Fillmore Auditorium 6/24-25/66

Lenny Bruce was a controversial and influential comedian of the sixties whose comedy revolved around the social stigmas and taboos of the time. In a widely publicized trial during 1964, Bruce was convicted on an obscenity charge stemming from a performance at the Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village. Bruce was sentenced to four months in the workhouse and released on bail while the decision was appealed. Unfortunately, because of his escalating drug use, Bruce died before the appeal was heard. By 1966, Lenny Bruce had gained such a poor reputation that he was blacklisted from nearly every nightclub in the United States. Venue owners feared prosecution for obscenity. Bill Graham bucked the trend, and on June 24 and 25, 1966 had Bruce appear along with Frank Zappa. This would turn out to be Bruce’s last performance; he was found dead of an overdose on August 3, 1966.

The original poster was printed on vellum and measures approximately 14″ x 20″. The Union logo #72 appears in the lower left corner.

The second print poster was printed on vellum and measures approximately 14″ x 20″. The Union logo #72 appears in the lower left corner and the number “13” has been scratched into the plate below “Santa Rosa.”

The third print poster was printed on white stock and measures approximately 13⅞″ x 20″. This printing does not have a Union logo or the “13” scratched into the plate.

The fourth print poster was printed on uncoated index stock and measures approximately 13⅞″ x 20″. The purple and orange colors on this printing are lighter than those on the originals.

The original handbill was printed on thin tan paper in black ink and measures approximately 5½″ x 8½″.

The postcards come in many versions that measure from approximately 5″ x 7¼″ to 5″ x 8″. If you are looking for a particular variety, please contact us and we will be happy to let you know if we have it in stock.