Staind “Break The Cycle” and “Dysfunction” Platinum Award

Just four months after receiving the 4× Platinum award for Staind’s “Break the Cycle”, we’re proud to share another incredible achievement. This newly arrived plaque is a rare dual award, commemorating “Break the Cycle” reaching Platinum once again, alongside “Dysfunction” earning its own Platinum certification. A significant moment worth celebrating! “Break The Cycle” was released on May 8, 2001, Staind’s third studio album was certified Platinum by June 13 of the same year, and by November 2, 2001, it had already reached 4× Platinum. Two years later, on September 8, 2003, it achieved 5× Platinum status. And “Dysfunction was released on April 13, 1999 and received Platinum on June 14, 2000. A couple years later on February 26, 2004 it received even double Platinum.

Upon release, Break the Cycle debuted at number 1 in the United States, selling an impressive 717,600 copies in its first week. It also topped the charts in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United Kingdom. In Switzerland, it reached number 18 and remained on the charts for an impressive 26 weeks. Overall, the album earned Gold certification in Australia, Sweden, and Germany; Platinum in the United Kingdom; 2× Platinum in both Canada and New Zealand; and, as noted, 5× Platinum in the United States.

Staind “Break The Cycle” and “Dysfunction” Platinum Award

In contrast, “Dysfunction” had a modest start, debuting at No. 173 on the Billboard 200 with 29,000 units sold in its first week. However, the album gradually gained momentum, eventually peaking at No. 74 a few months later. While it didn’t see immediate commercial success, “Dysfunction” steadily built a following, earning Gold certification from the RIAA on November 5, 1999. By January 2000, sales had surpassed 500,000 copies. The album reached Platinum status on June 14, 2000, with reported sales of over 1.1 million by mid-2001. Following the mainstream breakthrough of Staind’s third album, “Break the Cycle”, in 2001, “Dysfunction” experienced renewed attention and continued commercial growth. This culminated in a Double Platinum certification from the RIAA on February 26, 2004.

To begin with, this is a substantial and visually striking award, its weight and size largely due to the solid metal frame that surrounds it. The plaque features two vinyl records: one commemorating one million copies sold of “Break the Cycle”, and the other recognizing one million sales of “Dysfunction”. Each vinyl is paired with the corresponding album artwork displayed prominently above it.

Adding to its visual impact is the dramatic shattered glass background, an element drawn directly from the “Break the Cycle” album design, which gives the piece a cool look. The Staind logo is etched onto the glass at the top, enhancing the overall aesthetic and making the award a true standout.

This particular award is dedicated to Gayle Boulware, who played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of “Break the Cycle” as the album’s art director. In addition to her creative contributions, Boulware was a key executive at The Firm, a leading management company during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Firm represented a wide array of major artists at the time, including Staind, positioning Boulware as an important figure in the band's career during that era.