Were you one of those people who caught Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance at Back To The Beginning last weekend (July 5, 2025)?
Me too! And perhaps it’s also led to you dusting off that old box of cassette tapes, whether to show a younger generation that yes, we did use to listen to music on that ‘archaic’ format (by today’s standards), or maybe just to reminisce about a time that you could walk into Woolworths, pick up the latest heavy metal release, and have enough change to get some lolly mix. Or that might just be me...
But with a newer generation of music fans gravitating towards all the things us ‘older lot’ used to consider the cutting-edge of technology, it might be worth taking a look at how much some of those cassette tape releases are worth. Thanks to the Discogs app, it’s as easy as scanning a barcode or typing in the catalogue number on their website. You never know – as it stands, that Death Angel tape you have lying around somewhere is actually worth something, or at least sold for an incredible price through the online marketplace.
So, for hard rock, metal, and that cacophony of noise in between (the type your parents loathed when you’d play it on the car stereo), what have been some of the most expensive sales on Discogs for the lovable, if not sometimes infuriating (like getting your tape chewed up), magnetic strip of musical history?
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5. Iron Maiden - Live!! + One (£85.88)
A unique Greek pressing featuring vocalist Paul Di'Anno. This 1986 Greek cassette EP and compilation (EMI – 262 2600484, Reissue) holds appeal for Iron Maiden completists due to its specific regional scarcity, showcasing how international pressings can become highly desired variants for collectors. | Getty Images/Discogs
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6. Underoath - Define The Great Line (£109.50)
A modern metalcore gem. This 2006 limited edition Indonesian cassette album (Tooth & Nail Records – TND42658) is highly valuable, representing a relatively modern release on a format that persisted much longer in Southeast Asian markets, making it a unique collectible for fans. | Getty Images/Discogs
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7. Megadeth - Hidden Treasures (£116.76)
A compilation of rarities. This 1995 US Club Edition cassette compilation (Capitol Records – C120501) is highly sought after by Megadeth completists due to its collection of rare tracks and its status as a late-era cassette release, which saw lower production numbers in the US market. | Getty Images/Discogs
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8. Tool - Undertow (£128.74)
A debut classic from the Philippines. This 1993 Philippine cassette album (Zoo Entertainment – 72445-11052-4, BMG – 72445-11052-4) is highly valuable due to the sustained popularity of the cassette format in Southeast Asia and the band's massive, dedicated fanbase, making this a desirable international pressing. | Getty Images/Discogs
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