This is an Ampex Golden Reel award for Rush album Moving Pictures. The album was released on Jan. 1, 1981 and by 2021 was certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for five million copies sold. (Note: This is not a RIAA award). It became Rush's biggest selling album in the U.S. and did well in many other markets around the world as well.
It featured the hits "Limelight", "Tom Sawyer", "Vital Signs" and the instrumental "YYZ" garnered a Grammy award nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. The album reached #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and the UK chart, and #1 in their native Canada.
The award is presented to Rob Whelan, who was one of the engineers on the record and also references Le Studio, the recording studio in Quebec, Canada at which the album was recorded. Le Studio has been referred to as Rush's "Abbey Road" given the success of their tracks recorded there.
Ampex Golden Reel awards were presented by the Ampex Corp. from approx. 1977 through 1989 for albums recorded entirely on Ampex recording tape which attained at least Gold sales in their country of origin. One award was given to the artist and one to the recording studio at which the project was recorded, making them rare awards. Especially so when considering that only around 500 albums received the honor.
Remember Neil Peart (1952-2020) and this legendary Rush album with this award.
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Item Highlights:
- Ampex Golden Reel award for Rush's 1981 Moving Pictures album
- Presented to an album engineer and the recording studio at which the album was recorded
- In VG condition
- Made around 1981
- Award measures approx. 12.5" x 15.5"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item for any Rush fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a "early style" Ampex Golden Reel award dating to 1981, making it about 42 years old. It is presented to Rob Whelan, one of the engineers of the record, and Le Studio, where the album was recorded.
The award is in VG condition. The "golden reel" is still bright although it has been polished and has a slightly uneven finish from age. The smoke-colored plexiglass is in very good condition. The presentation plate has a few minor scratches and mars (see image).
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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