Virtually impossible-to-find original 17 x 23 poster for the WFIL "Helping Hand Marathon" held between May 16-18, 1975, which lists an 'in person' appearance by "Special Guest Star John Lennon." Printed on thick cardstock, the poster features an image of Bob Gruen's famous photo of Lennon seated atop a New York City rooftop on August 29, 1974, with additional poster text below reading: "Plus Many Other Recording Stars / Live—From WFIL/WPVI Parking Area / Meet WFIL and WPVI Personalities / Free Entertainment, Free Refreshments / Starting 6 P.M. Friday May 16 and continuing until midnight Sunday May 18, 1975 and...IT'S ALL FREE." In fine condition, with minor loss to the upper left corner, and a light crease to the lower right corner.
This large size boxing-style poster is one of only two known examples ever discovered and seen in public, since the famous event nearly 50 years ago. John Lennon gave his valuable time in 1975 for three straight days (May 16-18) to co-host the charity gala for multiple sclerosis, at radio station WFIL in Philadelphia. He participated with callers for telephone fundraising, did radio on-air segments, auctioned off his personally owned items, and signed hundreds of autographs. In fact, this is the only time Lennon ever signed in mass for so many fans. He even did a weatherman guest spot on local WPVI-TV.
The poster is of sturdy cardboard construction and was designed with an unusual blue ink printing. Unlike the much smaller and thin papered handbills—an example of which is included—this poster displays entirely different colors. It was created in a very limited number (of about five examples), then stapled onto posts outside the station, which were located in the same area where John entertained the crowds daily. There was also a single poster placed on a bulletin board inside the station.
Accompanied by an original one-of-a-kind Polaroid photo of John at WFIL, happily signing autographs for the excited fans.
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