Vinyl pressings
by Sex Pistols · 1979
The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 4 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.
VS-290-A-1 A PORKY PRIME CUTMatrix side A, etched variant 1
VS-290-B1 PORKYMatrix side B, etched variant 1
VS-290-A-1 A PORKY PRIME CUT I ΛMatrix side A, etched variant 2
VS-290-B2 PORKY C ΛMatrix side B, etched variant 2
VS290 A4Runout side A, etched
VS290 B4Runout side B, etched
VS290 A4
VS290 B4
VS-290-A2 A PORKY PRIME CUTA-side runout, Variant 1
VS-290-B2 PORKYB-side runout, Variant 1
VS-290-A1 A PORKY PRIME CUTA-side runout, Variant 2
VS-290-B1 PORKYB-side runout, Variant 2
VS 290 A3 Ʊ ΛA Side - etched [Λ stamped]
VS 290 B3 Ʊ ΛB Side - etched [Λ stamped]
VS-290-A2 Λ 0 A PORKY PRIME CUTRunout side A, etched variant 1, [Λ 0 stamped]
VS 290 B1 PORKY D 5 1Runout side B, etched variant 1, [D 5 1 stamped]
VS-290-A1 Λ 1 A PORKY PRIME CUTRunout side A, etched variant 2, [Λ 1 stamped]
VS-290-B2 Λ PORKY 2 5Runout side B, etched variant 2, [Λ 2 5 stamped]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Germany | Virgin 100 916 / Virgin 100 916-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Germany | Virgin 100 916 / Virgin 100 916-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Virgin 100 916First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Ireland | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | UK | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | UK | Virgin VS 290First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands. One of them is Virgin VS 290, released September 12, 1979.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 290, 100 916) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS-290-A-1 A PORKY PRIME CUT and VS-290-B1 PORKY. 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.
