Vinyl pressings
by Pierre Moerlen's Gong · 1980
Live was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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 1980, 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.
202205 A-1/80S tone Made in GermanyA-side runout stamped / tone etched
202205 B-1/80S Made in GermanyB-side runout stamped
S 202 205 ALabel A
S 202 205 BLabel B
AB-4279-SA CSMP-2 STERLINGSide A etched and STAMPED
AB-4279-SB CSMP-3 STERLINGSide B etched and STAMPED
AB-4279-SA CSM P-2 STERLING SXT S1Side A Runout Etched, (STERLING Stamped) Variant 2
AB-4279-1SB CSM P-1 STERLING SXT D1 S1Side B Runout Etched, (STERLING Stamped) Variant 2
AB-4279-SA CSMP-2 STERLING A1 S1Side A Runout variant 1
AB-4279-1SB CSMP-1 STERLING A1 S1Side B Runout variant 1
AB-4279-SA CSMP-2 STERLING D SX S1Side A Runout variant 2
AB-42 79-SB CSMP-2 STERLING C SX S1Side B Runout variant 2
AB 4279 A [CAPITOL LOGO] TLC ARunout side A
AB 4279 B TLC ARunout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Canada | Arista AB 4279First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Canada | Arista AB 4279First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | France | Arista 202 205First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | France | Arista 202 205First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Germany | Arista 202 205First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Arista 202 205 / Arista 202 205/96739First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | Arista AB 4279First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | Arista AB 4279First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Arista 202 205LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Germany | Arista 202 205LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Germany | Arista 202 205LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | UK | Great Expectations PIPLP 019LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Live are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Germany, US, Canada, France and more. One of them is Arista 202 205.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 202 205, AB 4279) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 202205 A-1/80S tone Made in Germany and 202205 B-1/80S Made in Germany. 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.
