Australian rock legends Hoodoo Gurus are marking the 40th anniversary of their landmark second album, Mars Needs Guitars, with a limited two-disc deluxe reissue. First released in March 1985, the record catapulted the band into international recognition and cemented their reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive and enduring groups.
The anniversary edition brings the album full circle with a picture-disc pressing of the original LP, featuring timeless tracks such as Bittersweet, Like, Wow – Wipeout! and Death-Defying. Notably, the reissue replaces the original album cut of Death-Defying with the 7-inch single version, which includes additional guitar flourishes and a sharper mix. As the band notes, “It’s nice to be able to put that final version into the original track listing, back where it belongs. At last, the album is finished!”
The second disc opens a rare window into the Gurus’ creative process, presenting the original demos for the album’s songs. These raw recordings, never before released, showcase early arrangements and alternative solos — including variations on some of the band’s most recognisable guitar lines. Importantly, these demos won’t be made available on streaming platforms, making this set the only way for fans to hear them. The collection also includes Johnny, an unreleased track recorded during the Mars Needs Guitars sessions but left on the shelf for four decades.
The Deluxe Reissue of Mars Needs Guitars is released October 30 and available for pre-order now.