By: SDSU Anthropology DepartmentOriginally painted by Chicano art students in 1976, the Rock 'n' Roll mural was salvaged when the former Aztec Center was demolished. You can help move the restored mural back to campus where it belongs.
Who we are:
SDSU Anthropology Department Chairman Seth Mallios has led efforts to restore several historic murals on campus. When he learned that Aztec Center would be demolished, he scrambled to raise $15,000 to save the Rock 'n' Roll mural.
Lead Singer
The lead singer in the Rock 'n' Roll mural band wears Kiss-style elevator shoes. He’s flanked by a host of glyph-like characters playing guitar, bass, keyboard and an entire horn section including saxophone and trombone players.
What we do:
Mallios was successful in preserving and restoring the mural with the help of Gary Hulbert, a noted conservator. The last step in the restoration process is to relocate the mural on campus where it belongs.
Why we need your help:
SDSU has a rich cultural and musical history.
Central to this history is the Rock 'n' Roll Mural, which for years lined the hallway leading to the stage of SDSU's Backdoor music venue in Aztec Center. Nearly every musician who played the Backdoor saw this mural, and legend has it many touched it for luck.
According to Mallios, those who likely encountered the mural include Jimmy Buffet, the Ramones, Patti Smith, REM, Metallica, Talking Heads, Jane’s Addiction - and the list goes on.
Saved from the wrecking ball before the Backdoor was demolished, the mural's restoration is almost complete.
Your gift of any amount - $10, $35, $65 - brings us closer to our goal.
Donate now to help move the mural back to campus where it can be enjoyed by future generations of Aztecs.
For more information on the Rock 'n' Roll Mural
click here.