Europe
1987- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 390 284-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
390 284 - 7 S 1 320Runout stamped side A
390 284 - 7 S 2 320Runout stamped side B
SupertrampFree As A Bird
Vinyl pressings
Free As A Bird
by Supertramp · 1987
13 pressings9 countriesProg RockRock
Free As A Bird was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. 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 Free As A Bird
11 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMY 430
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
AMY 430 A / 1 ▽ 420 T ? 1Runout Side A Stamped
AMY 430 B/ 1 ▽ 420 T ? 1Runout Side B Stamped
AMY 430 AMatrix. Label side A
AMY 430 BMatrix. Label side B
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM 2996A&M Records AM-2996
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-2996
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
Australia
1987- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records K-479
- Format
- 7", Single
Canada
1987- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-2996
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
AM-2996-ASide A label
AM-2996-BSide B label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | A&M Records K-479First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Canada | A&M Records AM-2996First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Europe | A&M Records 390 284-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | A&M Records 390 284-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | South Africa | A&M Records AMRS 1544First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Spain | A&M Records 887 446 1First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Spain | A&M Records 390 284-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Spain | A&M Records 390 284-1 ABFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | UK | A&M Records AMY 430First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | US | A&M Records AM 2996 / A&M Records AM-2996First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1987 | US | A&M Records AM-2996First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Brazil | A&M Records 2801 24912", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | A&M Records AM 4307", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- AFree As A Bird4:20
- BThing For You3:59
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Free As A Bird are there?
13 vinyl pressings of Free As A Bird are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
When was Free As A Bird first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in Europe, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is A&M Records 390 284-7.
How do I tell if my copy of Free As A Bird is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 390 284-7, AMY 430, AM 2996, AM-2996) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 390 284 - 7 S 1 320 and 390 284 - 7 S 2 320. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Free As A Bird 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.
