*Wham! Fantastic LP, UK 1983, Inner Vision IVL 25328 – Early 1st Pressing, Corrected Matrices, VG+*
An original UK early first-pressing variant of Fantastic, the 1983 debut album by Fantastic, issued on Inner Vision Records and distributed by CBS. This example retains the correct UK first-issue sleeve, the original printed photo-and-lyrics inner sleeve, and displays early hand-corrected matrix inscriptions, confirming manufacture during the initial 1983 production run.
The sleeve features the iconic red front cover with “WHAM!” at the top and Fantastic in large serif lettering, paired with the minimalist white rear panel listing the tracks and original dedication. The spine is fully printed and legible, showing INNERVISION · WHAM · FANTASTIC · IVL 25328. The original inner sleeve is present, printed on grey card with a collage of colour and monochrome photographs and full lyrics and credits across both sides.
Technical Details:
Artist: Wham!
Title: Fantastic
Country: UK
Year: 1983
Label: Inner Vision Records
Catalogue Number: IVL 25328
Format: LP, Stereo
Matrix / Runout:
Side A (etched, corrected): NL 01-25328-2B-1 (B crossed out and replaced with A; C scribbled out and replaced with E)
Side B (etched): NL 01-25328-1B-1 C
These hand-corrected runout inscriptions are associated with early lacquer stages from the initial production run and are not typically found on later pressings, making this a desirable variant for collectors.
Historical Note:
Released in July 1983, Fantastic marked the explosive arrival of Wham! and quickly established the duo as one of the defining British pop acts of the decade. The album reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart, remaining there for six weeks, and produced a run of hit singles including Young Guns (Go For It!), Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?), Bad Boys, and Club Tropicana.
This example features the original UK sleeve and inner sleeve, and the specific matrix identifiers confirm it as an early variant from the initial 1983 production run, manufactured for the UK market by CBS at Haarlem, The Netherlands. Copies with hand-corrected lacquer inscriptions such as this are characteristic of early runs and pre-date later, clean-matrix repressings.
*Condition*
Sleeve: Original UK first-issue sleeve in VG+ condition. There is edge wear and rubbing, with small areas of paper loss along the lower front edge beneath the “WHAM!” logo, together with light creasing and surface marks consistent with age and handling. The spine remains intact and fully legible. The rear white panel shows minor staining and handling marks but no tears or writing. Overall, a very presentable original sleeve that displays well. Inner Sleeve: Correct original printed UK inner sleeve with full photo collage, lyrics, and credits. Light edge wear and minor handling marks only, with no splits or repairs. VG+. Vinyl: Not play-graded. Visually appears in very good condition with light surface marks consistent with careful use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
