Vinyl pressings
by Paper Lace · 1974
Billy - Don't Be A Hero was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
25 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 18 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.
BUS 1014 A-1 GGA 3Runout, side A (variant 1)
BUS 1014 B-2 GOM 2Runout, side B (variant 1)
BUS 1014 A-1 GGT 2Runout, side A (variant 2)
BUS 1014 B-2 GLH 3Runout, side B (variant 2)
BUS114A ZYM 1127Side 1 - Runout
BUS114B ZYM 1128Side 2 - Runout
BUS114ASide 1 - Label
BUS114BSide 2 - 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Argentina | Philips 6000139First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | Australia | EMI EMI 10461 / EMI (Australia) Limited EMI 10461First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Australia | EMI EMI 10461 / EMI (Australia) Limited EMI 10461First year7", 45 RPM, Misprint, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1974 | Canada | Polydor 2065 228First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | France | Philips 6000 139First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | France | Philips 6000 139First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Germany | Philips 6000 139First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Ireland | Bus Stop BUS 1014First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Ireland | Bus Stop BUS 1014First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Italy | Philips 6000 139First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1974 | Japan | Epic ECPB-296First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Mexico | Philips 45-448 / Philips 6080 139First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1974 | Netherlands | Philips 6000 139First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | New Zealand | Parlophone NZP 3470First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Portugal | Philips 6000 139First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Not On Label RSMV 00112", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
26 vinyl pressings of Billy - Don't Be A Hero are listed here, from 18 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Bus Stop BUS 1014.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BUS 1014, 73479, EMI 10461, 2065 228) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BUS 1014 A-1 GGA 3 and BUS 1014 B-2 GOM 2. 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.
