If you’re a collector or lover of concert posters, here’s a list of concert poster collecting resources that will help you on your collecting journey! Enjoy each of these remarkable books!
Eric King’s Collector’s Guide to Psychedelic Rock Concert Posters, Postcards, and Handbills from 1965 to 1973 by Eric King
This is the ultimate resource for collectors of psychedelic posters. Eric King lays out details about each poster from the Family Dog series, Bill Graham series, The Grande Ballroom, Neon Rose, and the Vulcan Gas Company. It includes information about the events behind the posters, as well as information on how to distinguish between various printings. You can order this directly from King here: http://www.therose7.com/
The Art of Rock by Paul Grushkin
This book discusses the history of concert posters from Presley to Punk. It features over 1500 posters in full color. It’s an excellent resource for poster collectors and does a great job of tying together the music and art. It tells great stories and helps you understand the art of vintage concert posters. This is a widely available resource wherever books are sold. Check it out on Amazon.
Maximum Plunder: The Poster Art of Mike King by Mike King, Paul Herring, and Shawna Gore
This amazing book features over a thousand posters designed by the legendary Pacific Northwest artist Mike King. It’s an amazing resource for modern concert art. It’s currently out being reprinted! Stay tuned…
The Art of Modern Rock by Paul Grushkin and Dennis King 
The follow up to The Art of Rock, this book explores contemporary concert posters. It features over 1600 posters from over 200 sources, as well as interesting information from various artists. A great resource for modern concert art! You can buy it here.
Rock Graphics Originals: Revolutions in Sonic Art From Plate to Print ‘55-’88 by Peter Golding with Barry Miles
This book explores psychedelic poster art from its origins to the beginning of stadium rock. It includes bios and portfolios of some of the most important artists of the psychedelic era and even includes some original sketches. It can be bought here.
Art of The Dead by Philip Cushway
This book celebrates the value of the artwork designed for the Grateful Dead. It features artist bios and essays from individuals close to the scene including Mickey Hart, Greil Marcus, Peter Coyote, and Steven Heller. Check it out here.
Dreams Unreal: The Genesis of the Psychedelic Rock Poster by Titus O’Brien
This book explores the psychedelic music scene in San Francisco in-depth. It’s complete with stories, artist bios, and of course, hundreds of psychedelic concert posters. It’s a great resource that ties the history of the scene with the collectible artwork that we still love to this day. You can purchase it here.
The Art of the Fillmore: The Poster Series 1966-1971 by Gayle Lemke and Jacaeber Kastor
This book explores the history of the posters designed for legendary rock promoter Bill Graham’s dance shows at the Fillmore. Definitely an excellent resource for psychedelic concert posters. Check it out here.
Homegrown: Austin Music Posters 1967 to 1982 by Joe Nick Patoski, Nels Jacobson, and Alan Schaefer
Explore the music scene that came out of Austin, Texas with venues including the Vulcan Gas Company and Armadillo World Headquarters and the posters that came along with it. This includes both psychedelic art and punk art. You can get your own copy here.
The Grande Ballroom: Detroit’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace by Leo Early
The Grande Ballroom in Detroit was as important to collectible posters as it was to American music history. Its story should not be overlooked! Purchase a copy here.
We hope you enjoyed this brief overview of several concert poster collecting resources! Best of luck in your collecting journey!