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

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band is revisiting their third studio album with a five-CD set featuring newly remastered audio and bonus material.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:30am by

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A striking abstract composition of jagged, overlapping geometric shapes in bold red, white, and black, conceptually representing the experimental and psychedelic nature of Cream's 'Wheels of Fire' album.Cream's landmark 'Wheels of Fire' album receives a deluxe reissue, offering fans a deeper dive into the band's creative legacy.San Francisco Today

Cream, the iconic British rock trio of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce, is set to release an expanded edition of their 1968 album 'Wheels of Fire' on June 12. The five-CD set will include newly remastered audio, a rarities collection with nine previously unreleased tracks, and additional live recordings from the band's 1968 performances.

Why it matters

Cream's 'Wheels of Fire' is considered one of the seminal albums of the late 1960s psychedelic rock era, showcasing the band's virtuosic musicianship and experimental sound. This expanded reissue will provide fans with deeper insight into the album's creation and the band's live performances during their final year together before announcing their breakup.

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 unreleased 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 previously unreleased live recordings, including a performance of 'We're Going Wrong' from the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.

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

The players

Cream

A British rock trio consisting of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce, considered one of the seminal bands of the late 1960s psychedelic rock era.

Eric Clapton

The guitarist and co-founder of Cream, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Ginger Baker

The drummer and co-founder of Cream, known for his virtuosic and innovative drumming style.

Jack Bruce

The bassist and co-founder of Cream, also known for his powerful vocals and songwriting contributions.

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What’s next

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

The takeaway

This reissue of Cream's landmark 'Wheels of Fire' album provides a unique opportunity for fans to delve deeper into the band's creative process and live performances during their final year together before their breakup, further cementing their legacy as one of the most influential and innovative rock groups of the 1960s.