UK
August 12, 1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury idea 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Paper Labels
- Runout / matrix
IDEA 3 A-3Side A
IDEA 3 B-3Side B
Tears For FearsMad World
Vinyl pressings
Mad World
by Tears For Fears · 1982
39 pressings16 countriesNew WaveElectronicPop
Mad World was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. 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 Mad World
29 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 14 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
September 1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury idea 312
- Format
- 12", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
IDEA 312 A//4▽420 V 12Runout side A, variant 1
IDEA 312 B//3▽420 V 1 1 1 5Runout side B, variant 1
IDEA 312 A//4▽420 V 1 1 8Runout side A, variant 2
IDEA 312 B//3▽420 V 1 1 1 4Runout side B, variant 2
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury idea 3Mercury IDEA 3
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Gloss Card Picture Sleeve
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury idea 3Mercury IDEA 3
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Matt Paper Picture Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
IDEA 3 A 10 420 V 1 1 1 RAYSRunout, A-side, stamped and etched - variant 1
IDEA 3 B // 2 ∇ 420 V 1 4 3Runout, B-side, stamped - variant 1
IDEA ** 3 A9 420 V RAYSRunout, A-side, stamped and etched - variant 2
IDEA 3 B//1∇420 VRunout, B-side, stamped - variant 2
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury idea 33
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
IDEA 33 AA DAMONTSide A, runout, hand etched
IDEA 33 A DAMONTSide B, runout, hand etched
IDEA 33 2A DAMONTSide C, runout, hand etched
IDEA 33 2B DAMONTSide D, runout, hand etched
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury IDEA 3Mercury 6059568
- Format
- Single, 45 RPM, 7" · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
IDEA 13 3 A9 420 V RAYSSide A runout stamped and etched
IDEA 3 B//1▽420 V 12 1 0 RAYSSide B runout stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 39 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s39 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australasia | Mercury 6400 677First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1982 | Australia | Mercury 6059 568First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Australia | Mercury 6059 568First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | France | Mercury 6059 568First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Germany | Mercury 6400 677First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Germany | Mercury 6059 568First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Ireland | Mercury IDEA 3 / Mercury 6059568First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint |
| 1982 | Italy | Mercury 6059 568First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Mercury 6059 568First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Mercury 6400 677First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Mercury 6059 568First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Philippines | Mercury MER-24-754 / Mercury 6059 568First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Portugal | Mercury 6059 596 / Mercury 6059596First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | South Africa | Mercury TOS 1411First yearSingle, 45 RPM, 7" | Single, 45 RPM, 7" |
| 1982 | Spain | Mercury 60 59 568First year7", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- AMad World3:32
- BMad World (World Remix)3:30
- CSuffer The Children4:15
- DIdeas As Opiates3:54
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Mad World are there?
39 vinyl pressings of Mad World are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1982 and 1985.
When was Mad World first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Australasia, Australia, France and more. One of them is Mercury idea 3, released August 12, 1982.
How do I tell if my copy of Mad World is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use idea 3, idea 312, idea 33, IDEA 3) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, IDEA 3 A-3 and IDEA 3 B-3. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Mad World 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.
