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, Mookie Blaylock, Wipers, Greg Sage, Pearl Jam, Melvins and more. Wether it’s a single flyer or a hoard Mussell is interested contact him at srmussell@me.com or by phone anytime at 515.707.7250.
WANTED: NIRVANA DINOSAUR JR. SALT LAKE CITY CONCERT POSTER.
Concert poster collector and Nirvana specialist Scott Mussell is seeking this poster from the bands concert with Dinosaur Jr. at The Pompadour Rock & Roll Club in Salt Lake City Utah. "Nirvana played a few dates in the summer of 1991 as the 'Special Guest' to the legendarily noise trio Dinosaur Jr. including this show in Salt Lake City" Mussell says. The venue produced a sleek two color poster featuring the iconic cover of Bleach along with the Joseph Szabo photograph used on the cover of Green Mind. "That cover of Bleach is iconic and I'm always drawn to poster that feature it" Mussell notes adding "I'm seeking an example for my collection and would be excited for an opportunity to buy one of these." If you have an example of this poster you would consider parting with don't hesitate to contact Mussell anytime at 515-707-7250 or srmussell@me.com.
In addition to this Salt Lake City poster Mussell is always buying pre 1992 Nirvana concert posters, flyers, handbills and other concert pieces. "I just love this kind of ephemera, I think it's such important cultural history I'm being aggressive about preserving it." If you have Nirvana concert material don't hesitate to contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 or srmussell@me.com
WANTED PRINCE CONCERT POSTERS
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell is seeking original concert posters advertising ticket sales for Prince concerts before 1985. Many of these posters were printed on cardboard by the legendary Globe Poster Co. in Baltimore, MD. "It's sort of the end of Globe's heyday but they were still hanging on and produced some of the coolest Prince material from early in his career" says Mussell. The tours associated with the Princes third albums "Dirty Mind," "Controversy" and "1999" featured boxing style posters advertising gigs. "In addition to the boxing style posters I've seen a great locally made poster from a North Caorlina gig and I would expect that other venues produced posters that have yet to be discovered" Mussell said. If you have an original advertising poster promoting a Prince concert that occurred before 1985 contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 or srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: NIRVANA FLYERS FROM THE COMMUNITY WORLD THEATER TACOMA, WA.
Concert poster collector and Nirvana specialist Scott Mussell is searching for handbills, flyers and posters from some of the bands earliest concerts at the short lived Community World Theater in Tacomoa, WA. “The place is a dry cleaners now but in the last 80’s for about a year it was the epicenter of grunge rocks most notorious act Nirvana” Mussell says. Of course at the time they were little known outside of the quite local community. Many of the shows were in the days before the band adopted the name Nirvana and include and a flyer that Mussell would consider the Holy Grail from the first show the band preformed as Nirvana. “Saturday March 19, 1988 that’s the first time they play as Nirvana and Kurt drew the flyer- it’s the piece highest on my want list” states Mussell. The piece comes with a little baggage as several questionable and outright reproductions making a confirmed original with provenance important to Mussell. “I’m putting my money where my mouth is for the right provenance on this piece and will pay a premium beyond my $5000 standing offer in any condition” Mussell notes.
Many of the flyers pre-date the bands name change to Nirvana including Skid Row, Pen Cap Chew and Bliss. “The bands deepest roots are really in Tacoma- Seattle gets a lot of the credit but the reality is that it all really starts in Tacoma- that’s where they literally became Nirvana.” Mussell says. Mussell. Before they were officially called Nirvana the band played shows under the names Skid Row, Pen Cap Chew, Ted Ed Fred and Bliss. Mussell is seeking any Nirvana material from this era as well as other flyers from the short lived venue. “There were other notable acts that came through including Fugazi, The Vandals, The Accussed, DOA, White Zombie and more. “A lot of gritty Thrash and hardcore punk bands play the Community World Theater and in addition to cultivating Nirvana the Melvins also played some early shows at the much vaunted venue” Mussell notes.
Mussell is actively seeking posters, flyers and other material related to the club and is especially emphasizing concert items related to Nirvana’s appearances. He is offering $5000 or more on condition for the flyer advertising the March 19, 1988 show in any condition. In addition to concert advertising pieces Mussell is seeking early set lists and other artifacts produced by Nirvana during their earliest period before signing with SubPop. Mussell also collects artifacts from the Bleach era and posters made before 1992. If you have Nirvana material in these fields contact him anytime at 515.707.7250 or srmussell@me.com. He is a cash buyer and is willing to travel to inspect the right hoard or individual flyer.
WANTED: ORIGINAL “DEATH TO THE PIXIES” POSTER FROM BOSTON GIGS IN LATE 1986.
