RIAA Platinum LP award for Jethro Tull's M.U. The Best of Jethro Tull album. The album was released on Jan. 9, 1976 and certified Platinum by the RIAA on May 3, 1978 for one million copies sold.
Featuring classic hit singles "Aqualung", "Locomotive Breath", "Bungle In The Jungle", and "Thick As A Brick - Edit #1", the album went to #44 on the UK Album chart and #13 on the U.S. Billboard Album chart. The curious "M.U." in the album title is said to stand for "Musician's Union", which refers to the various musicians who made up the group line ups over the years. See image above for more RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum LP award with all proper components for the era: Platinum frame, platinum disc and platinum presentation plate
- In VG condition with just a few mars on the frame and minor fading of the matte and tears in the backing paper (appears original)
- First presentation award from 1978
- Presented to the Chrysalis Records
- Known as a "floater" award because the components appear to "float" above the matte, they were made from 1975-1981
- RIAA floater awards numbered only 25-50 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures 17.5" x 21.5"
- Great collectors item for any Jethro Tull fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Platinum award that would have been manufactured in 1978. That makes this award 42 years old. The award was presented to Chrysalis Records.
In VG condition considering its age, with some minor frame wear and matte fading. The disc, presentation plate and album miniature are in excellent condition. This award has no manufacturer sticker on its backing paper but the original paper is still attached on the top, although it has been cut on three sides and taped.
Interested in knowing more about RIAA awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Read our article here.
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, record retailers, 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