RIAA 2x Multi-Platinum album award for The Who's Tommy, which was released on May 19, 1969. It was not until February 8, 1993, however, that it was certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. The record label obviously had not filed audit paperwork with the label to get this album certified Platinum prior to the 90s. That is pretty clear since it follows that if the album went Gold in 1969, it most likely actually went Platinum well before its actual Platinum and 2x Multi- Platinum certification date of Feb. 8, 1993.
The legendary rock opera Tommy was one of The Who's most ambitious projects and in addition to its musical legacy sprinkled with gems including "Pinball Wizard", "I'm Free", and "See Me, Feel Me", it has spawned a feature film and a Broadway musical. The album rose to #4 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1970 and #2 in the UK and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
- RIAA 2x Multi-Platinum Album "R hologram" award with disc, CD, cassette and chrome frame
- In Excellent condition
- First presentation award from 1993
- Presented to MCA label Chairman/CEO
- All original with manufacturer's sticker
- Known as a "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-97
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any Boston fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA 2x Multi-Platinum award that would have been manufactured in 1993 when this "R hologram" style of RIAA award was made (1990-97). It is interesting that this a first presentation 2x Multi-Platinum award for an album originally released in 1969, but this does happen when a label delays in filing paperwork with the RIAA such as clearly happened in this case. Regardless, this award is still approx. 27 years old and it is presented to Al Teller, who was MCA Records Chairman/CEO from 1988-95.
This award is in Excellent condition with its chrome frame and internals all in nearly perfectly original condition. The original Dejay Products manufacturer stickers are also present on the award's backing paper.
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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: 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