This is an Ampex Golden Reel award for KISS album Lick It Up. Released on Sept. 23, 1983 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Dec. 22, 1983 for 500,000 copies sold. (Note: This is not a RIAA award). This was the group's first album on which they appeared on the cover without make up. The title track "Lick It Up" and "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" were released as singles and the album hit #24 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, #7 in the U.K. and charted all over the world. By 1990 the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

The award is presented to Michael J. Jackson, who produced the album and also references Right Track, the recording studio in New York City at which the album was recorded.

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.

Item Highlights:

• Ampex Golden Reel award for KISS album Lick It Up
• Presented to an album producer and the recording studio at which the album was recorded
• In VG condition
• Made around 1983
• Award measures approx. 12.5" x 15.5"
  
• One-of-a-kind collector's item for any KISS fan

Detailed Item Description: This is a "early style" Ampex Golden Reel award dating to 1983, making it about 40 years old. It is presented to Michael J. Jackson, one of the engineers of the record, and Right Track Recording, where the album was recorded. The late Jackson worked on several 80s KISS albums and also with Armored Saint, L.A. Guns, Hurricane, Red Rider, and Pablo Cruise.

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 and presentation plate are in VG condition.

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.