Vinyl pressings
by U2 · 1991
The Fly was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1991, the album's first year, in 11 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.
IS 500 A RE-21 -/ ̶ ̶⁄̶ǀ̶⁄̶|̶Runout side A, etched variant 1
IS 500 B - 3 ̶ ̶⁄̶ǀ̶⁄̶|̶Runout side B, etched variant 1
IS 500 A RE-2-3 -3 ̶ ̶⁄̶ǀ̶⁄̶|̶Runout side A, etched variant 2
IS 500 B - ➁-5 ̶ ̶⁄̶ǀ̶⁄̶|̶Runout side B, etched variant 2
422 868 885-1-BS/SP1-RE-2 SRC logoSide A; Variant 1
422 868 885-1-A5/SP1-RE-2 SRC logoSide B; Variant 1
12 IS 500 A-RE-2-4 1 A78759RE2-1 AASide A - hand etched
B 78760-1 12 IS 500 B-4 AASide B - hand etched
IS 500 A RG-2-5 AA A78761 RE -2-1Etched A
IS 500 B-4 B-78762-1 AAEtched B
868 885 1 B1 CRSide A, Etched
868 885 1 A RE-2 1 CRSide B, Etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Brazil | Island Records 2801 531First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | Europe | Island Records 114 728First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | France | Island Records 868884-7 / Island Records 868885-2First year7", Single, CD, Single, Box Set, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, CD, Single, Box Set, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | Germany | Island Records 614 728First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | Germany | Island Records 114 728First year7", Single, CD, Stereo, Box Set, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, CD, Stereo, Box Set, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | Germany | Island Records 614 72812", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1991 | Spain | Island Records 1A 114728First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1991 | Spain | Island Records 614728 (3A)First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | US | Island Records 422-868 885-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1991 | US | Island Records 868 885-112", Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1991 | UK | Island Records IS 5007", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1991 | Australasia | Island Records 868 885-1 / Phonogram 868 885-1First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | Australia | Island Records 868 884-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Canada | Island Records 868 885-1First year12", EP | 12", EP |
| 1991 | Europe | Island Records 12 IS 500 / Island Records 868 885-1First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
21 vinyl pressings of The Fly are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, US, Australasia, Australia and more. One of them is Island Records IS 500, released October 21, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use IS 500, 422-868 885-1, 868 885-1, 868 884-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, IS 500 A RE-21 -/ ̶ ̶⁄̶ǀ̶⁄̶|̶ and IS 500 B - 3 ̶ ̶⁄̶ǀ̶⁄̶|̶. 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.
