Hunter S. Thompson And Ralph Steadman Unite: 'Ride The Thunder' Exhibit Ignites The Red Lion Inn

It’s not often that the corridors of a historic inn transform into a realm of intense artistry, provocation and vibrant social commentary. This summer, the prestigious Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, pairs its timeless elegance with the audacious spirits of British Illustrator Ralph Steadman and the literary genius Hunter S. Thompson. Their exhibit, "Ride the Thunder," co-presented with the Norman Rockwell Museum, promises an immersive journey into the soul of American art and literature.

Walking the plush, heritage carpets of The Red Lion Inn’s second-floor hallway, one can feel the heartbeat of Thompson and Steadman’s Gonzo Journalism, a journalistic form that was fearless, first-person, and unapologetically subjective. With 50 original pieces from their collaborative works like “The Kentucky Derby” and “Fear and Loathing,” visitors are swept into a world where the line between observer and participant blurs in bold strokes.

Gonzo Journalism, an explosive term, coined by Boston Globe's William Joseph Cardosa, gained momentum in the early days, shaking the foundations of conventional storytelling. The "Ride the Thunder" exhibit becomes an embodiment of this ethos, giving attendees more than just a static viewing: it’s a powerful evocation of the countercultural revolution of the '60s and '70s.

Perhaps the most intimate offering within this exhibit are the fax exchanges between Steadman and Thompson, spanning over a decade and a half. These artifacts illuminate the depths of their enduring friendship, a rare inside look into the fervor and inspiration behind their iconic collaborations.

M. A. Cash, the curator of this transformative venture, views the Red Lion Inn as more than just a historical locale. To him, it's “an iron skillet with 250 years of stories, simmering with layers of flavors.” Such an embodiment of history proves a fitting setting for the impactful works of two figures who have defined generations.

It's worth noting that this summer, the inn celebrates its 250th anniversary, further elevating its stature in the world of art, especially when one remembers its immortalization in Norman Rockwell's painting, Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The inn’s alliance with the Norman Rockwell Museum strengthens its ties to art history and American culture.

Theory Wellness, another collaborator, draws inspiration from counter-culture figures like Steadman and Thompson, emphasizing their role in challenging the norms, especially around cannabis prohibition.

Thomas Winstanley, CMO of Theory Wellness, co-presenter of this event, aptly highlights how this collaboration marks a significant shift in integrating their vision into today’s society.

With luminaries like Richard Post and Bobby Kennedy III co-producing this grand showcase, this summer, The Red Lion Inn, located at the heart of Stockbridge, MA, is more than just a hotel; it becomes an art sanctuary.

One thing's for sure; as you leave the inn after this deep dive into the world of Thompson and Steadman, the echoes of their audacious spirits will linger, inviting you to question, challenge, and above all, to think.

"Ride the Thunder" will run from August 20 through October 31, 2023, at The Red Lion Inn, located at 30 Main Street in Stockbridge, MA. For more information about the Main Street Hospitality Group portfolio, visit https://www.mainstreethospitalitygroup.com/.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.