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

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

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:30am by

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A bold, abstract composition of stark, jagged geometric shapes in shades of red, white, and black, conceptually representing the iconic Cream logo and album artwork without any literal imagery or text.This expanded reissue of Cream's landmark 'Wheels of Fire' album offers a deeper dive into the band's creative process during their late 1960s heyday.San Francisco Today

Cream, the iconic 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 Super Deluxe Edition will include newly remastered audio, a collection of 15 rare and unreleased recordings, and additional live tracks recorded in 1968.

Why it matters

Cream's 'Wheels of Fire' is considered one of the seminal albums of the late 1960s psychedelic rock era, featuring the band's signature blend of blues, rock, and improvisational playing. This expanded reissue will give fans a deeper look into the creative process behind the album, which was released just before the band announced 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' and a rough mix of 'Deserted Cities of the Heart' without strings. The package also features remastered versions of the album's four live tracks from March 1968, plus eight additional live recordings, including a previously unheard live take of 'We're Going Wrong' recorded at 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 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 considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He was a member of Cream alongside Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce.

Ginger Baker

An English drummer and a co-founder of the rock band Cream, where he played alongside Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.

Jack Bruce

A Scottish musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the bassist and occasional lead vocalist of the British rock band Cream, where he played with Eric Clapton and 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 classic 'Wheels of Fire' album will give fans a deeper appreciation for the band's creative process and the enduring influence of their groundbreaking music during the late 1960s psychedelic rock era.