Pink Floyd’s seminal album “Wish You Were Here” is set to receive a special 50th-anniversary edition re-release, as announced by the band on Friday, September 12. Originally launched 50 years ago on the same date, “Wish You Were Here” marked a significant milestone for Pink Floyd, becoming their inaugural album to achieve the top spot on both the U.K. Albums Chart and the prestigious Billboard 200. Lyrically, the album delved into themes of longing and disillusionment, signaling a notable thematic evolution for the band. Today, it stands recognized as one of the greatest classic rock records ever produced, having sold over 20 million copies globally.

This ninth studio album by Pink Floyd has undergone a meticulous restoration and remastering process for its celebratory edition. The re-release is substantially expanded, featuring an additional 25 bonus tracks. These include a variety of alternate studio takes and rare live recordings captured by the renowned bootlegger Mike Millard during Pink Floyd’s Los Angeles Sports Arena concert on April 26, 1975. The audio restoration for these live tracks was meticulously overseen by producer and Porcupine Tree member Steve Wilson, ensuring pristine sound quality.

Among the rarities included in this comprehensive set are “The Machine Song (Roger’s demo),” which represents the very first home demo of the track that bassist and co-founder Roger Waters initially presented to the band. Also featured is an instrumental mix of the iconic title track, “Wish You Were Here,” providing a fresh perspective on the classic. Furthermore, fans will be treated to a complete version of the expansive nine-part composition, “Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9),” allowing for an uninterrupted listening experience of this masterpiece.

Titled “Wish You Were Here 50,” the anniversary edition will be made available digitally on December 12 via Sony Music. Beyond the digital release, it will be offered across a diverse range of physical formats to cater to collectors and enthusiasts alike. These include a 3LP vinyl set, a 2CD set, a Blu-ray edition, and a lavish box set. The Blu-ray format boasts a new Dolby Atmos mix expertly crafted by James Guthrie, whose extensive work with Pink Floyd dates back to their seminal 1979 album, “The Wall.” The Blu-ray edition will also encompass three concert films from the band’s monumental 1975 world tour, alongside a short film directed by the late Storm Thorgerson, with specific details of the latter yet to be unveiled.

The ultimate collector’s item, the box set, will house all the content from the 2CD, 3LP, and Blu-ray editions. In addition, it will include a fourth clear vinyl LP titled “Live At Wembley 1974,” a replica Japanese 7” Single featuring “Have A Cigar” and “Welcome To The Machine,” a hardcover photo book, a meticulously designed comic book tour program, and a commemorative concert poster. To offer a glimpse into the forthcoming “Wish You Were Here 50” experience, the band has already shared an early recording of “Welcome to the Machine.” This particular demo track, previously known as “The Machine Song,” is notable for being shorter in length than the original and had remained unheard until its recent release, building anticipation for the full anniversary collection.