Ozzy Osbourne – No Rest For The Wicked 1988 CBS Associated Records – OZ 44245, CBS Associated Records – Z 44245

Ozzy Osbourne – No Rest For The Wicked 1988 CBS Associated Records – OZ 44245, CBS Associated Records – Z 44245

**OG US first press in shrink with hype sticker**

Visually Graded:
Cover: VG++ NM
Inner Sleeve: VG++ NM
Record: VG++ NM
CBS Associated Records – OZ 44245, CBS Associated Records – Z 44245

Ozzy Osbourne – No Rest for the Wicked (1988) | OG US First Press | CBS Associated – OZ 44245 / Z 44245 | In Shrink w/ Hype Sticker | RARE

Collector Summary

Original 1988 US first pressing of Ozzy Osbourne’s No Rest for the Wicked, released through CBS Associated Records under catalog OZ 44245 / Z 44245. This copy remains in its original shrink and comes with the original hype sticker, making it a highly desirable piece for metal collectors. A key late-80s Ozzy album featuring Zakk Wylde’s explosive debut, this first pressing has become a sought-after collectible as clean originals continue to disappear from the market.

Key Features

• 1988 Original US First Press

• CBS Associated Records – OZ 44245 / Z 44245

• In original shrinkwrap with hype sticker

• First appearance of guitarist Zakk Wylde

• High-demand late-80s heavy metal LP

• Original US mastering and jacket print

• Scarce in preserved condition with hype sticker intact

Description

Released in 1988, No Rest for the Wicked marked a major moment in Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career, introducing the world to guitarist Zakk Wylde, whose signature tone and explosive playing elevated the album to classic status. This OG US first press is the earliest and most authentic version, issued through CBS Associated Records with catalog numbers OZ 44245 and Z 44245 depending on jacket/label variants.

US first presses of this album were heavily played and rarely preserved, so copies still in shrink with the original hype sticker are especially desirable. The hype sticker helps confirm authenticity and adds major collector value, particularly for 80s metal and Ozzy-focused collectors.

Known for its thick late-80s CBS jacket stock, strong analog mastering, and era-correct labels, this pressing is considered the definitive collectible version of the album.

Pressing Identifiers (Authentic 1988 OG US Press – OZ 44245 / Z 44245)

• Catalog #: OZ 44245 / Z 44245 on spine, labels, or both

• Original hype sticker on shrinkwrap

• No modern barcodes or reissue indicators

• 1988 CBS Associated Records branding

• Early CBS-associated label font and layout

• US-manufactured jacket stock typical of late 80s metal releases

• Mastering/pressing consistent with 1988 CBS US plants

• Thick US vinyl formulation for the first run

• Original 1988 copyright block

These features confirm a true first pressing, not a later repress or Columbia House issue.

Great For

• Ozzy Osbourne collectors

• Zakk Wylde debut-era fans

• Heavy metal vinyl enthusiasts

• CBS/late-80s metal collectors

• Anyone building a premium first-press metal archive

Searching for OG metal, hype-sticker originals, or 80s first presses? We got you.

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We conservatively grade our records.
Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.