RIAA Platinum LP award for UB40's Labour Of Love album. Released on Sept. 27, 1983, the group's fourth album consisted mostly of covers and was certified Platinum for 1 million copies sold on Sept. 7, 1988.
Probably best known worldwide for smash #1 single "Red Red Wine" (written by Neil Diamond) the release also included singles "Please Don't Make Me Cry", "Many Rivers to Cross" and "Cherry Oh Baby". The album initially only peaked at #39 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart while hitting #1 in the UK, NZ and the Netherlands and top 5 in Canada. However, once "Red Red Wine" was released as a single in the U.S. the album surged back onto the Billboard chart, eventually peaking at #14. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum LP award with all proper components for the "flower hologram" era: "platinum" disc, cassette, "flower RIAA hologram" and silver presentation plate
- In VG condition
- Made in 1988, appears to be original back with no manufacturer's sticker but may have been rebacked
- First presentation award
- Presented to music retailing executive
- Known as a "flower hologram" award they were made from 1986-1989
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any UB40 or reggae fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is an original first presentation RIAA award from around 1988, making it 33 years old. It is presented to music industry retailer Steve Harmon, who worked with Tower Records.
It is in VG condition with what appears to be original back but no manufacturer's sticker is present so it may have been rebacked. The award only has very minor mars on the frame and plexiglass.
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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, 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