Music

UFO’s Classic 1981 Album ‘The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent’ Gets an Expanded Reissue With a Previously Unreleased Live Set

May 23, 2026

UFO’s ‘The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent’ is out now in a deluxe expanded edition via Chrysalis Records, newly remastered from the original tape transfers across a 3 LP tri-fold sleeve 180-gram vinyl and 2 CD digipak. The 1981 album captured the band at a genuine creative high point, blending soaring melodies and powerful performances with Phil Mogg’s unmistakable voice, and it marked the debut of keyboardist and guitarist Neil Carter, who replaced Paul Raymond and brought an additional energy the band immediately felt.

“Neil had a box of tricks,” Mogg recalls. “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.” Drummer Andy Parker is equally direct. “Neil was just an incredible musician. He brought another energy into the band.”

The expanded set is loaded. A previously unreleased live recording from Hammersmith Odeon on January 29, 1981, newly mixed by Brian Kehew, runs 11 tracks deep and delivers an electrifying snapshot of the band in full flight just days after the album’s original release. Original 7-inch edits of singles “Couldn’t Get It Right” and “Lonely Heart” are included alongside a previously unreleased alternative mix of album standout “It’s Killing Me.” Newly written liner notes by Michael Hann, fresh interviews with Mogg and Parker, and previously unseen photographs from the era round out a collection built for both longtime fans and serious collectors.

CD 1: Original Album Remastered