Kursaal Ballroom Poster: Deep Purple, Sparks, and Cockney Rebel

High-quality Giclée art print recreating a nostalgic poster of the past. 

This poster promoted rock band Deep Purple's visit to the Kursaal Ballroom in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on Thursday 27th June 1974, as a part of their Burn tour. At the time the band consisted of their 'Mark III' lineup: ever-presents Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, and newcomers David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes; this lineup recored two studio albums, Burn (February 1974) and Stormbringer (December 1974) together. The performance was originally scheduled for their April/May UK tour, but had to be rescheduled for June after equipment issues. The band were reportedly not keen to play the show, as it broke into their break, but it went ahead - and was reportedly livened up the the appearance of a stripper on stage.

Also promoted by this poster were visits by Sparks and Cockney Rebel. Sparks were touring to promote their third studio album Kimono My House, best known for the hit song 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us'. The lineup was Russell Mael, Ron Mael, Martin Gordon, Adrian Fisher, and Dinky Diamond.

Cockney Rebel (in full, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel) were also promoting their third studio album, in this case The Best Years of Our Lives. The album featured their only UK number one, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me). Steve Harley was joined by bandmates Jim Cregan, George Ford, Duncan Mackay, and Stuart Elliott.