Vinyl pressings
by Iron Maiden · 1980
Running Free 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 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.
EMI 5032 A-2USide A (Variant 1)
EMI 5032 B-2Side B (Variant 1)
EMI 5032 A-2U Ʊ 1 0 1Side A (Variant 2)
EMI 5032 B-2 4 1Side B (Variant 2)
EMI 5032 A-2USide A runout, variant 1
EMI 5032 B-2Side B runout, variant 1
EMI 5032 A-2U Ʊ 3 3 1Side A runout, variant 2
EMI 5032 B-2 1 4 1Side B runout, variant 2
1 EMI 5032 A-2U 2 3
1 EMI 5032 B-2 3 6
EMI 5032 A-2U Ʊ 1 1 1Side A runout
EMI 5032 B-2 2 6 1Side B runout
EMI 5032ASide A label
EMI 5032BSide B label
EMI 5032 A-2USide A runout
EMI 5032 B-2Side B runout
EMI 5032ASide A label
EMI 5032BSide B label
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 & New Zealand | EMI EMI 5032First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | France | EMI 2C 008 07261 / EMI 2C 008-07.261First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI 1 C 006-07 261 / EMI Electrola 1 C 006-07 261First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-07 2617", Single, 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1980 | Spain | EMI 10C 006-007261First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Spain | EMI 10C 006-007261First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | EMI EMI 5032First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | EMI EMI 5032First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | EMI EMI 5032First year7", Single, White Label | 7", Single, White Label |
| 1980 | UK | EMI EMI 5032First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | EMI EMI 5032First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | EMI EMI 5032First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1981 | UK | EMI EMI 5219 (DJ)7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Spain | EMI 10C 006-0072617", Single, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | 7", Single, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2014 | Spain | EMI 10C 006-0072617", Single, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | 7", Single, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2014 | US | Sanctuary BMG14021V / BMG BMG14021V7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited |
| 2014 | UK & Europe | Parlophone 2564625243 / Parlophone 50327", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
17 vinyl pressings of Running Free are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1980 and 2014.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia & New Zealand, France, Germany and more. One of them is EMI EMI 5032, released February 8, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMI 5032, 2C 008 07261, 1 C 006-07 261, 10C 006-007261) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMI 5032 A-2U and EMI 5032 B-2. 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.
