Vinyl pressings
by Leo Sayer · 1973
The Show Must Go On was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 10 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.
CHS 2023Ax̶-1U GDY 5Stamped runout, side A, variant 1
CHS 2023Bx̶-1U GDP 3Stamped runout, side B, variant 1
CHS 2023Ax̶-1U PT 4Stamped runout, side A, variant 2
CHS 2023Bx̶-1U PR 1Stamped runout, side B, variant 2
CHS 2023A-1URunout side A
CHS 2023B-1URunout side B
10 AA6155020 1W//2 320 NRunout A, variant 1
10 AA6155020 2W 320 1 HRunout B, variant 1
10 AA6155020 1W//2 320 1 LRunout A, variant 2
10 AA6155020 2W 320 1 HRunout B, variant 2
10 AA6155020 1W//2 320 1 1 FRunout A, stamped
10 AA6155020 2W 320 1 FRunout B, stamped
AA 6155 020.1 WLabel A
AA 6155 020.2 WLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | Chrysalis K-5404First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Germany | Chrysalis 6155 020First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Chrysalis 6155 020First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Greece | Chrysalis CHS.2023First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1973 | Ireland | Chrysalis CHS.2023First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Chrysalis 5C 006-95101First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K5404First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Portugal | Chrysalis 6155 020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Sweden | Chrysalis CHS 2023First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2023First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1973 | US | Warner Bros. Records PRO 579First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | UK | Chrysalis CHS.2023First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Germany | Chrysalis 6155 020First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Chrysalis 6155 020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Argentina | Music Hall 32.1517", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Netherlands | Chrysalis CHS 20237", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Warner Bros. Records GWB 03367", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Warner Bros. Records GWB 03367", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
28 vinyl pressings of The Show Must Go On are listed here, from 19 countries, released between 1973 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, US, Germany, Australia and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS.2023, released November 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS.2023, CHS 2023, PRO 579, 6155 020) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS 2023Ax̶-1U GDY 5 and CHS 2023Bx̶-1U GDP 3. 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.
