Vintage Black Light Grateful Dead Poster – 1980 Funky Enterprises “Stealie” Classic – Explosive UV Glow & Professionally Framed!


Description:

Iconic Grateful Dead “Stealie” variant with heavy 70s/80s black light treatment: a bold, symmetrical skull centered in a blue circle (classic GD lightning bolt logo), crowned with a wreath of red roses, framed by a large white-outlined red/blue starburst (the famous “13-point lightning bolt” motif). Surrounding the skull are two skeletal figures—one in a red robe playing fiddle (left), the other in a red-white-blue Uncle Sam-style outfit with stars and stripes (right). The massive dripping, multi-outlined text screams “GRATEFUL DEAD” in electric yellow/red/orange psychedelic lettering. A small blue/red border frames the whole composition against a deep black background. Under normal light it’s a striking, high-contrast rock memorabilia piece; under black light it absolutely erupts—neon orange/red/blue borders glow intensely, roses blaze bright red, skull and lightning bolt radiate electric blue/green, text pulses in vivid yellow/orange, and the entire design vibrates with that signature Deadhead psychedelic energy.


Key Details:

• Edition/Title: “945 Grateful Dead” (1980) – one of the most beloved black light versions of the classic “Stealie” skull design, heavily associated with the Dead’s late-70s/early-80s touring heyday

• Artist/Signature: No individual artist signature (typical for Funky Enterprises mass-produced posters; house style derived from original Alton Kelley / Stanley Mouse GD artwork)

• Size: Approximately 35” × 23” (large vertical format, standard premium size for 1980s black light rock posters)

• Framed Size: Approximately 39” × 27”

• Medium: Heavy poster stock printed with multiple layers of day-glo / fluorescent inks optimized for black light / UV activation

• Glow Effect: Outstanding – radiant neon borders (orange/red/blue), glowing roses, electric skull/bolt, and psychedelic text that make the whole piece throb under UV. Classic head-shop/concert dorm-room glow-up

• Condition: Excellent for vintage – colors remain punchy and unfaded, no major tears, creases, or water damage visible in photos; typical minor edge toning and light handling marks from 40+ years. Poster Overall is in N.O.S/Excellent condition. Only tiny flaws is small pin holes in the corners and a small mark along the redline border. Otherwise, The flocking and overall presentation of the poster displays beautifully under UV Blacklight or regular light. If you're a fan of this vintage poster you won't be disappointed. PLEASE VIEW ALL PHOTOS BEFORE PURCHASING AS THEY ARE PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. If you need any more photos or have any more questions, please contact me

• Authenticity / Era: Authentic 1980 copyright – © Funky Enterprises Inc., 132-05 Atlantic Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11418 – highly collectible piece of Grateful Dead memorabilia from the peak black light poster era


Professional Custom Framing Included (Museum-Quality)

• Precisely custom framed to the exact dimensions of the poster

• 2” flat matte black moulding – sleek modern profile that lets the explosive Dead graphics dominate

• Premium 1/16” Acrylite FF-3 framing-grade plexiglass (UV-protective, optically clear, shatter-resistant)

• Poster professionally dry mounted to acid-free matboard (ensures permanent flatness and archival preservation – no waves or curling)

• 1/8” spacer strips installed so the poster never touches the plexiglass

• Finished with dust-proof paper backing and heavy-duty framing-grade wire for immediate hanging

This high-end framing (easily $200+ value) protects this delicate vintage piece while turning it into a stunning glowing statement artwork.


Pure Deadhead energy—roses, skulls, lightning, Uncle Sam skeleton, all dialed to 11 under black light. This one’s a staple for any GD collection, dorm, man cave, or psychedelic space. Still looks killer 45 years later.


Ships securely (corner protectors, fully insured). Local pickup available in the Chicagoland area welcome. contact for quote.