Chrysalis Records has confirmed the next installment in its ongoing UFO reissue campaign: the band’s 1981 album The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent.
The expanded edition arrives May 1, 2026, available as a three-LP tri-fold sleeve 180-gram vinyl set and a 2CD digipak. The record has been newly remastered from the original tape transfers, delivering a sharper and more detailed sound compared to previous editions.
First released on January 16, 1981, The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent documented UFO during a strong creative stretch. The album combined melodic hooks with tight, driving performances, anchored by Phil Mogg’s distinct vocal style. It also introduced keyboardist and guitarist Neil Carter, who stepped in for Paul Raymond. Carter contributed backing vocals and added saxophone to “Lonely Heart”.
Looking back, Phil Mogg said: “Neil had a box of tricks. Getting the backing vocals was great, though I still don’t think he’s forgiven me for making him play saxophone. He was a great add to the band. Plus, he was a nice bloke.”
Drummer Andy Parker added: “Neil was just an incredible musician. He brought another energy into the band.”
The deluxe package includes a newly mixed version of Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, recorded January 29, 1981, and mixed by Brian Kehew. The performance captures the band in full stride onstage. Also featured are the original seven-inch edits of the singles “Couldn’t Get It Right” and “Lonely Heart”, along with an alternate mix of “It’s Killing Me”.
Completing the set are newly written liner notes by Michael Hann, built around fresh interviews with Phil Mogg and Andy Parker, plus a selection of previously unpublished photos from the period.
“The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent is, hands down, the best UFO studio album: it’s melodic, it’s experimental, it’s memorable, and it rocks. It was the perfect encapsulation of everything UFO could be.” – Michael Hann, Liner Notes.
Pre-order The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent Expanded Edition here.
