Scarce original 16.75 x 22.75 concert poster from the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s ‘The Cry of Love Tour,’ which depicts a stylized front-facing portrait of Hendrix by artist Brad Cantwell, with the band name running vertically to either side of the image and the ascot bearing the name of the support act, Oz, signed below in black ballpoint, “Stay free, Jimi Hendrix.” This style of Cantwell’s poster was used for at least two dates on the band’s Cry of Love Tour, however, unlike other examples found online, this version does contain concert information to the large lower field. Stapled to a slightly larger mounting sheet and in very good to fine condition, with some light staining in the lower blank area, and the signature a couple of shades light but completely legible. A rare and visually impressive display piece signed by the great Jimi Hendrix, whose death rocked the worldwide music scene roughly four months after signing this poster.
According to the consignor: ‘My aunt’s late husband went to a Jimi Hendrix concert at the Milwaukee Auditorium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 1, 1970. After the concert, he was getting something to eat at a vendor outside when Hendrix walked up to get something. He asked Hendrix for an autograph who responded, ‘Do you have anything other than the poster?’ The rock star said he didn't like that particular poster of him. But after explaining to Hendrix that that was all he had and could afford, Jimi said okay and signed the poster.’
Given the name of the artist, Brad Cantwell, it’s a bit surprising that Hendrix found this poster disagreeable. Roughly two years earlier, Cantrell was an 18-year-old student at Janesville High School in Minnesota who, after submitting artwork to a local underground newspaper, was commissioned to design a Hendrix poster by promoter Ken Adamany, who had booked the Experience to play at his Madison music nightclub, The Factory, on February 27, 1968. According to Cantwell, who met Hendrix backstage at the venue, the rock star was blown away by the artwork: ‘Hendrix jumped up and shook my hand and just kept shaking it, looking me right in the eye. He was complimenting me the whole time, encouraging me and telling me how much he dug my drawing.’ Per Cantwell, who passed in 1971, Hendrix particularly enjoyed how the poster also featured a small portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
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