Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- CBS 655300 6CBS 01-655300-20
- Format
- 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
01-655300-20-1A-1 BRunout stamped side A
01-655300-20-1B-1 CRunout stamped side B
Vinyl pressings
We Didn't Start The Fire
by Billy Joel · 1989
17 pressings10 countriesPop RockArena RockBlues RockRock
We Didn't Start The Fire was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of We Didn't Start The Fire
17 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 10 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.
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- CBS 655300 7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
01 655300 00 1A1 FRunout side A, variant 1
01 655300 00 1B1 BRunout side B, variant 1
01 655300 00 1A1 ARunout side A, variant 2
01 655300 00 1B1 ARunout side B, variant 2
UK
September 18, 1989- Label and catalog number
- CBS JOEL 1
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Matte Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
JOEL-1 A1 2 1 ⋀Runout side A, etched/stamped
JOEL-1 B1 ⋀Runout side B, etched/stamped
JOEL 1 A☆Label side A
JOEL 1 B☆Label side B
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- CBS JOEL T1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- CBS JOEL T1
- Format
- 12", Single
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- CBS JOEL 1
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Glossy sleeve
- Runout / matrix
JOEL.1 A1Runout side A, etched
JOEL.1 B1Runout side B, etched
JOEL 1 ALabel side A
JOEL 1 BLabel side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 17 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s17 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Costa Rica | CBS 7655300First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Ecuador | CBS Columbia 133-0158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Europe | CBS 655300 6 / CBS 01-655300-20First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | CBS 655300 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Ireland | CBS JOEL 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Mexico | CBS PR-95110First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Philippines | CBS QCL45-10298First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Spain | CBS ARIC 2263First year7", Single Sided, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1989 | Spain | CBS 655300 3First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Spain | CBS 655300 6First year12", Stereo | 12", Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | CBS JOEL T1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | CBS JOEL T1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1989 | UK | CBS JOEL 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | US | Columbia 38-73021First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1989 | US | Columbia 38-73021First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene · Promo |
Tracklist
- AWe Didn't Start The Fire4:29
- BHouse Of Blue Light4:25
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of We Didn't Start The Fire are there?
17 vinyl pressings of We Didn't Start The Fire are listed here, from 10 countries.
When was We Didn't Start The Fire first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in Europe, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is CBS 655300 6.
How do I tell if my copy of We Didn't Start The Fire is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 655300 6, 655300 7, JOEL 1, JOEL T1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 01-655300-20-1A-1 B and 01-655300-20-1B-1 C. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is We Didn't Start The Fire on vinyl worth?
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.
