Vinyl pressings
by Status Quo · 1986
Red Sky was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
QUO 19 A // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 4 ARUNRunout Side A [Stamped/Etched], variant 1
QUO 19 B // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 4Runout Side B [Stamped], variant 1
QUO 19 A // 2 ▽420 R 1 2 8 ARUNRunout Side A [Stamped/Etched], variant 2
QUO 19 B // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 1 0Runout Side B [Stamped], variant 2
QUO 19 A//2▽240 R 11 1 ARUNSide A runout
QUO 19 B//2▽240 R 11 2Side B runout
QUO 19 A // 2 ▽ 420 R ARUNSide A runout stamped/etched
QUO 19 B // 2 ▽ 420 RSide B runout stamped
QUO 19 A // 2 ▽ 420 R ARUNSide A runout stamped/etched
QUO 19 B // 2 ▽ 420 RSide B runout stamped
QUO 19 A // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 4 ARUNRunout Side A [Stamped/Etched]
QUO 19 B // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 4Runout Side A [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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Ireland | Vertigo QUO 19First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | South Africa | Vertigo TOS 1599First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUO 1912 / Phonogram QUO 1912First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUODP 19 / Phonogram QUODP 19First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo / PhonogramFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Not On LabelFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUO 19 / Vertigo 884 909-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUOPB 191First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUO 19First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUO 19 / Vertigo 884 909-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUO 19 / Vertigo 884 909-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | UK | Vertigo QUO 19 / Vertigo 884 909-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Australia | Vertigo 884 909-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
13 vinyl pressings of Red Sky are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia, Ireland, South Africa. One of them is Vertigo QUO 19, released July 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use QUO 19, QUOPB 191, QUO 1912, QUODP 19) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, QUO 19 A // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 4 ARUN and QUO 19 B // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 4. 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.
