RIAA Platinum Award for Billy Idol album Whiplash Smile. Released on Oct. 17, 1986 it was certified Platinum by the RIAA on Jan. 13, 1987 for one million copies sold.
Idol's third album contained the singles "To Be a Lover", "Don't Need a Gun" and "Sweet Sixteen". It reached #26 on the Billboard 200 charts and top 10 in many other countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Finland and more. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album over the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum award
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation award from 1987
- Presented to record label executive
- All original with manufacturer sticker
- Letter of provenance included
- Known as a "RIAA flower hologram" award they were made from 1986-89
- Award measures 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any Billy Idol fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Platinum award is a first presentation award that would have been manufactured in 1987 making it 35 years old. The award is presented to Jerry Blair, who was at the time a record executive at Columbia Records.
Blair played a key role in the success of artists including Billy Idol, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, Ricky Martin, George Michael, Will Smith and many others. The award is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Blair's son, who later took possession of his father's awards and memorabilia (see image of letter, son's name is redacted on image, buyer will receive unredacted copy).
The award is in VG to Excellent condition with minor frame wear and a few mars on the plexiglass This award is all original with California Gold Record Co. manufacturer sticker.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards like this one: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com.