Hard to find RIAA Gold album award for Radiohead's album The Bends, which was released on March 13, 1995. It was certified Gold the RIAA on April 4, 1996 for 500,000 copies sold.
A major hit in the UK where it rose to #4 on the UK Album Chart, it initially fared less well in the U.S. charting only as high as #88 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. However, it was ranked #2 on British music writer Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums in 2000 and, in 2003, #110 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Singles from the album included "High And Dry", "Fake Plastic Trees", "Just", "My Iron Lung" and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)". By 1999 the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA for one million copies sold. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA "R hologram" Gold album award
- Presentation to record label executive
- In VG to Excellent condition
- All original with manufacturer sticker
- First presentation award from 1996
- Measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Known as a "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-97
- Great collectors item for any Radiohead fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold award that was manufactured in 1996 making it about 27 years old. It is presented to to Tim Wallen, who worked in record promotion for Capitol Records and other labels throughout his career.
The award is in VG condition with some mars on the frame and plexiglass, and minor finish degradation around the record label. It has a unique multi-color under-matte and sports its' original Jewel Box Platinum manufacturer's sticker on the backing paper.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards: 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