Vinyl pressings
by Heavy Pettin · 1985
Rock Ain't Dead 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.
HEPLP 2 A // 2 ▼ 420 R 1 1Side A stamped, variant 1
HEPLP 2 B // 2 ▼ 420 R 11Side B stamped, variant 1
HEPLP 2 A // 2 ▼ 420 R 1 1 3Side A stamped, variant 2
HEPLP 2 B // 2 ▼ 420 R 1 1 3Side B stamped, variant 2
HEPLP 2 A // 2 ▼ 420 R 1 1Side A Stamped
HEPLP 2 B // 2 ▼ 420 R 11Side B Stamped
422-825-897-1-AS-ALD SLM △9793 1-1 [STERLING stamp x2] ⚾ [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B--21350-ALDSide A, etched
422-825-897-1-BS-ALD [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-21351-ALD SLM △9793-X 1-1 [STERLING stamp] ⚾ [STERLING stamp]Side B, etched
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 | Australia | Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Polydor PDS 1 6421First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Germany | Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0453First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0453First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | UK | Polydor HEPLP 2 / Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | Polydor HEPLP 2 / Polydor 825 897-1First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | US | Polydor 422-825 897-1 Y-1 / Polydor 825 897-1 Y-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Polydor 422-825 897-1 Y-1 / Polydor 825 897-1 Y-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Polydor 422-825 897-1 Y-1 / Polydor 825 897-1 Y-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
13 vinyl pressings of Rock Ain't Dead are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Polydor HEPLP 2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use HEPLP 2, 422-825 897-1 Y-1, 825 897-1, PDS 1 6421) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, HEPLP 2 A // 2 ▼ 420 R 1 1 and HEPLP 2 B // 2 ▼ 420 R 11. 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.
