The (often simply called the "Acid Smiley") is the definitive icon of the Acid House music movement and 1980s rave culture. While originally a corporate logo, its adoption by London club scenes in 1987 transformed it into a global symbol for hedonism, unity, and psychedelic dance music. The Evolution of an Icon
DJ Danny Rampling is credited with bringing the smiley to the rave scene. After visiting Ibiza, he opened the club Shoom in London and used the symbol on flyers to represent the "love, unity, and happiness" of the new sound. smiling_acid
The strange, tangled history of the acid house smiley - Red Bull The (often simply called the "Acid Smiley") is
The classic yellow smiley was created by graphic artist Harvey Ball for the State Mutual Life Assurance Company. He was paid just $45 for the design, which was meant to boost employee morale. After visiting Ibiza, he opened the club Shoom