UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Magnet MAGT 298
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MAG - T - 298 - A1A
MAG - T - 298 - B1B
Chris ReaHello Friend / Driving Home For Christmas
Vinyl pressings
Hello Friend / Driving Home For Christmas
by Chris Rea · 1986
12 pressings5 countriesBalladHolidayPop
Hello Friend was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 Hello Friend
10 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 4 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.
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Magnet MAG 298Magnet MAG298
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MAG · 298-A-1 VRunout side A, etched, "V" stamped
MAG - 298-B-1 VRunout side B, etched, "V" stamped
MAG 298 ALabel side A
MAG 298 BLabel side B
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Magnet MAG298D
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MAG-298-A-1 1 0 AVersion 1, side A: etched/stamped
MAG-298-B-1 0 AVersion 1, side B: etched/stamped
MAG 298 A 2Version 2, side A: etched
MAG 298 B 2Version 2, side B: etched
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Magnet MAG 298
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Magnet MAG 298Magnet MAG298
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MAG - 298-A-1 D 1Runout Side A, etched
MAG - 298-B-1 D 1Runout Side AA, etched
MAG 298 ALabel side A
MAG 298 AALabel Side AA
Germany
November 24, 1986- Label and catalog number
- Magnet 885 444-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
885 444 – 7 S 1 320 1 ERunout side A, stamped
885 444 – 7 S 2 320 1 GRunout side B, stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 12 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Magnet 885 444-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Benelux | Magnet 108 712First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Benelux | Magnet 108 712 / Magnet 108.712First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Germany | Magnet 885 444-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAGT 298First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAG 298 / Magnet MAG298First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAG298DFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAG 298First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAG 298 / Magnet MAG298First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | Magnet 885 444-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Japan | Magnet VIPX-18777", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Japan | Magnet VIPX-18777", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AHello Friend (Re-Record) (Full Version)4:46
- BDriving Home For Christmas4:34
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Hello Friend are there?
12 vinyl pressings of Hello Friend are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
When was Hello Friend first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Germany, Australia, Benelux. One of them is Magnet MAGT 298.
How do I tell if my copy of Hello Friend is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAGT 298, MAG 298, MAG298D, 885 444-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAG - T - 298 - A1 and MAG - T - 298 - B1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Hello Friend 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.
