Historic stage-used oversized "Gabba Gabba Hey" canvas banner from 1977, handmade by Ramones artistic director Arturo Vega, measuring approximately 52″ x 34″, featuring the Ramones' famous 'Pinhead' catchphrase in large hand-painted black block letters against a white background. Stencil and tape marks surrounding the letters are evident upon close inspection. The banner is mounted on wooden rollers sewn into the top and bottom, with a mounting wire at the top. In very good to fine condition, with general wear from age and use, including a small hole towards the bottom.
This iconic "Gabba Gabba Hey" sign is seen in numerous concert photos from the era, including those taken at gigs in London and New York. It was given to guitar tech Lee Dickson (best known for his decades-long collaboration with Eric Clapton) after the tour by Arturo Vega, the late, great artistic director for the Ramones. It was recently displayed as part of the “Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk” exhibit, held at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles from September 16, 2016-February 28, 2017.
Accompanied by a provenance statement from Dickson: 'This iconic and legendary piece of rock/punk history from 1977 has been owned by me since it was given to me by Ramones muse, creative director and lighting designer, the late Arturo Vega at the end of our tour that year. Shortly after I went to work as Eric Clapton's guitar tech for 30 plus years, but never forgot those incredible days with The Ramones. They were a force of nature and an amazing live act!! And a great bunch of guys to work with. The banner has been with me for some 45 years now, hanging on my wall in England for about 31 of those years before accompanying me in my move to the USA. It has found a new hanging spot in my studio for the past 14 years. The only time it has ever left my home was circa 2016/2017, when I was proud to loan it to the Grammy Museum in LA for their wonderful Ramones exhibit, where it was on display for a few months. Now, very sadly, we have to part, and this incredible and unbelievably rare piece of music history will adorn someone else’s wall. GABBA GABBA HEY!!'
