Vinyl pressings
by Queen · 1980
Flash 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.
42 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 21 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.
EMI 5126 A-1 NICK W 53Runout side A, variant 1
EMI 5126 B-1 29Runout side B, variant 1
EMI 5126 A-1 NICK W 2 5 1Runout side A, variant 2
EMI 5126 B-1 2 5 0Runout side B, variant 2
EMI 5126 A-1 74 2A-Side - Stamped
NICK WA Side - Etched
EMI 5126 B-1 73 3B-Side - Stamped
EMI 5126AA-Side Label
EMI 5126 A-1 50 NICK WA side (runout) - stamped, NICK W etched
EMI 5126 B-1 44B side (runout) - stamped
EMI5126 A-1 NICKW C1>NICKW etched
AS-11481-A-SP 1-1 STIRLINGSide A
AM-11481-A-SP 1-1 STIRLINGSide AA
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 | Argentina | EMI 1766First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Argentina | EMI EMI 5126 / EMI 1766First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Australia | Elektra E-47092First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Bolivia | EMI International BO - 1309First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Brazil | EMI 31C 006 64205First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Canada | Elektra E 47092First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Canada | Elektra E 47092First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | France | EMI 2C 008-64205 / EMI 2C 008-64.205First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | France | EMI 64205First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI 1 C 006-64 205 / EMI Electrola 1 C 006-64 205First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-64 205 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-64 205First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-64 205 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-64 205First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-64 205 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-64 205First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Italy | EMI 3C 006-64205First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Mexico | EMI 33C006-64205First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
52 vinyl pressings of Flash are listed here, from 23 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, US, Chile, Ireland and more. One of them is EMI EMI 5126, released November 24, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMI 5126, AS-11481-A, E-47092, 32C 006-064205) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMI 5126 A-1 NICK W 53 and EMI 5126 B-1 29. 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.
