Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds

Catalog: PC2 35290  |  Side A Matrix: AL 35291 - 1A - 2HZ

One of the most ambitious and enduring concept albums ever committed to vinyl, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds is a landmark of late-1970s progressive rock and orchestral pop. Released in 1978 on Columbia Records, this double LP adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1898 science fiction masterpiece became a phenomenon — spending over 330 weeks on the UK Albums Chart and selling more than 15 million copies worldwide. It remains one of the best-selling albums in British music history.

About Jeff Wayne

Jeff Wayne is an American-born, London-based composer, producer, and musician who spent years developing this project before its release. Drawing on his background in orchestral arrangement and commercial production, Wayne crafted a sweeping, cinematic score that blends rock, progressive, and classical elements into a seamless dramatic whole. The album was a labour of love — reportedly taking three years to complete — and the ambition of the undertaking is audible in every groove.

About the Album

Narrated by the legendary Richard Burton in one of his final major recordings, the album follows Wells' original story faithfully: a Martian invasion of Victorian England, told through the eyes of a terrified journalist. Burton's rich, authoritative voice anchors the drama, while a stellar cast of vocalists — including Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues), David Essex, Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), and Julie Covington — bring the characters to life.

The orchestration is lush and detailed, recorded with a full orchestra and choir alongside electric guitars, synthesizers, and rock rhythm sections. The result is a genuinely theatrical listening experience — one that rewards headphones, a quality turntable, and an uninterrupted evening.

The PC2 35290 is the North American Columbia double-LP pressing. The Side A matrix AL 35291 - 1A - 2HZ is consistent with an early domestic pressing.

Highlights

• "The Eve of the War" — Justin Hayward's iconic opening track, driven by one of the most recognizable synthesizer riffs in rock history; it became a standalone hit single
• "Forever Autumn" — a hauntingly beautiful ballad performed by Justin Hayward, later released as a UK Top 5 single; one of the album's most emotionally resonant moments
• "The Spirit of Man" — a dramatic duet featuring Phil Lynott and Julie Covington, capturing the psychological collapse of a preacher confronting the invasion
• "Brave New World" — David Essex delivers a chilling portrayal of the Artilleryman's delusional optimism amid the ruins of civilization
• Richard Burton's narration throughout is a performance in itself — measured, grave, and utterly compelling
• The album's production, overseen entirely by Wayne, set a new standard for concept album ambition and remains sonically impressive on a quality playback system

Record Condition

• Carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in new inner plastic sleeves
• Minor surface scuffs consistent with age — played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips
• Minor pops and crackles noted, as expected for a vintage pressing
• Record grade: VG (Very Good)

Jacket & Sleeve Condition

• Little wear from age — presents very well
• Jacket grade: VG (Very Good)
• Original inner sleeve included and in very good condition
• Condition shown in photos — please review images carefully before purchasing

A monumental listening experience and a genuine collector's piece. Whether you encountered it as a child and never forgot it, or you're discovering it for the first time, this is an album that demands to be heard on vinyl — the format it was made for.