The Rare and Highly Collectible Dead & Company Bristow Poster Series

The Highly Collectible Dead & Company Bristow Poster Series

Concert posters have long been highly coveted items for music fans looking to decorate their homes and show off their fandom. This is especially true in the jam band scene, where unique concert posters are a staple at shows. One modern jam band that has been releasing amazing concert posters is Dead & Company.

Dead & Company is a spin-off group from the legendary Grateful Dead, featuring original members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann along with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti. Since forming in 2015, Dead & Company has been touring regularly, playing to packed stadiums and arenas of devoted Deadheads.

In keeping with the Grateful Dead's tradition of limited edition, specially designed posters for each show, Dead & Company has made posters a big part of their merchandising and collecting scene. In particular, the band has released some very rare and unique posters for their annual shows at the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheater in Bristow, Virginia.

The Diversity of the Bristow Poster Series

What makes the Dead & Company Bristow poster series so collectible and exciting is the diversity of artists and styles represented across different years. From more traditional psychedelic or folk art-inspired designs to abstract and futuristic styles, there is something for every Deadhead's aesthetic interests.

Some of the standout posters from the Bristow series include:

• 2018: A transcendent design featuring a skeleton walking through a mystical landscape by artist AJ Masthay.
• 2019: A bold, graffiti-style poster with the band and tour dates overlaid on shades of blue by Lil Tuffy.
• 2020: A retro-inspired band portrait collage in autumn colors by David Welker.
• 2021: An abstract geometric design in orange and teal tones by Marq Spusta.

The poster from any given year usually matches the overall visual vibe and color palette of that tour's merch and branding. But each poster has unique details that make it special.

The Hunt for Low Numbers and Rare Editions

What drives collectors most crazy about the Bristow poster series is finding ultra rare low numbers and special editions. Most concert posters are numbered artist proofs, usually up to a run of 100 or 200 prints. Low numbers indicating the earliest prints are always in high demand.

Some special limited edition Dead & Company Bristow posters that have driven up value include:

• 2018: Gold foil edition, limited to just 50 prints.
• 2019: A set of three prints with different background colors, limited to less than 100 each.
• 2021: Virgin edition on white paper, rumored to be around 10 copies.

Having prints signed and personalized by the artists can also increase value dramatically for collectors and fans. And uncut full sheets containing multiple posters are the holy grail for those looking to invest or preserve them as pristine artifacts.

Where to Find These Coveted Posters

The limited availability and small windows of sale for Dead & Company Bristow posters make them elusive for collectors. The initial sale happens leading up to and during the concerts directly from the artist and through official channels.

After that, the secondary market explodes on sites like eBay as resellers try to profit on the scarcity. Prints originally sold for around $50 can resell for hundreds, sometimes even thousands, depending on rarity factors.

Dedicated poster and memorabilia groups on Facebook are often the best sources for collectors to find Bristow posters at more reasonable prices through trades and private sales.

There are also reputable poster dealers that can help connect sellers and buyers or consign rare prints. But counterfeits and fakes run rampant in the poster scene, so caution is advised.

The best bet is trying to buy them directly from an artist whenever a new Dead & Company show is announced. Get them before they sell out and rise in value if looking to collect or invest rather than just decorate.

The Legacy and Lore Behind the Posters

Beyond just being financially valuable collectibles, Dead & Company Bristow posters also capture the unique legacy of the band and the spirit of the shows. They represent a moment in time and the energy surrounding this modern iteration of one of rock's greatest groups.

The posters are their own form of folk art and pieces of music history. They also provide a creative outlet for fans to showcase their artistic talents through officially commissioned work.

And the lore of hunting down elusive editions keeps the mystique of the band alive. The Dead & Company Bristow series has become one of the most exciting ongoing concert poster collections in music today.

For Deadheads old and new who want to own and preserve artifacts of the scene, these posters are must-have items. And the series will only continue to grow in scope, diversity, and intrigue as Dead & Company continue touring and making music history.

FAQs

How many posters are made for each Bristow show?

The number varies, but it's usually a limited run of 100-200 prints. Some special editions are even more limited, like 50 or less.

What makes some posters more valuable?

Lower print numbers, special editions, autographs, rare variants like gold foil, and uncut sheets increase value for collectors.

Where can I buy legitimate Bristow posters?

Directly from the artist, through official band channels, specialty poster Facebook groups, and trusted poster dealers are your best options.

Are reprints or counterfeits a problem?

Yes, fakes are common, so be sure to buy from trusted sellers. Compare details to verify authenticity.

Should I keep my posters sealed or framed?

Keeping them sealed and unhandled preserves value best, but framing allows you to display them in your home.