David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust (Vinyl LP)

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is David Bowie's 1972 concept album and one of the most important rock records ever made. The vinyl LP has been pressed continuously for over 50 years, which means the pressing date matters enormously for collectors — a 1972 UK first pressing on RCA is a different universe from a 2020 reissue.

Original UK pressings on RCA Victor with the Mainman credit are the top tier. German, Dutch, and other European first pressings carry strong value too. Later reissues (EMI, Parlophone, Rhino) are common and affordable. The matrix/run-out groove etchings are how you identify the pressing — learn to read them or ask the seller.

Vinyl condition is graded on a strict scale: VG+ means light surface noise, NM means near-silent playback. Always ask for the record and sleeve condition separately. Warping, ring wear on the cover, and split seams are common on 50-year-old copies. A clean first pressing with intact gatefold is a serious find.