The iconic Pink Floyd album Wish You Were Here will receive a special edition for its 50th anniversary, the band announced on Friday, September 12.
Originally released on this same date 50 years ago, the record became Pink Floyd’s first album to reach No. 1 on both the U.K. Albums Chart and the Billboard 200. Its lyrics explored themes of longing and disillusionment, marking a thematic shift for the band. Today it is recognized as one of the greatest classic rock albums ever made, with more than 20 million copies sold worldwide.
The band’s ninth studio album has been restored, remastered, and expanded with 25 additional tracks, including alternate studio takes and live recordings captured by famed bootlegger Mike Millard during Pink Floyd’s concert at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on April 26, 1975. Audio restoration was handled by producer and Porcupine Tree member Steve Wilson.
Among the rarities included are The Machine Song (Roger’s demo), bassist and co-founder Roger Waters’ original home demo; an instrumental mix of Wish You Were Here; and a full nine-part version of Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9).
Wish You Were Here 50 will be released digitally on December 12 via Sony Music, as well as in multiple physical formats, including 3LP, 2CD, Blu-ray, and a special box set. The vinyl will feature a new Dolby Atmos mix by James Guthrie, who has worked with Pink Floyd since The Wall in 1979.
The Blu-ray edition will include three concert films from the band’s 1975 world tour, along with a short film directed by the late Storm Thorgerson. The box set will add everything from the 2CD, 3LP, and Blu-ray editions, plus a transparent vinyl LP titled Live At Wembley 1974, a replica of the Japanese 7” single Have A Cigar / Welcome To The Machine, a hardcover photo book, a tour program in comic form, and a concert poster.
As a preview, the band shared an early recording of Welcome to the Machine, previously titled The Machine Song, a shorter demo version never before released.
