Italy
1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI 16 2003406
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
2003406-A 11-9-84 IRunout A side
2003406-B 11-9-84 IRunout B side
Vinyl pressings
The NeverEnding Story
by Limahl · 1984
64 pressings22 countriesSoundtrackSynth-popElectronicStage & Screen
The NeverEnding Story was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The NeverEnding Story
52 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 19 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.
Italy
1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI 06 2002867
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
2002867-A 31-8-84 IΔSide A runout, stamped
2002867-B 31-8-84 IΔSide B runout, stamped
06 2002867 ASide A label
06 2002867 BSide B label
UK
October 1, 1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI LML 3
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
LML 3 A - 3 - 1 - 0-3 - 44 PenthouseA side runout, stamped
LML 3 B - 3 - 1 - 0-3 - 29B side runout, stamped
LML 3 A-3-1-Q4-20 Penthouse
LML 3 B-3-1-Q4-10 Penthouse
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI 12 LML 3EMI 12LML 3
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
12 LML 3 A-1-1-1-Side A runout
12 LML 3 B-1-1-1-Side B runout
12LML 3ASide A label
12LML 3BSide B label
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI LML 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Black Paper Labels, Solid Centre
- Runout / matrix
LML 3 A - 3 - 1 - 2 - 3 PenthouseRunout side A, variant 1
LML 3 B - 3 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 10Runout side B, variant 1
LML 3 A-3-1-1-19 PenthouseRunout side A, variant 2
LML 3 B-3-1-1-1-10Runout side B, variant 2
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI LML 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Black Paper Labels, Knockout Centre
- Runout / matrix
LML 3 A-3-1-1-16 PenthouseA-side runout
LML 3 B-3-1-1-9B-side runout
LML 3AA-side label
LML 3BB-side label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 64 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s61 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Argentina | EMI DIF 301First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | EMI ED-92 / EMI ED.92First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Australia | EMI EMI 1350First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Australia | EMI EMI-1350First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Australia | EMI EMI-1350First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Canada | EMI America B-8230First year7" | 7" |
| 1984 | Canada | EMI America V-75095First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Canada | EMI America B-8230First year7" | 7" |
| 1984 | Canada | EMI America V-75095 / EMI America V 75095First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1A 006-20 0286 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1C K 062 20 0340 6 / EMI 1C K 062-20 0340 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1C 006 2002867 / EMI 1C 006 20 0286 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1C K 062 20 0340 6 / EMI 1C K 062-20 0340 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | France | EMI 1549426First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | EMI 2002867First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | EMI 15499312", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| ? | South Africa | EMI 12EMIL(c) 449612", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| ? | US | EMI-Manhattan Records B-82307", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
Tracklist
- ANever Ending Story (12'' Mix)
- B1Never Ending Story (7'' Mix)
- B2Ivory Tower (Instrumental)
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The NeverEnding Story are there?
64 vinyl pressings of The NeverEnding Story are listed here, from 22 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
When was The NeverEnding Story first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Italy, UK, US, Japan and more. One of them is EMI 16 2003406.
How do I tell if my copy of The NeverEnding Story is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 16 2003406, 06 2002867, LML 3, 12 LML 3) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2003406-A 11-9-84 I and 2003406-B 11-9-84 I. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The NeverEnding Story on vinyl worth?
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.
