Vinyl pressings
by Golden Earring · 1977
Live was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1977, 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.
AA 2001 732 1W 1 670 06 111Runout side A, variant 1
AA 2121 335 1W 1 670 06Runout side B, variant 1
AA 2001 732 1W 1 670 06Runout side A, variant 2
AA 2121 335 1W 1 670 06Runout side B, variant 2
Ⅰ-14 2121 335 A1 E.G.Runout side A
Ⅰ-6 2121 335 B1 E.G.Runout side B
2121335 A//1 P 1 1 8Runout stamped side A
2121335 B//1 P 1 12 5Runout stamped side B
MCA 1394 W1 ◈-P-◈Runout Side A
MCA 1395 W1 ◈-P-◈Runout Side B
MCA1394A-Side Label
MCA1395B-Side Label
MC2698Label Side A
MC6827ELabel Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Belgium | Polydor 2121 335First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Germany | Polydor 2121 335First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Ireland | Polydor 2121 335First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Polydor 2121 335First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Rhodesia | Polydor PS 1003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | UK | Polydor 2121 335First yearSingle, 12" | Single, 12" |
| 1977 | UK | Polydor 2121 335First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | US | MCA Records L33-1968First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | MCA Records MCA-40802First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | US | Collectables COL-90067 / MCA Special Markets & Products MSS-356977", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Live are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1977 and 1996.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Netherlands, UK, US, Belgium and more. One of them is Polydor 2121 335.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2121 335, L33-1968, MCA-40802, PS 1003) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AA 2001 732 1W 1 670 06 111 and AA 2121 335 1W 1 670 06. 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.
