Vinyl pressings
by Iron Maiden · 1990
Holy Smoke was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1990, the album's first year, in 5 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.
12 EMPD 153 A1, ORLAKESide A runout, variant 1
12 EMPD 153 B1, ORLAKESide B runout, variant 1
12 EMPD 153 A1 •ORLAKE•Side A runout, variant 2
12 EMPD 153 B1 •ORLAKE•Side B runout, variant 2
EM 153 A-1U-1-Side A runout, variant 1
EM 153 B-1U-1- 3Side B runout, variant 1
EM 153 A-1U-1- STERLING DSide A runout, variant 2
EM 153 B-1U-1- STERLING DSide B runout, variant 2
12 EM 153 A-1U-1-1Side A runout, variant 1
12 EM 153 B-1U-1-2Side B runout, variant 1
12 EM 153 A-1U-1-2Side A runout, variant 2
12 EM 153 B-1U-1-2Side B runout, variant 2
EM 153 A-10-1-Q2Side A, Variant 1
EM 153 B-10-1-Q2Side B, Variant 1
EM 153 A-1U-1-Q2 DSide A, Variant 2
EM 153 B-1U-1-Q2 DSide B, Variant 2
EM 153 A-1U-1-Q2Side A
EM 153 B-1U-1-Q2Side B
12 EM 153 A-1U-1-1 STERLING DSide A runout, variant 1
12 EM 153 B-1U-1-2 STERLING DSide B runout, variant 1
12 EM 153 B-1U-1-2 STERLING DSide A runout, variant 2
12 EM 153 B-1U-1-2 STERLING DSide A runout, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Australasia | EMI 2477-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | Europe | EMI 060 2 04028 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Italy | EMI 06 2040287 / EMI 06 20 4028 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo |
| 1990 | Italy | EMI 14 2040286First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Italy | EMI 14 2040286First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Italy | EMI 06 204028 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | EMI EM 153 / EMI 20 4028 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | EMI 12EMP 153 / EMI 20 4028 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | EMI EM 153 / EMI 20 4028 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | UK | EMI 12EMPD 15312", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Picture disc | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Picture disc |
| 1990 | UK | EMI EM 153First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | UK | EMI EM 1537", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
| 1990 | UK | EMI EM 153First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox |
| 1990 | UK | EMI 12EMP 153 / EMI 20 4028 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Europe | EMI 006 2 04028 77", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Unknown | Rockin' Bear Records RBR 831747", Single, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc | 7", Single, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Israel | Not On Label (Iron Maiden)12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Picture Disc, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Picture disc |
21 vinyl pressings of Holy Smoke are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1990 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in UK, Europe, France, Australasia and more. One of them is EMI 12EMPD 153, released September 10, 1990.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12EMPD 153, EM 153, 12EMP 153, 006 2 04028 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 EMPD 153 A1, ORLAKE and 12 EMPD 153 B1, ORLAKE. 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.
