Cream to Release Expanded Edition of 1968's 'Wheels of Fire'

The rock trio's classic album gets a deluxe reissue with rare tracks and live recordings.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:30pm by

An abstract close-up photograph of a cracked, glittering vinyl record surface, capturing the vintage rock and roll aesthetic of Cream's expanded album reissue.The expanded reissue of Cream's classic 'Wheels of Fire' album will offer fans a deeper look into the band's creative process and live performances.San Francisco Today

Cream, the legendary rock trio of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce, is set to release an expanded edition of their 1968 album 'Wheels of Fire.' The five-CD Super Deluxe Edition will feature newly remastered audio, a collection of rare recordings, and additional live tracks, including a previously unreleased live version of 'We're Going Wrong' recorded at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.

Why it matters

Cream's 'Wheels of Fire' is considered one of the seminal albums of the late 1960s rock era, showcasing the band's virtuosic musicianship and innovative blend of blues, psychedelia, and hard rock. This deluxe reissue will give fans a deeper look into the creative process and live performances that defined Cream's legacy.

The details

The 'Wheels of Fire (Super Deluxe Edition)' set includes a rarities collection with 15 recordings, nine of which have never been released before. Among the rare tracks are an early version of 'White Room,' a rough mix of 'Deserted Cities of the Heart' without strings, and a single version of 'Crossroads.' The release also features remastered versions of the original album's four live tracks from March 1968, along with eight additional live tracks, including the previously unreleased 'We're Going Wrong' recorded at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.

  • Wheels of Fire was originally released in June 1968.
  • The expanded edition is set to be released on June 12, 2026.

The players

Cream

A British rock supergroup formed in 1966, consisting of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce. They are considered one of the first successful supergroups and a seminal influence on the development of hard rock and heavy metal.

Eric Clapton

An English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, who is one of the most influential and acclaimed musicians of the 20th century. He was a member of Cream and is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Ginger Baker

An English drummer and a co-founder of the rock band Cream, known for his virtuosic and innovative drumming style that combined elements of jazz, blues, and African rhythms.

Jack Bruce

A Scottish musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the bassist and occasional lead vocalist of the British rock band Cream, in which he formed a famed rhythm section with drummer Ginger Baker.

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What’s next

The expanded edition of 'Wheels of Fire' is available for preorder now and will be released on June 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This deluxe reissue of Cream's 'Wheels of Fire' will give fans a deeper appreciation for the band's creative process and live performances, further cementing their legacy as one of the most influential rock groups of the 1960s.