John Sinclair Freedom Rally Poster (signed)

The John Sinclair Freedom Rally poster is a 13″x19″ high quality reprint on heavy cardstock made and produced by Gary Grimshaw, this copy is signed by Gary Grismshaw and John Sinclair in black marker, condition is mint and is a great association copy, signed at Book Beat in 2004 during the 40th anniversary of the Detroit Artists’ Workshop. Poster will be sent rolled in a tube via first class or priority mail.Please Note: choose first class, priority, or cheapest option for shipping when checking out.

Gary Grimshaw (February 25, 1946 – January 13, 2014) was the primary poster and light show artist for Detroit’s psychedelic Grande Ballroom from 1966 to 1969. During that period he also created art for Detroit’s notorious rock and roll band the MC5. He was also associated with John Sinclair (manager of the MC5) through work produced for Trans-Love Energies, the White Panther Party and Rainbow People’s Party. Grimshaw’s original but unused album cover design for the MC5’s first album Kick Out the Jams painted in 1968 is on view at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

A Vietnam veteran, Gary was active in the anti-war movement after his discharge. The 10-year sentence imposed on his friend poet John Sinclair on a conviction of possession of two joints prompted Gary to work on the John Sinclair Freedom Rally December 10, 1971 in Ann Arbor with performers John Lennon, Stevie Wonder and Bob Seger, among others. Within days the Michigan State Legislature reduced the penalties for possession from a felony to a misdemeanor and John was freed.

Gary art directed the Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival in 1972 and 1973. In 1974 he returned to his hometown Detroit and concentrated on its thriving rock and roll scene. For the next 14 years he produced posters, recording packages, logos and graphics for all of the major promoters and dozens of bands and clubs. Gary was also Associate Art Director of Creem Magazine from 1976 to 1984.

$ 95.00 $ 75.00