Led Zeppelin Concert Poster 1969 Original vs. Reproduction

Posted on September 13, 2011 by postercentral

Here’s a primer on how to detect the reproductions from the originals on this 1969 psychedelic concert poster featuring Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull, both touring off their debut albums. The Jim Salzer Presents show was in Santa Barbara, CA in the summer of ’69, and the poster artist was Frank Bettencourt. Reproductions abound on this piece, so the way to tell the difference is revealed by collector Pete Howard of PosterCentral.com (phone 805-540-0020, email pete@postercentral.com). If you enjoy the nuances of psychedelic show posters, be sure to view more old psych posters shown on this page here on my web site: http://www.postercentral.com/psychedelic.htm

1 Response to Led Zeppelin Concert Poster 1969 Original vs. Reproduction

Frank Bettencourt says:

December 30, 2011 at 1:39 am

Hello Pete Howard,
Nice video on the Led Zeppelin/Jethro Tull poster and how to authenticate the original printings from the later printings. I’m very happy someone has taken the time to do so. My name is Frank Bettencourt and I was the artist that did this poster. I still have the original pen and ink drawing in my home.

The reason I’m writing is that I would like to make it clear that I had nothing to do with any of the reprints. That falls upon Jim Salzer. I did not know that he reprinted the posters until the Art of Rock book came out and I found that my posters were of some value. I won’t get into the whole sordid mess that transpired over the reprints, I will just say that I was less than pleased with the idea. Although I held the copyright and the original drawings, I was not informed, nor did I benefit financially from any reprints.

I did, however, find many people very upset with me. Legalities pursued and at this time Jim Salzer and myself are on decent terms. I was paid $100.00 for doing this poster and Jim made quite a bit from it. I would hope, in the future, that you would mention that, as the artist, I was unaware of any reprints of my work. I did not know they were even worth any money. Luckily, I did keep quite a few and sell them every once in a while.

I will say that not all of my images were reproduced, which is fortunate. Much time has gone by and sometimes letting bygones be bygones is the best policy. I cannot undo what has been done. All the concerts were great and I was able to meet most of the band members. I have continued to produce artwork for over 45 years, but more fine art than poster art. I was 17 or 18 when I did the Led Zeppelin poster.

Just wanted to set the record straight about the reprints and let you know that I appreciate your video which does just that.

Best regards,
Frank Bettencourt

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