On the Record: Gorillaz – Demon Days Vinyl: Pressings, Variants & What to Look For
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Demon Days by Gorillaz is one of the most important alternative records of the 2000s — but on vinyl, it can be surprisingly confusing. Between the original 2005 pressing, later reissues, the Vinyl Me, Please red edition, picture discs, and the rare Demon Days Instrumentals promo, collectors have plenty to look out for.
This guide breaks down the key Gorillaz Demon Days vinyl pressings, how to identify them, which versions are worth the most, and what to watch for when buying.
The Story Behind Demon Days on Vinyl
Released in 2005, Demon Days cemented Gorillaz as one of the most inventive projects of the era, blending alternative rock, hip hop, electronic, dub, pop and trip-hop into one dark, cinematic record.
The album arrived during a strange time for vinyl. Records were still being pressed, but not at the scale they are today. That makes original copies of Demon Days more collectible than many people realise — especially compared with the much more common CD editions.
Key Demon Days Vinyl Pressings & Value
2005 Original UK / Europe Pressing
- Label: Parlophone
- Format: 2LP, black vinyl, gatefold sleeve
- Catalogue number: 07243 873838 1 4
- Estimated value: $150–$400+ AUD depending on condition
This is the main original vinyl pressing collectors look for. It is not impossible to find, but clean copies are becoming harder to source, especially with the original sleeve and discs in excellent condition.
2005 Demon Days Instrumentals Promo
- Label: Parlophone
- Format: 2LP promo vinyl
- Catalogue number: 07243873838
- Estimated value: Often significantly higher than the standard album pressing
The Demon Days Instrumentals vinyl is one of the most interesting variants connected to this album. It was issued as a promotional 2LP and contains instrumental versions of tracks from the album. Because it was not a standard retail release, it is much harder to find than the regular album and is especially appealing to Gorillaz completists, DJs and collectors.
2017 Vinyl Me, Please Red Translucent Edition
- Label: Parlophone / Warner Bros.
- Format: 2LP, red translucent vinyl
- Edition: Vinyl Me, Please Essentials
- Estimated value: $100–$250+ AUD depending on condition and completeness
The Vinyl Me, Please edition is one of the most popular modern versions. It was issued on translucent red vinyl and included extras such as a sticker pack and art print. It is not an original pressing, but it is highly collectible in its own right because of the colour variant and VMP packaging.
2019 / Later Reissues
- Format: 2LP black vinyl or variant editions depending on release
- Estimated value: $50–$100 AUD
Later reissues are generally the best option for everyday listening. They are easier to find, usually more affordable, and still give you the full album experience without paying original pressing prices.
Picture Disc Editions
There are also picture disc versions of Demon Days. These are visually striking, but they are usually more about collectibility and display than sound quality. As with many picture discs, surface noise can be more noticeable compared with standard black vinyl.
How to Identify an Original Demon Days Vinyl Pressing
Catalogue Number
The original UK / Europe vinyl pressing is commonly identified by the catalogue number:
07243 873838 1 4
This should appear on the sleeve and/or labels. If the catalogue number is different, you may be looking at a later reissue, regional variant, or different format.
Format
- 2LP set
- Black vinyl
- Gatefold sleeve
- Parlophone branding
Parental Advisory Sticker
One useful collector detail: some first pressing copies are noted for having a Parental Advisory sticker on the front sleeve, while later pressings may have the warning printed directly or presented differently. This is not the only identifier, but it is a useful detail to check when comparing copies.
Runout / Matrix Details
For serious collectors, the runout area is one of the most important checks. Because Demon Days has multiple pressings and reissues, always compare the matrix numbers against the exact listing for the version you are buying.
As a rule:
- Original pressings should have consistent, release-specific matrix details
- Modern reissues may have different machine-stamped identifiers
- Bootlegs or unofficial copies may have vague, missing or inconsistent runout information
Demon Days Instrumentals: Why This Version Matters
The Demon Days Instrumentals pressing deserves special mention because it is not just another colour variant or reissue. It is a separate promotional release containing instrumental versions from the album.
Collectors value it because:
- It was a promo release, not a standard retail album
- It appeals to DJs, producers and Gorillaz completists
- It is much harder to find than the regular 2LP album
- It represents a unique alternate way to experience the record
If you find a copy, check the details carefully. The promo should be listed as Demon Days Instrumentals, not simply Demon Days, and should have Parlophone promo-style identifiers.
Original vs Reissue: Key Differences
| Feature | 2005 Original | Modern Reissue |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Colour | Black | Usually black, sometimes variants |
| Label | Parlophone | Parlophone / Warner depending on version |
| Packaging | Gatefold sleeve | Often similar, sometimes updated |
| Value | Higher | Lower to moderate |
| Best For | Collectors | Listeners |
Common Buyer Mistakes
- Assuming every copy from 2005 is the same pressing
- Confusing the VMP red vinyl with an original pressing
- Overpaying for a standard reissue listed as “rare”
- Ignoring the runout / matrix details
- Assuming the picture disc is the best sounding version
- Confusing Demon Days Instrumentals with the standard album
Sound Quality: Which Version Is Best?
For most listeners, a clean modern reissue is the easiest and most affordable way to enjoy Demon Days on vinyl.
Collectors may prefer the 2005 original pressing, but that does not automatically mean it is the best sounding copy. Condition matters heavily, and some modern pressings may offer quieter playback.
The Vinyl Me, Please red edition is highly collectible and attractive, though some collectors have reported mixed experiences with pressing consistency. As always, condition and individual copy quality matter.
Which Version Should You Buy?
For Collectors
Look for the 2005 original 2LP pressing or the rare Demon Days Instrumentals promo.
For Gorillaz Completists
The Vinyl Me, Please red translucent edition is a great collectible variant, especially if complete with its extras.
For Everyday Listening
A modern black vinyl reissue is usually the best value.
For Display
The picture disc editions look great, but may not be the best choice for sound quality.
Where to Buy Gorillaz Vinyl
Because Demon Days has several pressings and variants, it is worth buying from a trusted seller that clearly identifies the edition.
You can explore Gorillaz vinyl records and other collectible releases at Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and hard-to-find vinyl.
Useful Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Demon Days rare on vinyl?
The album itself is not impossible to find, but original 2005 pressings and the Demon Days Instrumentals promo are significantly more collectible than standard reissues.
What is the rarest Demon Days vinyl?
The Demon Days Instrumentals promo is one of the rarest and most interesting vinyl-related releases connected to the album.
Is the Vinyl Me, Please red edition an original pressing?
No. It is a later reissue, but it is still collectible because of the translucent red vinyl and VMP packaging.
Which Demon Days vinyl sounds best?
For most listeners, a clean modern reissue is a safe choice. Collectors may prefer the original, while variant collectors often chase the VMP edition.
How do I know if I have an original?
Check the catalogue number, label details, sleeve, vinyl colour and runout matrix. The original UK / Europe pressing is commonly associated with catalogue number 07243 873838 1 4.
Final Word
Demon Days is more than a classic Gorillaz album — it is one of the most collectible alternative records of the 2000s. Whether you are chasing the original 2005 pressing, the rare instrumentals promo, the VMP red vinyl, or a clean modern reissue, knowing the differences will help you buy with confidence.
For collectors, the details matter. For listeners, the best copy is often the one that sounds clean, plays well, and gets spun often.