CD Set Chronicles Eric Burdon & War’s Groundbreaking Collaboration

The recently announced release of the Eric Burdon & War – The Complete CD Collection is set to capture the unique and adventurous collaboration between Eric Burdon and the band War. Scheduled for release on March 7, 2025, through Avenue/Rhino, this four-CD collection will feature remastered versions of War’s pivotal albums from the era between 1970 and 1976. It includes the influential albums Eric Burdon Declares War (1970), The Black Man’s Burdon (1970), and Love Is All Around (1976), offering an exhaustive insight into their pioneering work during this formative period.

Avenue/Rhino originally released this collection as a special edition vinyl box set for Record Store Day 2022, which quickly sold out, creating anticipation for this CD collection. The compendium’s release aligns perfectly with War’s historic 55th year, marking it as a landmark moment in their extensive career. Eric Burdon’s storied tenure with War can be heard on this special collection, underlining the signature fusion of soul, funk, and rock that defined their sound. The meticulous remastering by celebrated engineer Bernie Grundman ensures that the distinct sonic identity of this period is vividly preserved for both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

In 1970 producer Jerry Goldstein introduced the Animals’ former lead singer Eric Burdon to War’s seven-piece ensemble. This collaboration resulted in the global hit “Spill the Wine” and marked the start of an era characterized by musical experimentation and cross-genre fusion. Nearly 55 years later, this chapter in War’s history has been carefully reassembled and meticulously remastered, demonstrating the timelessness of their barrier-breaking sound. The collection provides a vivid tribute to their “trail-blazing era,” when they carved out a distinctive niche in the musical landscape.

Adding to War’s celebrations for their 55th anniversary, the band plans additional releases, including Live in Japan 1974, due on February 7, 2025. This release will be significant as it includes performances from all seven original members, captured from recently discovered recordings of their concerts in Shizuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe. For the first time, these live performances will be available on both vinyl and CD, offering fans a rare glimpse into the band’s live prowess. In addition to these releases, War is planning numerous anniversary events, including a performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and their anticipated induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame later in the year.

The legacy of Eric Burdon & War is intricately tied to their ability to blur musical boundaries and their influence on music worldwide. The complete collection of this era on CDs symbolizes more than just a revisitation of past successes; it encapsulates the spirit of innovation that continues to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike. By bringing together their seminal works, Eric Burdon & War – The Complete CD Collection steadfastly preserves the richness and dynamism of this undeniably influential period in the annals of music history.