This is an Australian Platinum record label award for AC/DC's 1978 Powerage album. Powerage was AC/DC's fifth album released in Australia, and fourth internationally. It is the first to feature bassist Cliff Williams, after the departure of Mark Evans in 1977.
This is an Australian award, as evidenced by the style and the "Albert Productions" Australian release album label on the platinum disc. On its silver-colored metal presentation plate is stated "AC/DC, 'Powerage' Presented in recognition of worldwide sales in excess of 1 million". Based on this information this award was likely made in 1979. This album is today, in fact, certified 3x Platinum in Australia, Gold by the BPI in the UK and several other countries, and Platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. (Note: This is not a BPI or RIAA award. In 1979 Australia did not have an organization that issued record awards, so this was likely produced by the record label).
"Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" was the most successful track on the album but today the release appears on many best hard rock albums of all time lists. Note: There is no evidence that indicates that AC/DC members owned this award. It was most likely made for record label executives but is a great piece of early AC/DC nonetheless.
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Item Highlights:
- Platinum LP award with platinum disc, blue velvet matte, and silver presentation plate for AC/DC's Powerage album
- In VG condition
- Award estimated to have been made in 1979
- Presented to AC/DC
- 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 an Australian label Platinum LP award for AC/DC's Powerage album presented to AC/DC recognizing "1 million in sales worldwide. The award is in Very Good condition considering its age -- it is estimated based on the award style and construction to be approximately 40 years old. Note the similarity of the presentation plate font style to this plate found on a similar 1972 Australian Gold award to Black Sabbath:
There is some very minor mottling of the album label, scratches on the plexiglas and mars on the metal frame but the blue velvet matte and album label are hardly faded and the platinum record and presentation are bright and in excellent condition.
Don't miss this very rare opportunity to acquire a this great piece of early AC/DC history from the Bon Scott era.
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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