UFO Announce Deluxe 2CD and 3LP Reissue of The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent with 2026 Remaster and Live Hammersmith 1981

The Hammersmith material is where opinions diverge across sources. Some collectors note that portions of this show have circulated in earlier Chrysalis projects, but the emphasis here is clearly on the remix rather than the archival novelty. Brian Kehew’s involvement implies a more modern live balance: tighter stereo imaging, less ambient smear from the venue, and improved articulation of Pete Way’s bass lines, which were often buried in earlier live UFO releases. Expect a punchier kick drum, clearer guitar harmonics during extended solos, and a vocal presentation that sits closer to the listener—traits that will play very differently on vinyl versus CD, especially in systems sensitive to midband energy.

From a broader perspective, this release underlines how The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent occupies an unusual sonic niche in UFO’s catalogue. It straddles hard rock muscle and narrative-driven arrangements influenced by American heartland rock, with piano and saxophone sharing space traditionally dominated by stacked guitars. That hybrid makes it an intriguing test record: systems with strong timing and midrange coherence will highlight the album’s storytelling intent, while more bass-heavy setups may expose its comparatively restrained low-frequency foundation. For listeners interested less in nostalgia and more in how classic recordings translate under contemporary mastering philosophies, this edition offers fertile ground for comparison.