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell is searching for this early Pixies poster used to advertise six of the bands gigs between 11/29 and 12/31. The poster is a famed bit of band history produced in the early years and used at only a handful of gigs in Boston. “Apparently at the time it was a little sensational. Guitarist Joey Santiagio once commented that people were tearing them down and keeping them, I hope that is true because I’d love to get my hands on one!” Mussell says. The posters are know to have been used at these Boston, MA area concerts: 11/29/86 at the Bat Cave in Roxbury; 12/04/86 at Jake’s in Cambridge; 12/13/86 at The Rathskeller (The Rat) in Boston, MA; 12/20/86 again at the Bat Cave in Roxbury and 12/31/86 at Green Street Station in Jamaica Plain.
Mussell is a collector of concert posters with an emphasis on Nirvana and their influences. “The Pixies are really a major- major influence, not only for Kurt Cobain, but for all rock music that comes after them.” Mussell notes. Since they’re breakthrough the Pixies have had a deep cult following. “They played Cochella on their reunion tour a few years ago and Radiohead refused to play after them on the bill- insisting that the Pixies perform as the headliner.” Mussell recalled. Mussell is offering a reward of $200 for an example of this Pixies poster and may pay more depending on condition. “The Pixies are probably my favorite band. They’re music has certainly had the most impact, besides perhaps the Velvet Underground, on so many of the great rock acts that followed. I just really want to preserve a little part of that history.” If you have an example of this poster please contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 anytime or at srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: NIRVANA FRI-SON 1989 SWISS TOUR POSTER.
Concert poster collector and Nirvana specialist Scott Mussell is announcing his search for this rare early career Nirvana poster. “It’s from their first international tour after the album Bleach had come out in 1989.” Mussell says adding “I love the graphic of the smiling baby- I envision it as a big poster but even if it’s a smaller size it’s fantastic!” The poster advertises a November 25, 1989 show the band played while on tour with fellow grunge rockers and label mates Tad. The show took place at the legendary Fri-Son in Fribourg, Switzerland and is not without some controversy. The clubs official stance is that Kurt did not play this show. But former Nirvana drummer Chad Channing who was on stage that night insists that Kurt went on despite a rumored illness. Whatever the truth of the matter Mussell finds the poster to be among the most charming of the 89 tour. “I’d love to add an example to my collection and would pay $1000 for the right to preserve it.” Mussell said. If you have an example in any condition you can contact Mussell by email at srmussell@me.com, by text message anytime at 1.515.707.7250 or through his website www.MussellAmericana.com. Mussell is also seeking, with appropriate provenance, ANY pre-1993 Nirvana poster/ticket/flyer or other related ephemera. Cash offers paid within 24 hours.
WANTED: The Casbah Dec. 9, 2000 WHITE STRIPES Concert Poster
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell is seeking an example of this White Stripes concert poster produced for the Dec. 9, 2000 show at The Casbah in San Diego, CA. "I just love the looks of this, I think it really speaks to the aesthetics of the band and is truly an outstanding artifact" Mussell says adding "It's a smaller piece but just fascinating to me- I've been trying to track down the artist for a while, he sold an example on eBay several years ago that I missed- if you're out their reading this give me a call!" The Casbah has a capacity around 200 people and around 60 of these posters were screened onto chip board by artist Doug Barker. Mussell is offering a cash reward of $200 for an example. If you have one contact him at 515.707.7250 anytime or srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: Nirvana Posters from Athens & Atlanta, GA Shows.
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell of www.mussellamericana.com is seeking posters, fliers and other material related to the 1991 Nirvana concerts at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA and the Masquerade in Atlanta, GA. The legendary shows occurred at the nexis of the bands meteoric rise in early October. If you have material related to these shows contact him directly at 515.707.7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com.
“The Athens, GA show got really reckless. Kurt pulled a projector screen out of the wall and attendees stormed the stage” Mussell says adding “The band smashed all of it’s gear and left it in a pile on the stage, clearly no fucks were given.” Appropriately so at a clubs that was instrumental in punk and new wave’s evolution. “I’ve never seen a poster for this show but it seems likely that something was made given the venues grass roots efforts and DIY mantra” Mussell said. If you have ephemera related to this show Mussell is seeking it and is willing to make a generous offer upon inspection. Contact him at 515.707.7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com.
While the show in Atlanta was less noteworthy the ephemera is with the highlight being a poster featuring a large image of the band at center. “It’s on yellow paper and has all the hallmarks- venue at top, ticket info at bottom and the large image of the band it’s a real winner!” Mussell explains. He is seeking an example for his collection and is willing to make a generous offer upon inspection. “It’s on my want list for sure” Mussell adds noting “It’s important to preserve this kind of pop culture history.” If you have an example of this poster or other material related to the Atlanta or Athens shows contact him at 515.707.7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com. Mussell also collects items related to the civil rights movment and American political campaigns visit hiswebsite at www.mussellamericana.com for more information.
