UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WHOP 6
- Format
- 7", Picture Disc, Single
- Runout / matrix
WHOP6A ORLAKE TML-MSide A
WHOP6B TML-SSide B
The WhoAthena
Vinyl pressings
Athena
by The Who · 1982
20 pressings9 countriesClassic RockRock
Athena 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 Athena
20 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 9 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
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WHOPX 6
- Format
- 12", Picture Disc, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
- Runout / matrix
THE WHO WHOPX 6 + A * THE WHO A TML-S ORLAKERunout side A
THE WHO WHOPX 6 B1 * STRAWBERRY ORLAKERunout side B
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WHO 6
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WHO 6Polydor 2002 184
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
B 603 WHO6A//3▼420W POLYGRAMRunout side A
B 603 WHO6B//3▼420W POLYGRAMRunout side A
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WHOPX 6
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Mispress, Picture Disc
- Runout / matrix
WHOPX 6 B * STRAWBERRY ORLAKE THE WHOThe original pressing has the matrix ending in "B", the corrected copies have "B1"
WHOPX 6 + A * THE WHO A TML-M ORLAKE
US
August 1982- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records 7-29905Warner Bros. Records 9 29905-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Specialty Pressing, Picture Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
7-29905 AAA 1643-S SR1 TML-M SP 1-1Runout A, variant 1
7-29905 AAA · 1644 · S SR1 SP TML-M 1-1Runout B, variant 1
7-29905 AAA 1643-S SR1 TML-M SP 1-2Runout A, variant 2
7-29905 AAA · 1644 · S SR2 TML-M 1-1Runout B, variant 2
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 20 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s20 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Brazil | Polydor 2002 184First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92-99057First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92-99057First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Ireland | Polydor WHO 6First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Polydor 2002 184First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Polydor 2002 184First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Polydor 20 02 184First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Polydor WHOP 6First year7", Picture Disc, Single · Picture disc | 7", Picture Disc, Single · Picture disc |
| 1982 | UK | Polydor WHOPX 6First year12", Picture Disc, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM · Picture disc | 12", Picture Disc, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM · Picture disc |
| 1982 | UK | Polydor WHO 6First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | Polydor WHO 6 / Polydor 2002 184First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Polydor WHOPX 6First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Mispress, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Mispress, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1982 | US | Warner Bros. Records 7-29905First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Warner Bros. Records PRO-A-1065First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Warner Bros. Records 7-29905First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AAthena
- BA Man Is A Man
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Athena are there?
20 vinyl pressings of Athena are listed here, from 9 countries.
When was Athena first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, Germany, Brazil and more. One of them is Polydor WHOP 6.
How do I tell if my copy of Athena is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WHOP 6, WHOPX 6, WHO 6, 7-29905) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WHOP6A ORLAKE TML-M and WHOP6B TML-S. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Athena 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.
