Vinyl pressings
by Motörhead · 1981
Motorhead was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
BROP + 124 + A OR JONZSide A runout etched, Variant 1
BROP + 124 + B2 SOUND CLINIC ORSide B runout etched, Variant 1
BROP + 124 + A2 JONZ ORSide A runout etched, Variant 2
BROP + 124 + B2 SOUND CLINIC ORSide B runout etched, Variant 2
BRO 124-A5 JONZ DAMONTSide A, Etched - variant 1
BRO 124-B5 SOUND CLINIC DAMONTSide B, Etched - variant 1
BRO 124-A5 JONZ DAMONT TSide A, Etched - variant 2
BRO 124-B5 SOUND CLINIC DAMONT BSide B, Etched - variant 2
BRO 124 A//2 ESC 1 1 3 JONZSide A runout
BRO 124 -B//2 ESC 11 1 SOUND CLINICSide B runout
BRO 124 A//1 vESC 1 1 JONZSide A runout, variant 1
BRO 124 B//2 vESC 1 1 SOUNDCLINICSide B runout, variant 1
BRO 124 A//1 ∇ ESC 1 1 3 JONZSide A runout, variant 2
BRO 124 B//2 ∇ ESC 1 1 3 SOUNDCLINICSide B runout, variant 2
1. SMX 58295 326 W2ASide A runout
1. SMX 58296 W2A 256Side B runout
MX-58295Side A label
MX-58296Side B label
103359 A-1/81S ISide A runout area
103359 B-1/81S ISide B runout area
S 103 359 ASide A label
S 103 359 BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Bronze K-8400 / Bronze BRO-124First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Germany | Bronze 103 359 / Bronze 103 359 - 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Ireland | Bronze BRO 124First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Bronze K-8400 / Bronze BRO 124First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Bronze BRO 124First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Bronze BRO 124 / Bronze 2101 227First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Bronze BRO 124 / Bronze 2101 227First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Bronze BROP 124First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Italy | Earmark 41032-77", Single, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue · Limited, Numbered | 7", Single, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue · Limited, Numbered |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UK & Europe | BMG BMGCAT476SV / Murder One BMGCAT476SV7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited |
10 vinyl pressings of Motorhead are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1981 and 2021.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Australia, Germany, Ireland and more. One of them is Bronze BROP 124, released July 1981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BROP 124, BRO 124, K-8400, 103 359) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BROP + 124 + A OR JONZ and BROP + 124 + B2 SOUND CLINIC OR. 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.
