BPI (British Phonographic Industry) Gold LP award for Electric Light Orchestra album Out Of The Blue. The album was released on Oct. 28, 1977 (or Nov. 28, accorning to BPI) and was certified Gold in the U.K. by BPI on Nov. 28, 1977 for £300,000 worth sold. The measure for BPI gold certification in the 70s was the monetary value of records sold, much like the RIAA "white matte" awards of the 60s and early 70s.
The double album included major ELO hits "Turn To Stone", which went to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #18 in the UK, "Mr. Blue Sky" (#35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 in the UK), and "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and (#17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 in the UK). The album itself reached #4 on both the Billboard Top 200 Albums and UK Albums charts and scored top 10 spots on many other world music charts, becoming ELO's most successful studio album. See image above for BPI sales certification of the release*.
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Item Highlights:
- BPI Gold LP award with all proper components for the era: Gold metal frame, gold disc, album cover miniature, British flag and gold presentation plate with official BPI logo
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation award from 1978
- Presentation to Jet Records USA
- Award measures 16" x 20"
- Beautiful and rare collector's item for any ELO fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation BPI Gold award that would have been manufactured in 1978, as dated on the plaque, making it about 45 years old. It is presented to ELO's then record label Jet Records USA.
The award is in VG to Excellent condition, with only a very few minor scratches on the frame, fading of the UK flag, and very slight fading of the matte. Also note that the original glass has been replaced with good quality plexiglass.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage 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.
*BPI sales data source: bpi.co.uk