Vinyl pressings
by Rock Heroes · 1981
Rock Heroes Vol. I was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. 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 1981, the album's first year, in 8 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.
6423 474 1M 1 ℗ 1981 670 06 1 11Runout area side A
6423 474 2M 1 ℗ 1981 670 06 1 13Runout area side B
6423 474. 1MLabel side A
6423 474. 2MLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Mercury 6017 223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Germany | Mercury 6423 474First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Germany | Mercury 6208 056First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Guatemala | Philips 0208 056First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Japan | Philips 7PP-43First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Philips 6423 474First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Philips 6208 056First yearEP, 45 RPM, 7" | EP, 45 RPM, 7" |
| 1981 | Peru | Philips F-PHI 6017223.2First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Spain | Philips 64 23 474First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1981 | Spain | Philips 60 17 223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Philips ROCK 12First year12" | 12" |
| 1981 | UK | Philips ROCK 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Rock Heroes Vol. I are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in Netherlands, UK, Australia, Germany and more. One of them is Philips 6423 474.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6423 474, 6208 056, ROCK 12, ROCK 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 6423 474 1M 1 ℗ 1981 670 06 1 11 and 6423 474 2M 1 ℗ 1981 670 06 1 13. 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.