WANTED: Jimi Hendrix Concert Posters From Maryland and Georgia
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell is seeking these two striking Jimi Hendrix posters from 1968. The first is from a concert at the Merryweather Pavilion in Columbia, MD and the second advertises a pair of show at Atlanta's Municipal Auditorium. "Hendrix had to travel from Columbia to Atlanta after the show and the group had to be ready to play Atlanta by 3pm!" Mussell says expounding "They had maybe an hour and a half of rest after the flight before they had to be on stage for the gig. It must have been exhausting." While the performances on these nights aren't legendary but posters are. "I struggle with which one I like more, they're both so outstanding" Mussell notes adding "I'm a buyer at upwards of $3000 on condition and am interested in examples in any condition." Both were printed on thick cardboard about 22x28" and were designed by Dail W. Beeghly a famed East coast poster artist. "They're at the top of my want list for Hendrix I'm just not sure it gets much better than these two!" Mussell states. If you have examples of these posters in any condition contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: North Shore Surf Club Olympia, WA Nirvana Concert Poster.
Scott Mussell, Nirvana poster collector, is offering $2500 for an example of this poster from the October 11, 1990 Nirvana concert at the North Shore Surf Club in Olympia, WA. "The North Shore Surf Club show was one of the most important in band history as it featured a new drummer, Dave Grohl" Mussell says. The show was a last minute event as the band decided that their new drummer could use a live test before heading off for a tour in the United Kingdom. "I've seen only one example surface over the years and it's very high on my want list, I'm seeking it in any condition" Mussell states. Mussell is an active buyer of rock 'n roll concert posters with a special emphasis on Nirvana material. If you have this poster or other Nirvana material contact him at 515.707.7250 or by email at srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Nirvana Flier From July 9, 1989 Gig.
Concert poster collector and York, PA resident Scott Mussell is seeking this rare flier from the Sonic Temple outside of Pittsburg, PA. The show took place in Wilkinsburg, a suburb of Pittsburg at the Sonic Temple on July 9, 1989. "I'm always looking for posters from Pennsylvania, and as a Nirvana specialist this is very high on my want list- I'd pay top dollar for an example of this flier with solid provenance" Mussell said. The flier has a great set of graphics highlighted by a series of classic 1950's rock silhouettes near the bottom. "The text also adds a little something reading "Seattle's Sensational Nirvana" Mussell states adding "It's my goal to preserve a section of rock history and this poster is a cruicial piece of the puzzle I'm very eager to obtain an example for my collection." If you have this poster or other examples of Nirvana concert posters and fliers contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 or by email at srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: "Wild Hair Swinging Neanderthals" Nirvana concert flier from Columbus, OH.
Rock concert poster collector and Nirvana specialist Scott Mussell is seeking this rare poster or flier from a 1990 Columbus, OH show at Staches. The flier features a classic image of the band as the dominant graphic and additional text at top "Nirvana Wild Hair Swinging Neanderthals" and was produced on purple paper. "This is one has a few things that get me- I love the text and the large image of the band those two factors and the art really push this near the top of my want list" says Mussell. He's offering $250, on condition, for an example for his collection. If you have one or any other Nirvana concert fliers or posters contact him at 515.707.7250 or by email at srmussell@me.com.
WANTED: NIRVANA C.1990 TOUR BLANK POSTER
Nirvana poster collector Soctt Mussell is offering a cash reward of $500 for an original first printing of this rare c.1990 Nirvana concert poster. Known as a 'tour blank' because of the clear space at the bottom that was intended for a promoter to write in the venue location by hand. "These were used in the early days before they left the SubPop label" Mussell says adding "I'm very motivated to obtain one wether it's blank or has the added venue information, I'm a buyer in any condition." The poster was used on the Bleach tour and examples are know from New York City, Ann Arbor, MI and Hollywood, CA. "They must have been distributed to areas where there was not only going to be a concert but a known base of fan support" Mussell notes adding "I think it's one of the top graphics produced for the band and represents a key stepping stone in the timeline of their development." Mussell is a collector of rock 'n roll concert posters with a special emphasis on items spanning Nirvanas career. "I think of this as historical preservation. It's important to preserve these early artifacts and I'm offering $500- on condition- to be the person who does that." Contact Mussell at 515.707.7250 or by email at srmussell@me.com if you have an example of this poster or other Nirvana material.
WANTED: Nirvana Concert Poster Pink's Garage, Honolulu, HI.
Rock concert poster collector Scott Mussell is seeking this Nirvana poster advertising two gigs in Honolulu, HI at the legendary venue Pink's Garage. These shows occurred near the epicenter of the bands pop culture explosion at the end of a nearly month long tour with previous dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. "The grueling tour schedule combined with the bands meteoric rise had frontman Kurt Cobain worn out by the time the band made it to Hawaii" Mussell said. Two days after the final show Cobain would marry Courtney Love on a Hawaiian beach whilst wearing his pajamas. "I'm not 100% sure of the dimensions even- I've never seen one in person" Mussell states adding "I'm motivated to find one. If someone has one they'd part with they should contact me with details- I'm a very interested buyer."
Pink's Garage attracted many top acts from the era. In addition to the Nirvana poster Mussell is seeking other concert posters from the noted venue and the annual rock festival 'The Big Mele'. If you have material you would consider selling contact him at 515.707.7250 or srmussell@me.com.