U2 - Rattle & Hum, 1988 

2 LP MEGA RARE US Vinyl 1st Press 

Test Pressing - Unplayed!

This is a unique and Mega Rare U2 collectible. An unplayed and uniquely divided USA test pressing of 1988’s Rattle & Hum, stored since release.  

What makes it unique is that, where the retail release split the 2 discs as (A) side 1 & 3, and (B) sides 2 & 4, this pressing has sides 1 & 2 on the first disc and 3 & 4 on the second disc.

It gets a little more curious when examining the matrix numbers. 

This is what Discogs says is matrix numbers for the 1st USA release of the LP:

Matrix / Runout (Side A Label): ST-IL-887165 Matrix / Runout (Side B Label): ST-IL-887166 Matrix / Runout (Side C Label): ST-IL-887167 Matrix / Runout (Side D Label): ST-IL-887168

See Photos of labels for details, also see vinyl grooves condition.

These are the matrix numbers for this test pressing. Hand etched. They are the same written on the labels as etched in the inner grooves.

ST-IL-887165 - B (This is actually retail side A)

ST-IL-887166 - A (This is actually retail side B)

ST-IL-887167 - D (This is actually retail side C)

ST-IL-887168 - C (This is actually retail side D)

WE LOVE YOU A.L.K. is also etched into the groove of Side C (what is retail side D).

There is the round Specialty Label stamp on the inner groove as well.

Each record is in a white stock cardboard sleeve (with plastic inner bag). There is no writing on the sleeves or their spines.

Our guess is that this test pressing was done before they decided to split the LP sides up. Its only a matter of changing what stamper plate was attached to the press for each side of the double LP.

So it’s a real U2 rarity, especially in unplayed condition.

We are only allowing USPS priority mail domestic shipping for this record due to the insurance necessity. Even if it is being shipped in global shipping, we will use priority insured USPS shipping for the domestic leg of its journey.

All Sales final

Domestic USA shipping is USPS Priority Mail (insured) 

International Sales only thru Ebay Global Shipping Program