<a name="Virgin"></a><h1>Virgin</h1>

Virgin: 1973-77

From 1973 until 1977 the British label Virgin Records was licensed to, manufactured by and distributed in New Zealand by EMI. Virgin did not release many singles between 1973 and 1977. Most of the early artist on Virgin preferred to release albums only. I am unsure what sleeve singles were issued in. I believe it was a plan white sleeve and not an EMI company sleeve. If you can shed light on this please leave a comment or email me. Thanks.

Label 1973-77

Virgin: 1977-80

RTC took over distributing Virgin in 1977. Virgin singles were issued in plan white sleeve. Sometimes with the RTC logo on stamped on them. Sorry I can't find as copy. If you can help please email us.

Label 1977-80

Virgin: 1980-88

In mid 1979 some Virgin singles started to be issued with the red and green label. Until mid 1980 both the older blue label and the newer red/green label were used. I am unsure why this is. By June 1980 all singles were issued on the red/green label. The red/green Virgin company sleeve was also  introduced in 1980.  Like the centre labels, it was normally green on the A-Side and red on the B-Side. But some early Virgin New Zealand singles had the A-Side as the Red side of the label. New Zealand was the only country to this.

Sleeve Front 1980-86

Sleeve Back 1980-86

   

RTC NZ Ltd became Virgin Records New Zealand Ltd in 1983.The label and sleeve stayed the same until 1986 when the sleeve was changed.

 

Label 1979-88

Sleeve 1986-88

The Virgin Record label stopped releasing vinyl singles in New Zealand by 1988.