Vinyl pressings
by Deborah Harry · 1986
Rockbird 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.
45 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 16 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.
GHS 24123ASR3 I-I STERLING SRCA-Side runout - variant 1
GHS 24123 - B - SR1 I-I STERLING SRCB-Side runout - variant 1
GHS 24123ASR3 I-2 STERLING SRCA-Side runout - variant 2
GHS 24123 - B - SR1 I-3 STERLING SRCB-Side runout - variant 2
CDL 1540 A//1▽420 H TOWNHOUSESide A runout, stamped [TOWNHOUSE] etched - Variant 1
CDL 1540 B//1▽420 HSide B runout, stamped - Variant 1
CDL 1540 A//1▽420 H 14 21 TOWNHOUSESide A runout, stamped [TOWNHOUSE] etched - Variant 2
CDL 1540 B//1▽420 H 14 3Side B runout, stamped - Variant 2
CDL 1540 A//1▽420 H 11 14 TOWNHOUSESide A
CDL 1540 B//1▽420H 1Side B
CDL 1540 A//1▽420 H 11 TOWNHOUSESide A
CDL 1540 B//1▽420H 1Side B
GHS 24123-A-SH2 ɑ B-25683-SH2 △14614 1-3 STERLINGRunout A etched; ɑ, STERLING stamped
STERLING △14614-X GHS 24123-B SH3 ɑ B-25684-SH3 1-1Runout B etched; ɑ, STERLING stamped
CHR 1540 A1
CHR 1540 B1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australasia | Chrysalis CHR 321540First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis L-38652First yearLP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis L 38652First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis L38652First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis L38652First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Brazil | Chrysalis 275003First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Canada | Geffen Records XGHS 24123First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | France | Chrysalis 830 661-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | France | Chrysalis 830 661-1First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | France | Chrysalis 830 661-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | Germany | Chrysalis 208 014First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | Chrysalis 208 014 - 630First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | Germany | Chrysalis 208 014 / Chrysalis CHR 1540First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | Chrysalis 208 014First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Israel | Chrysalis CHR 1540-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Ireland | Chrysalis CHR 1540LP, Album | LP, Album |
54 vinyl pressings of Rockbird are listed here, from 20 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, UK, Japan, Australasia and more. One of them is Geffen Records GHS 24123, released October 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use GHS 24123, CHR 1540, WWS-91210, CHR 321540) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, GHS 24123ASR3 I-I STERLING SRC and GHS 24123 - B - SR1 I-I STERLING SRC. 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.
