This is a Phonogram UK Gold record label award for Black Sabbath's Paranoid album presented to and signed by Tony Iommi. Paranoid was released on September 18, 1970, just six months after their debut. This award recognizes "sales in excess of 100,000 copies". This album was in fact certified Gold by the BPI in the UK and several other countries and 4x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. (Note: This is not a BPI or RIAA award).
This 1970s award, besides being a vintage piece of history presented to the legendary guitarist and founding member of Black Sabbath, is made all the more interesting by the fact that Iommi signed the gold LP. He signed this award and gave it to a person who worked for him and a letter of provenance from them is included with this item.
The Paranoid album peaked at #12 on the Billboard album chart and #1 on the UK album chart. It contains Sabbath classics including the title track, "Iron Man" and "War Pigs". The album unquestionably inspired and influenced many hard rock and heavy metal artists worldwide.
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Item Highlights:
- Gold LP award from Phonogram UK with gold disc, purple matte, and gold presentation plate for Black Sabbath's Paranoid album
- In VG condition with some typical scratches and minor paint loss on the frame
- Award estimated to have been made in the early 1970s
- Presented to Tony Iommi
- Signed on the gold disc by Tony Iommi in black marker
- Included: Letter of provenance from recipient who was given the award by Iommi (see image)
- Award measures approx. 14.25" x 16.25"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a Phonogram UK Gold LP award made in the early 1970s for Black Sabbath's Paranoid album. It is presented to Tony Iommi, founder and guitarist of the legendary group. The gold disc is signed by Iommi in black marker. It is signed on the gold disc itself inside the frame, making for a more protected and better-appearing autograph.
As referenced above, this award has excellent provenance. It was given to a person who worked for Iommi for about 15 years and was signed at a house from which he was moving around 2015. A letter of provenance will provided with purchase from this person. The letter can be seen in the images with the person's name obscured for privacy. Item buyer will receive a non-obscured copy of the letter.
This award is around 48 years old but is in Very Good condition, considering its age. There are a few mars and a couple of areas of gold paint loss on the wood frame as can be expected. The gold disc, purple-colored matte and presentation plate are in Very Good condition and the glass is clear.
Don't miss this very rare opportunity to acquire a this historic award with unparalleled provenance presented to and signed by the legendary guitarist and founder of Black Sabbath.
Also see two other record awards from this Black Sabbath collection, including a 1971 RIAA white matte award for Black Sabbath's debut album which is also presented to and signed by Iommi here, and a 1972 Australian record label award presented to Black Sabbath for the Paranoid album here.
Interested in knowing more about record awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Subscribe to our free bi-weekly newsletter and get our 55-page MusicGoldmine RIAA and Record Award Guide free plus a 15% discount code here.
Notes on the condition of all vintage record 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 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