(On the heels of Mark Neill’s Grammy win, more news of national recognition for an old friend. Poster artist extraordinaire Darren Grealish describes his inclusion in the forthcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s Library and Archives.)
I have been selected to join the permanent display with other rock artists, album artists and rock literature/book authors who made an important impact on rock-‘n’-roll history. I will have my own permanent exhibit that includes tons of my art framed in all its glory, along with a detailed biography, interviews, personal photos, and an in-depth look at my career with influential artists and performers.
This multimillion-dollar facility, due to open early 2012, will enhance the Hall’s prestige. Think of it as the Library of Congress for rock-‘n’-roll artifacts. It’s a great honor to be selected, and I appreciate their acknowledgment of my work and inclusion!
Help Darren find photos from his San Diego youth!
Poster art is crucial as both a visual and historical record. Who would remember that The stooges played on Feb. 12 in Detroit in the late ’60s unless you were there? Poster art ensures that show will not be forgotten — it’s a living time capsule framed in glass for all to see!
I am humbled beyond words to be a part of such a cool and important venture. I will keep everyone posted. “I know, it’s only rock and roll but I like it!!”
— Darren Leland Grealish
The work I do is a direct result of growing up the way I
did in San Diego’s amazing underground music scene.
Mad Marc Rude, Jerry Cornilious and Bobby Lane were really
early influences of mine. Those Morlocks, Tell Tale Hearts
and Hair Theatre flyers they did planted the seed for me.
d, that is fantastic!!! looks like it’s smooth sailing from here, baby!
Darren,
Really. Props to you! I remember your enthusiasm and interest those years ago -- as if it were a recent memory.
Having you stand out, like this, is amazing. Hot on the heels of the Mark Neil posting about a Grammy, I see that Matt -- in starting this blog -- was not overestimating his recollections of that scene in San Diego during the ’80’s. It was a crucible which shot forth with some brilliant sparks.
Congratulations.
Wow, that is so great! I have to admit, upon first seeing this headline, my initial response was “What, did he sneak in after-hours, a la Tenacious D, to swipe a mystical guitar pick?” Congratulations, Darren…
A well-earned honor, Darren!
It’s also high time San Diego itself did something to acknowledge the leading artists of its music underground. What would it take to involve one of the local universities in an archive project?
A few of us have talked about curating photos, flyers, ‘zines and more. Perhaps Darren’s national recognition could nudge a San Diego project forward.
That’s cool Darren
Who would of thunk it when we were in the early Mira Mesa days together.
HA
Thanks you guys! Yeah, when the call came in
I was like “Come again?”. Hahah.
That early SD scene was so damn cool
and it just sprung up out of nowhere.
To be turned onto such magically powerful
and influential bands such as Love at such a
a young age was a gift the way I see it.
Why should NYC’s Bowery or SF’ Haight scene
be the only cities that get attention?
We all belonged to such an AMAZING thing
that should never be forgotten. There is a
Bio documentary being made about my work
and I intend to completely give my regards
to that magical time and city. Hell, I’m just happy
to be on this side of the dirt still.
Thanks everyone!!!!
Hey Darren,this is great to hear!Congratulations and thanks for mentioning Marc,Jerry and myself.I still have your monsters of rhythm sticker somewhere,so I know how far you’ve come!
RIght on brother! Man, Darren this is great news. Congratulations to you man. Carry the San Diego flag on!
And I can say “I knew him when”…
Congratulations, Darren! I’ve admired your work for many years, but what astounds me is that back when we were hanging out I had no idea you had any artistic talent. Anyway, you’ve got a brilliant body of work and greatly deserve this honor.
Absoltely fantastic news Darren! This really blows my mind…in the best of all possible ways. I know you have worked long and hard to get where you are today, and have overcome numerous obstacles. So, Kudos for you for sticking to it and going after the prize!
Damn, Wish I had that Everybody Violet poster we talked about you doing back in 2008 now! Yep!
Thanks eveyone. It really feels cool to hear your words regarding my work. I would love to see a movie come into fruition about our San Diego days and the scenes that went down. It would be fresh to watch a new punk rock/Garage/ Psych/ documentary about a little known city (as far as music is concerned) San Diego and all the cool cats and personalities that sprung from it. I think it would be a great idea for someone to do a movie. I would do any art needed for the project. We could get the Morlocks and The Tale Tale Hearts to headline some sort of show that the footage could be included into the film. I dunno, I’d dig to see it happen. Thanks everyone for your cool words regarding my work! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!
Darren
Oh yeah, a movie about SD days is a great idea. The title: “Get Yer Wah-Wahs Out: This is the Che Underground”
Those were different times…
Need I mention “Garageland”?