This is a Phonogram Pty. Ltd. Australian Gold record label award for Black Sabbath's Paranoid album presented to Black Sabbath. This award was given by Sabbath founder/guitarist Tony Iommi to a person who worked for him (letter of provenance included).
Paranoid was released on September 18, 1970, just six months after their debut and this award is a "Double Gold Record Award" for sales of 20,000 copies in Australia and is dated June 1972. 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).
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 Pty. Ltd. Australia with gold disc, black matte, and gold presentation plate for Black Sabbath's Paranoid album
- In VG condition
- Award made in 1972
- Presented to Black Sabbath
- Included: Letter of provenance from recipient who was given the award by Iommi (see image)
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a Phonogram Pty. Ltd. Gold LP award dated June 1972 for Black Sabbath's Paranoid album. It is presented to Black Sabbath, a rare presentation.
This award has excellent provenance. It was given to a person who worked for Iommi for about 15 years and was given to them at a house from which Iommi was moving around 2015. A letter of provenance will provided 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 48 years old but is in Very Good condition, considering its age. There are some mars and finish loss on the wood frame as can be expected and the lower portion of the matte has some minor discoloration. The presentation plate is in very good condition and the glass is quite clear. The back has been retaped over the original tape and a new hanger wire attached. Original manufacturer/framer label residue appears on the backing board.
Don't miss this very rare opportunity to acquire a this historic award with unparalleled provenance presented to 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 presented to and signed by Iommi here, and a 1970s UK record label award for Paranoid also presented to and signed by Iommi here.
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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