Vinyl pressings
by Andrew Lloyd Webber · 1984
Starlight Express was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 6 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
821 598 - 1 S 1 = 2 320 1 KSide A
821 598 - 1 S 2 = 2 320 1 KSide B
821 599 - 1 S 1 = 2 3 20 1 LSide C
821 599 - 1 S 2 = 2 3 20 1 LSide D
LNER 1 A//1 ▽420 RRunout, Side A
LNER 1 B//2 ▽420 R ARUNRunout, Side B
LNER 1 C//2 ▽420 RRunout, Side C
LNER 1 D//2 ▽420 R ARUNRunout, Side D
LNER 1 A-2U-1-1Side A runout, stamped
LNER 1 B-2U-1-1Side B runout, stamped
LNER 1 C-2U-1-1Side C runout, stamped
LNER 1 D//2 ▽420 R ARUNSide D runout, stamped
LNER 1 A-2U-1-1Runout side A
LNER 1 B-2U-1-1Runout side B
LNER 1 C-2U-1-1Runout side C
LNER 1 D-2U-1-1Runout side D
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Polydor 821 597-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Germany | Polydor 821 597-1 / Polydor 821 597-1 YFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 821598 / 821599LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 821 597-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Ireland | Polydor LNER1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Polydor 821 597-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Polydor LNER 1 / Polydor 821 599-1First yearLP | LP |
| 1984 | UK | Polydor 821 597 / Polydor LNER 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | PolydorFirst yearBox Set, Promo, LP, Album, 7", Single, 12", Single, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Misprint, Promo, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | Box Set, Promo, LP, Album, 7", Single, 12", Single, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Misprint, Promo, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1984 | UK | Polydor LNER 1 / Polydor 821 597-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Japan | Polydor 33MM 0590/1LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Polydor 821 597-1LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Starlight Express are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1984 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Germany, UK, Australia, Greece and more. One of them is Polydor 821 597-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 821 597-1, LNER 1, 821 597, LNER1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 821 598 - 1 S 1 = 2 320 1 K and 821 598 - 1 S 2 = 2 320 1 K. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
