Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds set for 40th anniversary vinyl reissue

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds is to be reissued on vinyl later this month.

Wayne’s classic 1978 album will arrive on January 26 via Sony Music to mark its 40th anniversary and is now available for pre-order.

In a new year message on Facebook, Wayne says: “So here we are at the start of 2018 – a year when The War Of The Worlds will be popping up here and there, starting on January 26 when Sony Music will proudly reissue my original 1978 double 12-inch vinyl album, re-mastered for a superior sounding audio experience, and containing the original 16-page booklet with the full script, lyrics, original paintings and credits.”

Wayne will take the epic musical out on the road later this year across the UK, kicking off at Glasgow’s SSE Hydo on November 30, with further dates planned throughout December.

Wayne adds: “I hope you might be able to join our celebration, even if it’s only for small moments over the coming year. And if you’re able to join us at one of our shows, below is an image from our forthcoming production – as you can see, we’re moving into the audience!

“I hope 2018 for everyone will be filled with wonderful things of all shapes and sizes, and overwhelm the inevitable negatives that the year, like any year, will unfortunately throw at us.

“Finally, HG Wells opened his epic tome, ‘No one would have believed…’ Forty years and not out, I think he was right.”

Tickets for the live UK shows are available via Live Nation. Find the image of the stage production below, along with a list of the live dates and the reissue packaging.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds UK tour dates

Nov 30: Glasgow SSE Hydro
Dec 01: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Dec 02: Manchester Arena
Dec 04: Leeds First Direct Arena
Dec 05: Liverpool Echo Arena
Dec 07: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Dec 08: Birmingham Genting Arena
Dec 09: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Dec 10: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Dec 12: Bournemouth International Centre
Dec 13: Bournemouth International Centre
Dec 15: London The O2 (1pm)
Dec 15: London The O2 (6pm)
Dec 16: Brighton Centre
Dec 17: Brighton Centre

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.