I’ve often written about David Edward Byrd, and how integral his association with the documentary has been. David is a legendary illustrator, from rock ‘n roll concert posters (Jimi Hendrix), to movie posters (Day of the Locust), and especially Broadway posters (Godspell, Follies, Little Shop of Horrors). He and Richard Amsel were very close friends, and over the years I must have filmed several hours’ worth of interviews with him.
I got to know David back in late 2007/early 2008, and we became fast friends. If it wasn’t for him, I doubt there would have even been a documentary. He’s been my emotional rock throughout the project’s development and production. Every project has its challenges, but in the early days of the documentary I faced some pretty choppy emotional waters, and I surely would have drowned without David’s support and guidance. This project might have ended before it even began, were not for him.
I’m happy to share that a retrospective art book has just been released on David’s work. He’s been working on it for years, and it’s so rewarding to see it finally completed. “If you live long enough, you might get a book,” David said.
Well David, you’re 82 now…and thank God the book’s finally here!
Poster Child: The Psychedelic Art & Technicolor Life of David Edward Byrd is now hitting bookstores. David will also be doing select book signings in the near future. First among them will be November 16th at Larry Edmonds Bookshop in Hollywood! (If you go, tell David Adam sent ya.)
The book is available for purchase at Edmonds' Bookshop, and other bookstores.
If you can't see David in person, Talkshoplive will be hosting a discussion with David at 6pm EST / 3pm PST on October 30th. Click here to watch a promo video and learn more!
Further book signings will also be scheduled, including a special event at West Hollywood's BOOK SOUP!
Also be sure to read Steven Heller's excellent online article for PRINT Magazine, David Byrd, the East Coast’s Psychedelic Poster Man.
