Vinyl pressings
by Clarence Clemons · 1985
Hero was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 9 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.
AL-40010-1G G1 A16 STERLINGSide A runout, variant 1
BL-40010-1H E G1 C3 STERLINGSide B runout, variant 1
AL-40010-1G G1 A6 STERLINGSide A runout, variant 2
BL-40010-1G D G1 B4 STERLINGSide B runout, variant 2
AL-40010-1A STERLING P(T)Side A runout, variant 1
BL-40010-1C STERLING P(?)Side B runout, variant 1
P (T) AL- 40010-1H STERLING CSide A runout, variant 2
P (?) o BL-40010 • 1C STERLING ASide B runout, variant 2
AL-40010 1A2HZ DM 3Side A runout
BL-40010 1A2HZ DM 7Side B runout
AL-40010Side A label
BL-40010Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Europe | CBS CBS 26743First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Greece | CBS CBS 26743First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP3117LP, Album, Promo, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing, Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1985 | New Zealand | CBS SBP 8108First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Portugal | CBS CBS 26743First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | CBS S 26743First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | CBS S 26743First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | CBS CBS 26743First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Columbia BFC 40010First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Columbia FC 40010First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Columbia FC 40010First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Columbia BFC 40010First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3117First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3117First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Australia | CBS SBP 8108LP, Album | LP, Album |
15 vinyl pressings of Hero are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Canada, Japan and more. One of them is Columbia BFC 40010, released November 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BFC 40010, FC 40010, CBS 26743, 28AP 3117) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL-40010-1G G1 A16 STERLING and BL-40010-1H E G1 C3 STERLING. 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.
