Hoodoo Gurus Mark 40 Years of ‘Mars Needs Guitars!’ with Special 2LP Reissue
Hoodoo Gurus Celebrate 40 Years of Mars Needs Guitars!
Australian rock icons Hoodoo Gurus are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their iconic album Mars Needs Guitars! with an exciting deluxe 2LP reissue. This special edition will be released on October 17th.
The Impact of Mars Needs Guitars!
Initially released on March 8, 1985, this album solidified the Gurus’ place among the most influential guitar bands of their time. It features classic tracks such as “Bittersweet,” “Like Wow – Wipeout!” and “Death Defying,” reaching No. 5 on the Australian Albums Chart and achieving 3× Platinum certification. This success helped propel the Sydney band onto international stages.
Reflections on the Album
Frontman Dave Faulkner shared his thoughts about the album: “When we made Mars Needs Guitars! we were just focused on making something fun, loud, and honest. Forty years later, it’s incredible to see how much these songs still resonate.” He highlighted that this special edition captures the essence of that era, offering fans an in-depth look at its creation.
A Closer Look at the Deluxe Edition
The 40th Anniversary Deluxe 2LP Edition serves as both a celebration and a behind-the-scenes peek at the album’s making. This package includes a picture disc of the original 1985 release and a second LP featuring unreleased demos, along with a never-before-heard outtake titled “Johnny” pressed on Ozone Green glow-in-the-dark vinyl. Additionally, it comes with original artwork by Richard Allen, an inner sleeve featuring Faulkner’s handwritten lyrics to “Show Some Emotion,” and a fold-out ‘Like Wow’ tour poster—all housed in limited-edition packaging.
Remastered Audio Experience
In addition to the visual and collectible features, fans can look forward to newly remastered audio. The demo recordings offer a raw glimpse into how the Gurus’ sound evolved during this critical period in their career.
The Legacy of Hoodoo Gurus
With the inclusion of drummer Mark Kingsmill and standout contributions from guitarist Brad Shepherd, Mars Needs Guitars! refined the band’s blend of garage-rock grit and power-pop melodies. The album is a cornerstone of Australian rock and continues to shape the Gurus’ reputation as one of the nation’s most enduring acts.
The Mars Needs Guitars! 40th Anniversary Deluxe 2LP Edition is set to be available on October 17th. Are you excited to explore the legacy of this iconic album?
