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Def Leppard Hysteria Swiss Gold Award presented to Rick Allen - RARE

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Swiss Gold Album award for Def Leppard's Hysteria album presented to drummer Rick Allen. The album was released on August 3, 1987 and this award celebrates "Gold" level sales in Switzerland of 25,000 copies sold with a date on the award of Nov. 1987. 

Def Leppard's mega seller Hysteria was fueled by no less than seven hit singles including "Animal", "Women", "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Hysteria", "Armageddon It", "Love Bites" and "Rocket." The album went to #2 on the Swiss chart, #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 and UK Album charts, and top 10 in many other markets. The album was successful all over the world and is estimated to have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. By 1990 the album had been certified Platinum (50,000 copies sold) by the Swiss IFPI.

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Item Highlights:

  • Swiss Gold Album award 
  • In VG to Excellent condition 
  • Award dated Nov. 1987
  • Presented to and personally owned by Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen  
  • All original award with Swiss manufacturer sticker
  • Award measures approx. 14.25" x 18"
  • Rare collectors item for any Def Leppard fan
  • FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
  • International shipping available

Detailed Item Description: This is a Swiss Gold Album award dated Nov. 1987, making it approximately 35 years old. The award is presented to and was personally owned by Rick Allen, drummer of Def Leppard since its' inception. Allen is said to have come up with the title of the Hysteria album, referring to his tragic 1984 car accident, the subsequent amputation of his left arm, and the resulting worldwide media coverage frenzy.

This award came from a 2021 auction of some of Allen's early awards and memorabilia arranged by Miriam Barendsen, who was his girlfriend from 1982 to 1991. She was also in the car accident with him and helped him through the difficult time post-accident as he learned to play drums with only three limbs. Incredibly, Allen returned to the studio and road with Def Leppard by 1986 and has since etched an epic career with the legendary rock act. 

The award is in VG to Excellent condition with only very minor disc tarnishing. Glass is clear. The Swiss award manufacturer sticker is located on the back of the award.

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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 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.

*Swiss ales data source: Swiss IFPI (swisscharts.com)

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