March 2005 - Platinum Europe Awards

March 11, 2005

March saw two new entries into IFPI’s Platinum Europe Awards.

Following a move to a new label, prolific French singer Michel Sardou released Du Plaisir in March 2004 – his first studio album since 2000. The French public proved his popularity was as high as ever with the album going to no.1 in the charts, followed by an extensive national sold-out tour at the end of last year.

One of the colossi of French music, he was born among players; his father a popular music hall star and film actor, and his dancer-turned-actress mother took him on tour from an early age. Sardou has sold close to 100 million albums – and has picked up numerous awards. He won a French Victoire de la Musique for best song in 1987, most successful tour in 1990 and 1998 and best male artist in 1991.

Green Day has been one of America’s most consistently successful bands, and American Idiot, the band’s seventh studio album has raised the bar for punk pop offerings. The Californian veterans have delivered a political concept album about life in Bush’s America. Released in September 2004 to critical and popular acclaim, American Idiot gains a double Platinum Europe award for sales of over two million in Europe.

For further information contact
Fiona Harley, IFPI Communications Department
Tel: +44 (0)20 7878 7900