On the Record: Bob Marley & The Wailers – Catch a Fire (1973 Zippo Lighter Cover)

Before Bob Marley became a global icon, Catch a Fire introduced the world to the Wailers’ revolutionary sound. Released in 1973 by Island Records, this was their first international album, and it didn’t just break musical ground — it redefined vinyl packaging.

The original UK and Jamaican pressings came housed in a now-legendary Zippo lighter-shaped cover, complete with a hinged top that opened like a real lighter. Designed by Rod Dyer, it was expensive to produce and quickly discontinued — making these first pressings among the most collectible reggae records ever made.

Behind the Pressing

Island Records wanted to make an impact — and they did. Only around 20,000 Zippo-style covers were produced before switching to standard gatefolds. Many didn’t survive in good condition due to the fragile die-cut and hinge design, which makes intact copies especially rare.

Musically, Catch a Fire features key tracks like “Concrete Jungle,” “Stir It Up,” and “Slave Driver,” fusing deep roots reggae with rock elements under producer Chris Blackwell’s vision.

How to Identify the Original Zippo Cover Pressing

Packaging: Rigid Zippo-style sleeve with hinged metal clasp at top

Label: UK Island Records (pink rim "palm tree" label or pink label)

Matrix/Runout: ILPS 9241 A-1U / B-1U (UK pressings)

Tracklist: Includes 9 tracks with original mixes (some vary from later reissues)

⚠️ Note: Some first pressings were also distributed in Jamaica and the U.S., but only the UK version featured the fully functional Zippo cover.

Collector’s Value

Clean copies with a fully working Zippo hinge and intact mechanism often sell for $1,500–$3,000 AUD, and sealed or near mint copies can fetch even more. Standard gatefold represses are common, but only the original Zippo cover edition commands high value.

Why It Matters

Catch a Fire lit the fuse on Bob Marley’s global career — and the Zippo cover became symbolic of the fire he brought to the world. This pressing is not just a record — it's a statement of innovation, rebellion, and cultural shift.