War announces 'Live in Japan 1974'

2 LP & 2 CD sets will be available in February

War will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Why Can’t We Be Friends throughout 2025, and this February, they’re kicking off the year-long festivities with a very special release: Live In Japan 1974. Out February 7th on Rhino Records, this album not only marks the band’s first live album to feature all seven original members in 50 years, but also captures the band during their first-ever tour in Japan, and the interactions with fans that inspired “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” With live recordings spanning the winter of 1974 and shows in Shizuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe, these recordings have been rediscovered and meticulously restored to create Live In Japan 1974.

Packed with never-before-heard performances and insights into a pivotal moment in the band’s history and evolution, Live in Japan 1974 offers fans a deeper understanding of the band’s global impact. The collection will be available in 2 LP and 2 CD sets worldwide, as well as digitally, and includes a variety of live recordings of classic War tracks, including “The Cisco Kid,” “So,” “The World Is a Ghetto,” and “All Day Music.” Together, Live in Japan 1974 serves as a perfect sonic touchstone to usher in the year-long anniversary celebration.

The projects follow the Black Friday release of the band’s limited-edition 5 LP and 5 CD sets, The Vinyl 1977-1994 and The CD Collection 1977-1994, available exclusively via Record Store Day. The Vinyl: 1977-1994 is the first time since their original pressings of Platinum Funk, Galaxy, The Music Band, Outlaw, and Peace Sign have been released on the format. Each colored LP was packaged in a boss slipcase illustrated by Grammy-winning artist Dave Van Patten.

Having sold over 50 million records worldwide, War has amassed more than 20 platinum, multi-platinum, and gold records, including Galaxy and The Music Band, which led to the unforgettable music video for “Good, Good Feelin’,” choreographed and directed by the iconic Lester Wilson. 1982’s Outlaw follows The Music Band – led by classic tracks like “Cinco De Mayo,” “You Got The Power” and the titular “Outlaw,” before War reassembled most of its surviving members for 1993’s Peace Sign, carrying on the group’s mission of love, harmony and brotherhood, with a guest appearance from José Feliciano on “East L.A.,” and a touching dedication to late bandmates Papa Dee Allen and Charles Miller.

CD 1: