Vinyl pressings
by Pete Townshend · 1989
A Friend Is A Friend was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
ST-A-57153-1 1-1 [SRC Logo] ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.Side A runout
ST-A-57154-1 1-1 [SRC Logo] ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.Side B runout
ST-A-57153-SPSide A label
ST-A-57154-SPSide B label
VS 1198 A-1U-1- Q2Runout stamped side A
VS 1198 B-1U-1- Q2Runout stamped side B
VS 1198-ALabel side A
VS 1198-BLabel side B
VST 1198 A-1U-1-1Side A Stamped
VST 1198 b-1U-1-1Side B Stamped
VST 1198 A-1U-1-1
VST 1198 B-1U-1-2
VST 1198 A-1U-1-1 JASide A runout
VST 1198 B-1U-1-1Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia | Virgin VST 1198First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Australia | Virgin VS 1198First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Canada | Atlantic PRO 88757First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Europe | Virgin 612 385First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | Virgin 112 385First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Virgin VS 1198First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | Virgin VST 1198 / Virgin VST1198First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Virgin VSTG 1198First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | UK | Virgin VST 1198First year12", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1989 | US | Atlantic 7-88875First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Atlantic 0-86400First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | US | Atlantic 7-88875First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of A Friend Is A Friend are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in US, UK, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is Atlantic 7-88875, released June 27, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 7-88875, VS 1198, VST 1198, VSTG 1198) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-A-57153-1 1-1 [SRC Logo] ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K. and ST-A-57154-1 1-1 [SRC Logo] ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.. 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.
