UK
May 31, 1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI QUEEN 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, White Label
- Runout / matrix
QUEEN 3A 1-1-I-I NICKZ PenthouseA-side runout
FB 7 LPFBB-side runout
Vinyl pressings
It's A Hard Life
by Queen · 1984
35 pressings16 countriesAcousticPop RockClassic RockRock
It's A Hard Life was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of It's A Hard Life
32 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 16 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.
UK
July 16, 1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI 12QUEEN 3
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
12 QUEEN 3 A-1-1-1-: NICKZ PenthouseRunout side A
12 QUEEN 3 B-1-1-1- :: NICKZRunout side B
UK
July 16, 1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI QUEEN 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Black Labels
- Runout / matrix
QUEEN 3 A-1-1-4-13 PenthouseVariant 1 - A-side, stamped
QUEEN 3 B-1-1-2-17 PenthouseVariant 1 - B-side, stamped
NICKZVariant 1 - A-side, etched
QUEEN 3 A-1-1-2-5 NICKZ PenthouseVariant 2 - A-side runout
UK
July 16, 1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI 12 QUEENP 3
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc
- Runout / matrix
QUEEN-P-3-A-1 ORLAKE NILZSide 1 Matrix Hand Etched
QUEEN-P-3-B-1 ORLAKESide 2 Matrix Hand Etched
UK
July 16, 1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI QUEEN 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
QUEEN 3 A-2-1-Q2-3-0, NICKZ PenthouseA-side Runout, Variant 1
QUEEN 3 B-1-1-Q2-3-7, PenthouseB-side Runout, Variant 1
QUEEN 3 A-2-1-Q2-3-0, NICKZ PenthouseRunout Side A, Stamped & Etched, Variant 2
QUEEN 3 B-2-1-Q2-3-2, PenthouseRunout Side B, Stamped & Etched, Variant 2
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- EMI QUEEN 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Black Labels
- Runout / matrix
Queen 3 A-2-1-1 X1 Nickz PenthouseSide A
Queen 3 B-1-1-1 X1 PenthouseSide B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 35 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s35 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Argentina | EMI DIF 294First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | EMI EMI-1291First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Australia | EMI EMI-1291First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Bolivia | EMI International BO - 1435First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Capitol Records B-5372First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Capitol Records B-5372First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1C 006 2002157First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | EMI 1C K 052 2002156 / EMI Electrola 1C K 052 2002156First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany | EMI 1C K 062 20 0342 6 / EMI Electrola 1C K 062 20 0342 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-2002157First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-2002157First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | EMI 1C K 052 2002156 / EMI Electrola 1C K 052 200215612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1984 | Ireland | EMI QUEEN 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | EMI EMI 956First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Philippines | EMI EMI-73-X-301 / EMI Queen-3First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- AIt's A Hard Life4:02
- BIs This The World We Created...?2:09
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of It's A Hard Life are there?
35 vinyl pressings of It's A Hard Life are listed here, from 16 countries.
When was It's A Hard Life first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, US, Benelux, Japan and more. One of them is EMI QUEEN 3, released May 31, 1984.
How do I tell if my copy of It's A Hard Life is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use QUEEN 3, 12QUEEN 3, 12 QUEENP 3, B-5372) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, QUEEN 3A 1-1-I-I NICKZ Penthouse and FB 7 LPFB. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is It's A Hard Life on vinyl worth?
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.
