In 1997, Rupert became one of a very few personal recipients of a Technical GRAMMY award. In awarding his GRAMMY, the Recording Academy acknowledged Rupert’s profound impact on the industry:

“For setting the standard for quality sound reproduction through his engineering and his innovative designs, which have made possible unparalleled advances in the quality of recorded sound; in recognition of his influence on a generation of audio designers; and for his dedication to purity of audio reproduction.”

The morning following the amazing GRAMMY Awards ceremony in February 1997, Rupert and Evelyn Neve hired a stretch limo to take them to the airport. After all, for that day at least, Rupert was a star. Carrying the coveted GRAMMY Trophy in its distinctive blue Tiffany bag, they headed for security.

“What is this?” the security guard asked, puzzled by the strange image on her screen. “It’s our Grammy,” Rupert replied. The girl looked startled and in hushed tones said, “I’m so sorry sir. You’ll have to check this. We can’t carry ashes in the cabin.”

“No, no, no,” Rupert explained. “My Grammy – not Granny. Have a look if you like.” She opened it up and for a moment security at the airport came to a standstill as girls screamed and all gazed in awe at the beautiful replica gramophone. It was almost the best moment of the whole proceeding.