University of Michigan Office of Major Events (10000 Maniacs)

Original Concert Poster: 10,000 Maniacs at Hill Auditorium (November 2, 1990)

Ann Arbor, MI, USA: University of Michigan Office of Major Events, 1990. First Edition. Single Sheet. Signed by members of 10,000 Maniacs. This poster (appx. 24” x 18”) promotes a performance by the American alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs on November 2, 1990. The group first performed as 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 with Dennis Drew (b. 1957) on keyboards, Steven Gustafson (b. 1957) on bass, Robert Buck (1958-2000) on guitar, John Lombardo (b. 1952) on guitar and vocals, Tim Edborg on drums, and Natalie Merchant (b. 1963) on vocals. They achieved their most significant success between 1987 and 1993 during which time they released four albums that charted in the top 50 in the US. As lead vocalist and primary lyricist, Merchant was the heart and soul of the group with “an ironic self-image and a mystical sex appeal,” (Philip Cohen, The Michigan Daily, Nov. 2, 1990), and her departure in 1993 to launch a solo career ended an era of the Maniacs. The band has gone on through many variations on the line-up, and Merchant released 9 albums as a solo artist. Edborg was replaced on drums by Bob Wachter in 1981 and then Jerome Augustyniak (b. 1958) took over in 1983, and this was the line-up that appeared on stage together at Hill Auditorium on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, MI. Hill Auditorium (1913) is the largest performance venue on the University of Michigan campus, legendarily designed by architect Albert Kahn to be acoustically perfect for every audience member. Dennis Drew, Jerry Augustyniak, Steven Gustafson, and Natalie Merchant each signed this poster in thin, black ink. The reason why Buck’s signature is not present is a mystery. The poster designer is not credited, so we presume the Office of Major Events designed and printed the poster for the event, and a second printing would not have been created. Single Sheet: presumed first edition, first printing, though no details are present on the print. Poster is in near fine condition with minor rippling/curving of the edges; minor dimpling, creasing in several places. This item is too delicate to be rolled & must be shipped flat to assure no damage, therefore extra shipping costs will be required. Near Fine. [Item #6639]

Price: $350.00