Label Guide: Vertigo
Vertigo Records was a subsidiary of the Philips/Phonogram record label, launched in 1969 in the UK to specialise in progressive rock and other non-mainstream musical styles. The label was the brainchild of Gerry Bron, Tony Reeves and Olav Wyper when the latter was Creative Director at Phonogram. It was launched as a competitor to labels such as Harvest (a subsidiary of EMI) and Deram (Decca).
Vertigo was quickly established as a recognizable brand with the introduction of the iconic 'Vertigo Swirl' logo, created by Roger Dean, that covered the entire A-Side label of its album releases. It also helped that the young label's first record, Colosseum's Valentyne Suite, became an instant commercial hit after its release in November 1969.
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Vertigo Swirl label (Side One)
Vertigo Swirl label, Side One
The iconic 'Vertigo Swirl' logo, created by Roger Dean, covered the entire A-Side label of all the original 'swirl' releases.
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1. Label Variation
first Vertigo label (1969 - early 1970)
The original label for the first seven Vertigo releases, catalog numbers VO 1 to VO 7, can easily be identified by the text 'A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT' that is printed right below 'VERTIGO' at the bottom center of the B-Side label.
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2. Label Variation
second Vertigo label (early 1970 - Spring 1971)
From early 1970 on, the catalog number prefix '6360' indicated a Vertigo release within the Philips/Phonogram family. This marks the end of the VO-numbers and 'A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT' is no longer printed on the label. This second Vertigo swirl label has been used for all releases from 6360 001 (Fairfield Parlour - From Home To Home) to 6360 040 (Magna Carta - Songs From The Wasties Orchard). Original pressings can be identified by the large swirl logo which covers the entire space above the spindle hole, and by the 'VERTIGO' text printed at the bottom center of the label.
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3. Label Variation
third Vertigo label (Summer 1971 - early 1973)
With the release of Gentle Giant - Acquiring The Taste (6360 041), the 'VERTIGO' text was moved above the spindle hole, right below the swirl logo, which led to less space and therefore a smaller logo than on the previous label variation. There are several very minor variations with the next bunch of releases but the general label design stayed the same until the Vertigo Swirl labels were discontinued in early 1973. The last regular series Vertigo release with a swirl label was John Dummer Band's Oobleedooblee Jubilee (6360 083), issued in January 1973.
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3. Label Variation (Black Sabbath)
third Vertigo label (Black Sabbath)
This Black Sabbath album was originally released with a black (inverted) version of the third swirl design.
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4. Label Variation
fourth Vertigo label (1973 - )
The "Spaceship label" - also referred to as "UFO label" - was introduced in early 1973, which marks the end of the 'Swirl Era'. This fourth Vertigo label was in use for several years.
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5. Label Variation
fifth Vertigo label (early 1980s)
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6. Label Variation
sixth Vertigo label (1984)
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US Swirl Label
USA Vertigo swirl label (early 1970s)
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US Spaceship Label
USA Spaceship label (mid 1970s)
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AUS Swirl Label Variation
Australian Vertigo swirl label (early 1970s)
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German Label Variation
German Spaceship label, Variation (1976)