Anarchy in the U.K.（EMI 2566）

Here We Go!

Time to kick off my collection showcase of the Sex Pistols!
And what better way to start than with this legendary release?

First up is…

The Sex Pistols’ debut single,

Anarchy in the U.K. (EMI 2566)

Today, I’ll be introducing a second pressing promo copy that comes with a rare “Factory Sample” sticker!

🧷 Basic Specs:

Title: Anarchy in the U.K.
Artist: Sex Pistols
Format: 7-inch Single (45RPM*)
Release Date: November 26, 1976
Label / Catalog Number: EMI 2566
Sleeve: Red EMI die-cut sleeve

💡 *RPM (Rounds Per Minute) refers to how many times a record spins per minute — the same unit used for engine speed in cars 🚗

🧷 Tracks:

A-side: Anarchy in the U.K. (Produced by Chris Thomas)
B-side: I Wanna Be Me (Produced by Dave Goodman)

🧷 Pressing & Variation Details

✔️ Matrix Numbers (Runout Etchings):

First Press: EMI 2566 A-1 / EMI 2566 B-1
Second Press: EMI 2566 A-1 / EMI 2566 B-2

Some early first pressings are also known to have the A1 / B2 combo. This may have resulted from a lacquer recut for the B-side near the end of the first pressing run 🤔

💡 Matrix numbers are etchings near the label area of the record that help identify different pressings. They’re especially important to collectors!

✔️ Label Differences:

Both first and second pressings feature red logo on brown label,
but even within the second pressing, there are two slight label variations in color and font.
It’s a deep rabbit hole for collectors…

I only own one version myself, so I rely on sources like Discogs — you can clearly spot the differences there if you look closely 😅

✔️ Center Type:

This record uses a 4-prong push-out center, designed to be removed for jukebox use.
While 3-prong centers are more common on EMI records, the 4-prong is slightly rarer ✨

✔️ Sleeve Differences:

First Press: Usually came in a plain black sleeve
Second Press: Comes in a red EMI die-cut sleeve

However, some first pressings have also been found with the red die-cut sleeve.
There are theories suggesting this happened toward the end of the first pressing or due to in-factory sleeve mixing.

🧷 Sound Quality:

Compared to the CD version, the vinyl sounds punchier with more impact and energy.
Glen’s bass lines really stand out!

Maybe my player isn’t the best, so nostalgia might be adding to the experience 😅

💡 During recording, Glen’s bass amp was placed on the right side of the studio and captured using a high-quality Neumann U87 mic — a setup great for highlighting bass depth and presence ✨

🧷 Collector’s Notes:

The first pressing (approx. 5,000 copies) is known for mistakenly crediting Chris Thomas as the producer on the B-side.
The second pressing corrects this to Dave Goodman.

This particular copy is a “Factory Sample” promo version with a “Not For Sale” sticker —

meaning it wasn’t intended for commercial sale. These promos were distributed for free to radio stations, music journalists, large retailers, and other industry insiders for publicity.

While sometimes found on the secondhand market, they’re relatively rare ✨

I bought this one for about ¥4,800 a few years back, but I recently saw it listed online for ¥48,000!
That’s 10 times the price 😱

It’s likely rarer than a regular first press, though the exact distribution number is unknown.

🧷 Personal Thoughts:

When I found this in a record shop, my heart was pounding — I was beyond excited 😆
That kind of thrill is something online shopping just can’t give you ✨

🔜 Coming Next:

Up next is another iconic single:

“God Save The Queen” — Virgin VS181, First Pressing

Packed with visual and sonic greatness — don’t miss it!

byebye 👋