RIAA Platinum LP award for Van Halen album Fair Warning, which was released in the U.S. on April 29, 1981. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA on Nov. 18, 1981 for 1 million copies sold. Hard to find award for this title.

The album, the group's third, produced singles "Unchained" and "So This Is Love?" and the album peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and also charting in numerous other countries. By 1994 the album had gone 2x Multi-Platinum.

Item Highlights:

• RIAA Platinum "strip plate" LP award
• In VG condition 
• First presentation award from 1982
• Presented to Warner Bros. record executive
• Known as a strip plate award because the presentation plate, RIAA logo and album miniature are on one metal strip, made from 1981-1985
• Award measures 17" x 21"
  
• Great collectors item for any Van Halen fan

Detailed Item Description:  This is a first presentation RIAA Platinum award that would have been manufactured in 1982. That makes it around 39 years old. It is presented to the late Russ Thyret, who was at the time Sr. VP of Promotion at Warner Bros. Records and who became Chairman and CEO from 1995 to 2001. 

This award is in VG condition with only some minor wear to the frame and plexiglass. This is most likely an award made in the 80s by an unknown manufacturer. Many Warner Bros. awards from this time period share these characteristics.

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