RIAA Platinum Album award for Asia album Alpha. Released on Aug. 12, 1983, the album was certified Platinum on Oct. 11, 1983 by the RIAA for one million copies sold. Remember original Asia lead vocalist/bassist John Wetton (1949-2017) with this award.
The second studio album from the group included "Don't Cry", which topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and #10 on the Hot 100, "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", and
"The Heat Goes On". The album itself reached #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and it also charted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and most European countries.
Includes MusicGoldmine.com Letter Of Authenticity
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum Album award
- Award from 1983
- Presented to music industry agent
- In Good to VG condition
- All original award with original backing paper
- Known as a "floater" award because the components appear to "float" above the matte, this one was made by an unknown manufacturer later than RIAA standards dictated from 1981-85
- RIAA "floater" awards typically numbered only 25-50 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Great collector's item for any Asia fan
- FREE insured shipping to U.S. and Canada
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a RIAA Platinum Album award that was made in 1983, making it approximately 43 years old. It is presented to Chip Rachlin, who was an agent at ICM in Los Angeles, working with Billy Joel, Eagles, Beach Boys, America, and many others. He later managed The Kinks and also worked at MTV in its' early days.
The award is in Good to VG condition with typical scratches and mars on the frame and plexiglass. This is a "grey area floater" award made in the 1980s by an unknown manufacturer. For more information on awards such as this, see the section on RIAA "floater awards" in our record award guide article here.
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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: 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
