UK
March 1984- Label and catalog number
- Fiction Records FICSP 20
- Format
- 7", Picture Disc, 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
FICS+P+20+A ORLAKEHand etched A side
FICS+P+20+B ORLAKEHand etched B side
Vinyl pressings
The Caterpillar
by The Cure · 1984
25 pressings8 countriesNew WavePop RockRock
The Caterpillar was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 The Caterpillar
25 pressings came out in 1984, 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
March 26, 1984- Label and catalog number
- Fiction Records FICSX 20
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single · Glossy Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
FICSX 20 A//2 420 R 1Runout side A, variant 1
FICSX 20 B//2 420 R 1Runout side B, variant 1
FICSX 20 A//2 420 R 1 1 1Runout side A, variant 2
FICSX 20 B//2 420 R 1 1 1Runout side B, variant 2
UK
March 26, 1984- Label and catalog number
- Fiction Records FICSX 20
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single · Matte Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
FICSX 20 A//2 420 R 1 1 1Runout side A, variant 1
FICSX 20 B//2 420 R 1 1 4Runout side B, variant 1
FICSX 20 A//1▽420 R 1 1 2Runout side A, variant 2
FICSX 20 B//2▽420 R 1 1 2Runout side B, variant 2
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Fiction Records FICS 20
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Paper Labels, MPO
- Runout / matrix
FICS 20 A4 ARUN MPORunout side A, etched, variant 1
FICS 20 B4 MPORunout side B, etched, variant 1
MPO FICS 20 A3 ARUNRunout side A, etched, variant 2
MPO FICS 20 B4Runout side B, etched, variant 2
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Fiction Records FICS 20
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Paper Labels, Black Center Ring
- Runout / matrix
FICS 20 A // 1 ∇ 420 RRunout, A-side, stamped, variant 1
ARUNRunout, A-side, etched, variant 1
FICS 20 B // 1 ∇ 420 RRunout, B-side, stamped, variant 1
FICS 20 A // 2 ∇ 420 RRunout, A-side, stamped, variant 2
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Fiction Records FICS 20
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Silver Injection Labels, Big Hole
- Runout / matrix
FICS 20 A // 1 ▽420 R ARUN 1 1 4Runout Side A
FICS 20 B // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 8Runout Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 25 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s25 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Sire 7-259585 / Fiction Records 7-259585First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | France | Polydor 821 458-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | France | Polydor 821 458-1 / Fiction Records 821 458-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Germany | Fiction Records 821 458-7 / Fiction Records 821 458-7 MEFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Fiction Records 821 458-1 / Metronome 821 458-1 MEFirst year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Ireland | Polydor 821 458-7 / Fiction Records FICS 20First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Ireland | Polydor 821 458-7 / Fiction Records FICS 20First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Polydor 821 458-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Polydor 821 458-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1984 | Spain | Polydor 821 458-1 / Fiction Records 821 458-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Spain | Polydor 821 458-7 / Fiction Records 821 458-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Fiction Records FICS 20First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Fiction Records FICS 20First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Fiction Records FICS 20First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Fiction Records FICS 20First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint |
Tracklist
- AThe Caterpillar3:41
- BHappy The Man2:43
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Caterpillar are there?
25 vinyl pressings of The Caterpillar are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was The Caterpillar first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australia, Netherlands, Japan and more. One of them is Fiction Records FICSP 20, released March 1984.
How do I tell if my copy of The Caterpillar is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FICSP 20, FICSX 20, FICS 20, 0-259584) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FICS+P+20+A ORLAKE and FICS+P+20+B ORLAKE. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Caterpillar 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.
