Vinyl pressings
by Kraan · 1975
Live was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 2 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.
A-2231 A - 2 Made in GermanySide A, stamped, Variant 1
26-440-8 2/1-3 SSTSide A, etched, Variant 1
A-2231 B - 1 26-440-8 2/2 Made in Germany SSTSide B, etched, stamped, Variant 1
A-2232 A - 2 Made in GermanySide C, stamped, Variant 1
GUD · 2001 · A1 △TRunout side A
GUD · 2001 · B1 △TRunout side B
GUD · 2002 · A1 △TRunout side C
GUD · 2002 · B1 △TRunout side D
XZAL-14416.P-IW D 1Runout Side A, stamped, Variant 1
XZAL-14417.P-IW D 1Runout Side B, stamped, Variant 1
XZAL-14418.P-IW D 1Runout Side C, stamped, Variant 1
XZAL-14419.P-IW D 1Runout Side D, stamped, Variant 1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Germany | Spiegelei 27 016-5 / Deutscher Schallplattenclub 27 016-5LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1975 | UK | Gull GUD 2001/2First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | UK | Gull GUD 2001/2First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | UK | Gull GUD 2001/2LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1975 | Germany | Spiegelei 26 440-8 Z/1-2First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Spiegelei 180.600LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Spiegelei 155.601LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1977 | Germany | Spiegelei 180.600LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1978 | Germany | Spiegelei 155.601LP, Album, Repress, Stereo | LP, Album, Repress, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Germany | Spiegelei 155.601LP, Album, Repress | LP, Album, Repress |
| 1984 | Germany | Spiegelei 155.601LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Live are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1975 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in Germany, UK. One of them is Spiegelei 26 440-8 Z/1-2, released April 1975.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 26 440-8 Z/1-2, GUD 2001/2) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A-2231 A - 2 Made in Germany and 26-440-8 2/1-3 SST. 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.
