Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells album turns 50. To mark this anniversary, the style-defining progressive rock record will be reissued. The classic will be released on double vinyl, CD and Blu-Ray, according to a press release from Universal Music.
The anniversary edition contains some previously unreleased material from Oldfield: In addition to a half-speed master of the original mix, fans will also be able to hear a demo from 2017. Also included in the re-release: “Tubular X”, Oldfield’s rendition of the “X-Files” theme, the “Tubular Beats” remix collaboration with YORK and the single “Theme From Tubular Bells”. After the very limited edition of 2012, fans can now also look forward to Tubular Bells/In Dulci Jubilo (Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games).
“Tubular Bells”: a historic album
The then 20-year-old Mike Oldfield played all the instruments on “Tubular Bells” himself in just one week. All the more impressive that the album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. The work was published by the then newly founded record company “Virgin Records”. “Tubular Bells” made them famous overnight.
Commenting on the 50th anniversary of his debut album, Mike Oldfield said: “Re-listening to the musical outpourings of a terrified teenager, it’s hard to believe that 50 years ago that really was me. The music doesn’t sound that angsty, but only I know the years of work and stress that brought about Tubular Bells. These were all live recordings, with no second chances or studio tricks that we are used to today. When I recorded “Tubular Bells” I never thought anyone would ever hear it, let alone celebrate it five decades later! Thank you to everyone who has listened to me over the years.”
Title list:
Double LP (V2001-50LP)
LP1
side one
Tubular Bells – Part One (2023 Half Speed Master by Miles Showell)
side two
Tubular Bells – Part Two (2023 Half Speed Master by Miles Showell)
LP2
side one
Tubular Bells 4 Intro (previously unreleased demo 2017)
Tubular Bells/In Dulci Jubilo (Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games)
side two
Tubular X
Tubular Bells (Mike Oldfield & YORK Remix)
Mike Oldfield’s Single (Theme From Tubular Bells)
CD
Tubular Bells – Part One 1973 mix
Tubular Bells – Part Two1973 mix
Tubular Bells 4 Intro (previously unreleased demo 2017)
Tubular Bells/In Dulci Jubilo (Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games)
Tubular Bells (Mike Oldfield & YORK Remix)
<!–
–>
<!–
–>