USA & Canada
1973- Label and catalog number
- Virgin E.P.-PR-199
- Format
- 7", EP, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
ST-PR-199-A SPLabel, side A
ST-PR-199-B SPLabel, side B
Vinyl pressings
Tubular Bells (Now The Original Theme From "The Exorcist")
by Mike Oldfield · 1973
21 pressings11 countriesAcousticSymphonic RockThemeRock
Tubular Bells 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Tubular Bells
1 pressing came out in 1973, the album's first year. 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.
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 21 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s19 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | USA & Canada | Virgin E.P.-PR-199First year7", EP, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", EP, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1974 | Australia | Virgin K-55157", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Virgin VRS 551007", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | France | Virgin 640.034 / Virgin 640 0347", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | France | Virgin 640.034 / Virgin 640 0347", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | South Africa | Virgin V.20017", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Virgin VR-551007", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | New Zealand | Virgin VS.1017" | 7" |
| ? | New Zealand | Virgin VS 1017", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- ATubular Bells (Now The Original Theme From "The Exorcist")3:18
- BTubular Bells4:39
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Tubular Bells are there?
21 vinyl pressings of Tubular Bells are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1973 and 1977.
When was Tubular Bells first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in USA & Canada. One of them is Virgin E.P.-PR-199.
How do I tell if my copy of Tubular Bells is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use E.P.-PR-199) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-PR-199-A SP and ST-PR-199-B SP. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Tubular Bells 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.
