Here we go.
This kicks off my collection feature on Sex Pistols vinyl.
Naturally, it begins with this:
Sex Pistols’ debut single, Anarchy in the U.K. (EMI 2566).
🎵 Anarchy in the U.K. (EMI 2566)
In this article, I’ll be highlighting a particularly uncommon version:
the second pressing “Factory Sample” promo copy, complete with its “Not For Sale” sticker.
🧷 Basic Details
- Title: Anarchy in the U.K.
- Artist: Sex Pistols
- Format: 7-inch single (45 RPM*)
- Release Date: 26 November 1976
- Label / Catalog Number: EMI 2566
- Sleeve: Red EMI die-cut sleeve
💡 *RPM ＝ Revolutions Per Minute, a unit also used to indicate engine speed.
🧷 Tracklist
A-side: Anarchy in the U.K. (Produced by Chris Thomas)
B-side: I Wanna Be Me (Produced by Dave Goodman)
🧷 Pressing & Variations
✔️ Matrix Numbers (Runout Etchings):
- First Press: EMI 2566 A-1 / EMI 2566 B-1
- 2nd Press: EMI 2566 A-1 / EMI 2566 B-2
Interestingly, some first press copies exist with an A-1 / B-2 pairing, suggesting a late-stage lacquer recut for the B-side.
💡 Matrix numbers are etched near the label and serve as a key clue to pressing history.
Collectors — especially in the UK — closely examine them to identify press versions.
Lower matrix numbers often suggest earlier pressings, but exceptions do occur.
✔️ Label Differences:
First Press: Red EMI logo with brown label
2nd Press: Same red logo and brown label
Both the first and second presses have red EMI logos and brown labels.
However, there are subtle variations in colour tone and typefaces across second pressings.
This could be down to differences in printing facilities or ink application.
One fellow collector observed:
“The slight differences in label tone and font may result from different print shops or even letterpress wear over time. It wasn’t digital — once the types got worn, characters could deform a bit.”
The record features a push-out centre — common for jukebox use — with four prongs rather than the more standard three.
Four-prong centres are relatively rare on EMI pressings, which makes this even more interesting to collectors.
✔️ Sleeve Variations:
First Press: typically came in a plain black sleeve
2nd Press: housed in a red EMI die-cut sleeve
That said, some first press copies have been found in red EMI sleeves — likely from late production runs or factory overlap.
Conversely, a few second presses have surfaced in black sleeves too. It’s a bit of a grey area.
🧷 Sound Quality:
Compared to the CD version, this pressing feels more powerful and dynamic — Glen’s bass, in particular, stands out well.
Though my own turntable isn’t high-end, there’s a definite punch to the sound.
📌 Recording note: Glen’s bass amp was placed on the right-hand side of the studio and captured using a Neumann U87 microphone — a setup that helped emphasise presence and definition in the bass frequencies.
🧷 Collector’s Notes
The first press (approx. 5,000 copies) is known for a label misprint: Chris Thomas is mistakenly credited as producer on both sides.
The second press corrects this, crediting Dave Goodman for the B-side.
This particular copy is a second pressing promo marked with a “Factory Sample – Not For Sale” sticker.
These were distributed to radio stations, journalists, and retailers for promotional purposes — not sold commercially.
I picked this up for 4,800 yen a few years back, and recently saw it listed at 48,000 yen — ten times that!
It’s currently priced above even most Discogs listings.
In terms of rarity, it may be even harder to find than the first press.
Since we don’t know how many samples were distributed, it’s tough to say for sure.
🧷 Personal Thoughts
Spotting this in a record shop was a proper heart-pounding moment.
That buzz — discovering a gem in the wild — is hard to beat, and something online shopping can’t quite replicate.
🔜 Coming Up Next
Next up is another key single:
God Save the Queen (Virgin VS181, First Press).
It’s a brilliant record in both design and sound — stay tuned.
byebye 👋
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