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Podcasts Take Two
The history of rock and roll billboards on the Sunset Strip
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Apr 21, 2015
Listen • 9:21
The history of rock and roll billboards on the Sunset Strip
These days, when musicians want to get the word out about new albums or concerts, they head to twitter, facebook or send an email update.
Billboard for Beatles Abbey Road record circa 1969 on the Sunset Strip
Billboard for Beatles Abbey Road record circa 1969 on the Sunset Strip
(
Robert Landau
)
Donna Summer billboard on the Sunset Strip 1978
Donna Summer billboard on the Sunset Strip 1978
(
Robert Landau
)
Billboard for the movie Tommy based on the record by the Who on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles
Billboard for the movie Tommy based on the record by the Who on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles
(
Robert Landau
)
The Sunset Strip with billboards for Cher, Eddie Money and Judy Collins in Los Angeles, California
The Sunset Strip with billboards for Cher, Eddie Money and Judy Collins in Los Angeles, California
(
Robert Landau
)
Beatles billboard for album Abbey Road on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Beatles billboard for album Abbey Road on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
(
Robert Landau
)

These days, when musicians want to get the word out about new albums or concerts, they head to twitter, facebook or send an email update.

These days, when musicians want to get the word out about new albums or concerts, they head to Twitter, Facebook or send an email update.

But before social media was around, there was a different, more visual method: the billboard.

The Sunset Strip was home to hundreds of hand-painted billboards advertising bands, new albums and concerts.

While they were considered ads, one young photographer saw them as much more. Robert Landau was a teen when he began to take pictures of billboards promoting the Beatles, the Doors, Bruce Springsteen, Donna Summer and so many more. 

A new exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center titled "Rock and Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip," showcases his work. 

Alex talked to Robert Landau, along with painter Enrique Vidal about the era when the painted billboard was the king of the Sunset Strip.