Record Store Day 2026: The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, and More Join War Child Charity Releases

Celebrate Record Store Day 2026 with exclusive vinyl from The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, and others—all supporting War Child’s vital work.

The Thrill of Record Store Day Returns

There’s something magical about the buzz of Record Store Day (RSD) every year — the thrill of digging through crates, the smell of fresh vinyl, and the excitement of scoring exclusive releases. Mark your calendars because the 19th UK edition is set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, with over 280 indie record shops participating across the country.

This year, RSD has turned up the volume not only on rare music drops but also on giving back. A host of special releases are lined up, with £1 from every copy sold going directly to War Child UK—a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by war, helping with their education, mental health, and protection amidst conflicts in places like Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and Syria.

Star-Studded Releases Supporting a Noble Cause

If you’re a fan of classic rock and indie hits, this year’s RSD lineup is a treasure trove. Among the headliners:

• The Cure shines with two special vinyl editions: ‘Greatest Hits’ and ‘Acoustic Hits’, perfect for both die-hard fans and vinyl collectors.
• Fleetwood Mac takes us back with ‘The Original Fleetwood Mac’, a 1971 compilation from the Peter Green era, a must-have for lovers of blues-infused rock.
• Primal Scream offers their 1997 remix album ‘Echo Dek’, a sonic blast from the past that still sounds fresh today.

These exclusive releases aren’t just about vinyl—they’re about making a difference. Imagine spinning your favorite tracks knowing you’re helping kids survive and thrive in war-torn regions.

The Manics and More: Solo Albums & Collaborations

RSD 2026 also digs into some solo gems from the Manic Street Preachers camp:

• James Dean Bradfield’s debut solo album ‘The Great Western’ celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special vinyl release.
• Nicky Wire follows with his 2023 sophomore solo album ‘Intimism’.

And if you thought that was it, think again. A reissue of the unexpected but brilliant 2022 collaboration between Sigrid and Bring Me The Horizon, ‘Bad Life’, is also hitting the shelves.

Fans of folk-rock will appreciate the re-release of Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris’ 2006 album ‘All The Roadrunning’, adding a warm, nostalgic touch to the collection.

Diving Deeper: Other War Child Releases to Watch

The lineup doesn’t stop there. Here are some more highlights supporting War Child:

• Kaiser Chiefs’ 2011 album ‘The Future Is Medieval’ — indie rock fans, this one's for you.
• The Streets’ 2011 album ‘Computer And Blues’ — a classic from Mike Skinner’s project.
• Corinne Bailey Rae’s ‘Live In New York’ captures the soulful essence of live performance.
• Divorce’s ‘Live At Get Together 2025 For War Child’ — an energetic set that brings indie spirit alive.
• Plus, Dr. Feelgood’s ‘Oily City Confidential OST’, Rory Gallagher’s ‘Calling Card’, and The Vaccines’ ‘What Did You Expect…Demos and B-Sides’ round out the diverse roster.

Early Announcements: Bowie, The Snuts, and More

Aside from the War Child releases, RSD 2026 has already teased some exciting drops:

• Two David Bowie releases: a ‘Hallo Spaceboy’ remixes EP and a half-speed LP featuring excerpts from ‘1.OUTSIDE’.
• Live recordings from rising stars The Snuts, jazz-funk collective Kokoroko, and indie darling Nilüfer Yanya.

Although the full roster is yet to be unveiled, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an epic Record Store Day.

A Tradition of Ambassadors and Iconic Releases

Looking back, RSD has always been about celebrating music culture with a community spirit. Last year’s UK ambassador, Sam Fender, even dropped a six-track 12-inch vinyl, ‘Me And The Dog’, marking the occasion in style. Before him, stars like Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Kate Bush, The 1975, Noel Gallagher, and Elton John have all championed this celebration.

The 2025 edition saw exclusive releases from iconic acts such as Oasis, Charli XCX, Fred Again.., The Cure, Gorillaz, Taylor Swift and many more — with fans lining up at indie shops from the crack of dawn, all for that perfect pressing.

War Child’s Indie All-Star Compilation: ‘Help(2)’

Complementing the RSD releases, War Child UK is also releasing an indie all-star compilation album called ‘Help(2)’, set for release on March 6. This album features Arctic Monkeys’ first new song in four years, ‘Opening Night’, alongside contributions from luminaries like Damon Albarn, English Teacher, Fontaines D.C., Johnny Marr, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, and Depeche Mode.

It’s a powerful collection that highlights the music community’s support for War Child’s mission, blending fresh tunes with legendary names.

Record Store Day 2026 is shaping up to be a celebration that hits all the right notes—music lovers get exclusive releases, indie stores get their day in the sun, and most importantly, children caught in conflict zones receive vital aid.

FAQ

• What is Record Store Day and why is it special?
  Record Store Day is an annual event celebrating independent record stores with exclusive vinyl releases, live events, and special promotions. It’s a day for music fans to support local shops and share their love of music.
• How does Record Store Day 2026 support War Child?
  £1 from every copy sold of the selected exclusive releases will be donated to War Child UK, a charity that supports children affected by war worldwide.
• Which artists are featured in the War Child supported releases?
  Notable artists include The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Primal Scream, Manic Street Preachers members, Sigrid and Bring Me The Horizon, Kaiser Chiefs, The Streets, and more.
• Are there other releases beyond the War Child charity titles?
  Yes, early announced releases include rare Bowie remixes, live recordings by The Snuts, Kokoroko, Nilüfer Yanya, and many more yet to be revealed.
• Where can I buy these exclusive Record Store Day releases?
  These special editions will be available exclusively at participating independent record stores across the UK on April 18, 2026.

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