Vinyl pressings
by Def Leppard · 1980
Hello America was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 7 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.
LEPP 1 A//1 ▼ ET 11 2 RAYSSide A runout, variant 1
LEPP 1 B//1 ▼ ET 11 4 RAYSSide B runout, variant 1
LEPP 1 A//1 ▼ ET 11 4 RAYSSide A runout, variant 2
LEPP 1 B//1 ▼ ET 11 4 RAYSSide B runout, variant 2
LEPP 1 A//1 ▼ ET 11 6 RAYSRunout side A, variant 1
LEPP 1 B//1 ▼ ET 11 6 RAYSRunout side B, variant 1
LEPP 1 A//1 ▼ ET 11 10 RAYSRunout side A, variant 2
LEPP 1 B//1 ▼ ET 11 8 RAYSRunout side B, variant 2
SIDE A VRA 629 LEP 001 A POLYGRAMStamped
Side B - VRA 629 LEP 001 B POLYGRAMStamped
6059253 1 520 2 0480Side A, stamped
6059253 2 520Side B, stamped
LEPP 1 ALabel A
LEPP 1 BLabel B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Vertigo 6059 253First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | France | Vertigo 6837 630First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Italy | Vertigo 6059 253First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Japan | Vertigo SFL-2485First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Japan | Vertigo SFL-2485First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Vertigo 6059 270First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Vertigo 6059 270First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | South Africa | Vertigo TOS 1269First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Vertigo LEPP 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Vertigo LEPP 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Vertigo LEPP 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Hello America are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Italy, Japan, Netherlands and more. One of them is Vertigo LEPP 1, released February 15, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LEPP 1, 6059 253, SFL-2485, 6059 270) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LEPP 1 A//1 ▼ ET 11 2 RAYS and LEPP 1 B//1 ▼ ET 11 4 RAYS. 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.
