RIAA Platinum LP award for Van Halen's debut album signed on the front plexiglass by David Lee Roth. The album was released on February 10, 1978 and certified Platinum by the RIAA on October 10, 1978 for 1 million copies sold. The award is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity for Roth's autograph from Roger Epperson Authentication Ltd. (REAL)
This album started it all for the California rock legends that in many ways defined rock from their inception in the late 70s. It launched the careers of guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen and flamboyant front man David Lee Roth, along with Eddie's drummer brother Alex and bassist and stellar background vocalist Michael Anthony.
The album featured the classics "Runnin' With The Devil", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "You Really Got Me", a heavy reworking of the Kinks classic, and Eddie showcase "Eruption." The album only rose to #19 on Billboard's pop album chart in the U.S. but was clearly a hit among fans. By mid-1996 the album was certified 10x million in sales, making it a rare RIAA Diamond Award seller. See image above for more RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum LP award
- Signed by David Lee Roth in gold felt pen and dated by Roth "1994"
- All original with manufacturer sticker
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Includes Letter of Authenticity (LOA) for Roth's autograph from Roger Epperson Authentication Ltd. (REAL) (see image)
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MusicGoldmine Autograph Authenticity Guarantee
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- In VG condition
- Known as a "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-97
- Great and very rare collectors item for any Van Halen fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a RIAA Platinum award that would have been manufactured sometime from 1990-94 and signed by David Lee Roth in 1994, dated by Roth himself. This makes the award approximately 24-28 years old. It is presented to Paul Dempsey. It is not known what role Dempsey played in the creation or marketing of the record.
This award is in VG condition only some very minor mars on the frame and plexiglass, along with one small chip on the back of one corner on the frame. The chip is not visible from the front when viewing the award. It still has its original backing paper with Fitzgerald Hartley manufacturer sticker.
Don't miss this hard-to-find award for Van Halen's iconic debut with the special feature of also including David Lee Roth's autograph.
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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, record retailers, 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