This is an Ampex Golden Reel award for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Damn The Torpedos album. It was released on Oct. 19, 1979 and was certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for three million copies sold. (Note: This is not a RIAA award).
The group's third studio album produced the classics "Refugee", "Don't Do Me Like That", "Here Comes My Girl" and more. It reached #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.
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.
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Item Highlights:
- Ampex Golden Reel award for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 1979 Damn The Torpedoes album
- Presented to artist manager and co-founder of Asylum Records and the recording studios at which the album was recorded
- In Good to VG condition
- Made around 1979
- Award measures approx. 12.5" x 15.5"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item for any Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a "early style" (1977-1980) Ampex Golden Reel award dating to 1979, making it about 43 years old. It is presented to artist manager Elliot Roberts, who managed at various times Neil Young, Tom Petty, Tracy Chapman, Bob Dylan and The Cars, and in 1971 also co-founded Asylum Records with David Geffen. It is also presented to Cherokee and Sound City Studios, where the album was recorded.
The award is in Good to VG condition. The "golden reel" has some tarnish and the center cap has some wear. The smoke-colored plexiglass and presentation plate are in good condition.
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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