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5.
PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI.
An original poster proclaiming "What This Country Needs Is A Head Job", an announcement of a concert at the Berkeley Community Theater, November 13, 1970 featuring Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band (who "Emerge from their Cave to Test the Air and Relieve Suffering"), and The Cockettes "Live in the World Premiere of Pearls Over Shanghai". Printed offset on coated thin white card stock, predominantly in black, with a small splash of purple at centre of image. 32.3x42.2cm. Artist unknown (a signature in pink in the lower right corner is difficult to discern).
What would have been the premiere of The Cockettes' most ambitious production to date was cancelled after Beefheart met with members of the troupe, who performed a mock orgy for his benefit. The precise reasons why are unclear, but Beefheart got up and walked out, possibly after Daniel Ware extended a lewd invitation to him. The premiere took place instead on the streets of Chinatown, a free and spontaneous event that chimed more readily with Hibiscus's hippie ethos.
Short (1cm.), almost imperceptible closed tear to upper edge, o/w Near Fine.
