VinylAI 
Data as of Jun 16, 2026
Michael Jackson – Bad
1987 · UK · Epic · Vinyl 7" 45 RPM Single
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Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Matrix / runout
- 651155 7 A٭651155 7 B٭651155-7 A4 TY1 D651155-7 B5 D651155-7 A4651155-7 B6
- Barcode (Text)
- 5 099765 115574
- Barcode (Scanned)
- 5099765115574
- Rights society
- MCPS/BIEM
- Label Code
- LC 0199
- Price Code
- CB 111
- Price Code
- A
- Record Company
- CBS Inc.
- Mastered At
- Bernie Grundman Mastering
- Pressed By
- CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton
Specifications
- Artist
- Michael Jackson
- Genre
- Electronic, Pop
- Style
- Synth-pop, Disco
- Year
- 1987
- Label
- Epic
- Catalog number
- 651155 7
- Country
- UK
- Barcode
- 5 099765 115574
Tracklist
- ABad4:05
- BBad (Dance Remix Radio Edit)4:50
- Co-producer
- Michael Jackson
- Producer
- Quincy Jones
- Mastered By
- Brian Gardner
- Recorded By, Mixed By
- Bruce Swedien
- Remix [Dance Re-mix]
- Bruce Swedien
- Written-By
- Michael Jackson
About this record
The UK 7-inch single of Bad (Epic 651155 7) pressed at CBS Aston Clinton in 1987 carries four distinct matrix variations across its two sides, a hallmark of mid-run production at that plant. Community demand sits at 226 want against 1586 have, a ratio that reflects its status as a widely distributed but still-sought 45 RPM release from the album era.
What drives its value
This pressing trades on condition separation more than rarity. The price_guide figures show the spread between Mint and VG copies drives collector interest; a VG+ copy commands a premium over VG stock because the single's two-track format (the A-side and B-side) leaves no filler to mask wear.
The lowest_price snapshot lists copies currently for sale, anchoring real-world asking prices. The 1987 UK pressing on Epic sits between original and reissue territory—it is a first pressing from the album's release year, not a later reissue, which supports its value against later catalogue reissues.
The 1586 collectors who own one against 226 seeking it suggests supply meets casual demand, but condition-graded copies (especially VG+ or higher) remain scarcer than raw count implies. The matrix variants (651155 7 A٭ and 651155 7 B٭ on the early pressings, 651155-7 A4 TY1 D and 651155-7 B5 D on later runs) indicate mid-production plant adjustments, a detail that separates informed buyers from casual ones.
How to appraise this pressing
Confirm this pressing by the catalogue number 651155 7 on the label and sleeve. The barcode is present.
Verify the pressing plant credit: CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton appears in the dead wax or on the label itself. The matrix runout string on Side A will read either 651155 7 A٭ (early) or 651155-7 A4 TY1 D (later run); Side B will show 651155 7 B٭ or 651155-7 B5 D respectively.
These variants confirm you hold a UK first pressing rather than a later reissue or import. The release notes credit MJJ Productions Inc. (℗ and © 1987) and note the source as album 8517 (EPC 450290), facts that appear on the label.
Grade by examining the vinyl surface under light for scuffs and the label for foxing or marker pen; the 45 RPM speed means even minor groove wear becomes audible on playback. A Mint copy shows no play marks; VG+ shows light surface marks that do not affect sound; VG shows visible marks and possible light crackle.
Further reading: grading a record, what makes a pressing valuable.
Release notes
Taken from Micheal Jackson's LP/Cassette/CD "8517" EPC 450290 Made in England ℗ 1987 MJJ Productions Inc. © 1987 MJJ Productions Inc. ® CBS Inc. Original sound recording made by MJJ Productions Inc. Produced [...] for Quincy Jones Productions Co-produced [...] for MJJ Productions
Notes sourced from the Discogs database.
Frequently asked
How do I know this is the UK pressing and not a US or European reissue?
The catalogue number 651155 7 and the Epic label design are UK-specific. The pressing plant credit—CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton—confirms UK manufacture. Aston Clinton was the primary CBS vinyl facility in England during 1987. US pressings of the same single carry different catalogue numbers and plant codes. Check the dead wax for the matrix 651155 7 A٭ or 651155-7 A4 TY1 D on Side A; these are UK plant signatures.
What is a VG+ copy worth according to the price guide?
The price_guide entry for VG+ condition is the reference figure for that grade. This is an estimate as of the guide's last update and reflects dealer asking prices rather than completed sales. Actual prices vary by seller and market timing, but the VG+ figure serves as a benchmark for what collectors typically pay for a well-played but not heavily worn copy.
Why are there four different matrix strings listed for this single?
The matrix variants (651155 7 A٭ and B٭ on early runs; 651155-7 A4 TY1 D and B5 D on later runs) reflect mid-production adjustments at CBS Aston Clinton during the 1987 pressing run. The plant modified the stamper or pressing parameters between batches, a common practice to maintain quality or address wear. Collectors note these variants because they can indicate which batch a copy came from, though all four are legitimate UK first pressings.
What does the 226 want versus 1586 have ratio tell me about availability?
The 226 collectors seeking this single against 1586 who own one suggests it is not rare in absolute terms—the UK pressing was widely distributed in 1987. However, the want-to-have ratio of roughly 1 to 7 indicates steady collector interest despite supply. Condition-graded copies (VG+ or Mint) are scarcer than the raw count implies, because many of the 1586 copies are likely in lower grades.
Is this the same recording as the album version on 8517?
Yes. The release notes state this 7-inch single is taken from Michael Jackson's LP/Cassette/CD 8517 (EPC 450290). The A-side and B-side are sourced from that album project. The single was manufactured in England under licence from MJJ Productions Inc. and Quincy Jones Productions, as credited on the label.