Music enthusiasts are gearing up for Record Store Day 2026, set for April 18, which promises a treasure trove of exclusive rock releases. This year's event highlights special editions from legendary artists like Robert Plant, Neil Young, and John Lennon, alongside a diverse array of other classic rock acts. Collectors and fans alike are eagerly anticipating these limited-edition vinyl records.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Plant releases new EP, "Saving Grace: All That Glitters."
- Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts offer a live 2LP clear vinyl package.
- Sean Ono Lennon curates "Love: Meditation Mixes" of John Lennon's "Love."
- Limited quantities make these releases highly sought after by collectors.
- Record Store Day continues its tradition of supporting independent music stores.
Headlining Acts Offer Unique Editions
Robert Plant, the iconic voice of Led Zeppelin, is contributing a new studio EP titled "Saving Grace: All That Glitters." This release continues his collaboration with Suzi Dian, featuring four new tracks. Only 3,500 copies of this limited-edition 12-inch vinyl EP will be available, making it a highly anticipated item for fans.
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts are also set to release "The Live Album." This special edition comes as a 2LP clear vinyl package and includes an exclusive lyric poster. The U.S. run for this release is limited to 6,900 copies, ensuring its exclusivity.
Fast Fact
Record Store Day began in 2007 to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture of independently owned record stores. The first event took place on April 19, 2008.
John Lennon's legacy is honored through "Love: Meditation Mixes," overseen by his son, Sean Ono Lennon. This collection features nine re-imagined takes on Lennon's classic Plastic Ono Band-era ballad, "Love." This U.S. release is limited to 4,500 copies, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved track.
Diverse Classic Rock Exclusives
Beyond the headliners, Record Store Day 2026 presents a wide range of classic rock offerings. These releases fall into various categories: exclusives, RSD first, and limited or regional runs. Fans can expect a mix of studio albums, live recordings, and special compilations.
Among the notable exclusive LPs is Alice Cooper's limited-edition picture disc of "The Revenge of Alice Cooper." The Rolling Stones are also contributing a series of three-inch singles, including hits like "Get Off of My Cloud," "Honky Tonk Women," and "Play With Fire." These smaller format records provide a unique collectible for fans of the legendary band.
Record Store Day Categories
Record Store Day releases are typically categorized into three types:
- Exclusives: These titles are only available at participating Record Store Day stores.
- RSD First: These titles are released first at Record Store Day stores, then may be released at other retailers at a later date.
- Limited Run / Regional Focus: These are smaller pressings or releases targeted at specific regions.
Other significant exclusive vinyl records include Black Sabbath's "Seventh Star," Foreigner's two-disc "Foreigner 4 Live Tour 1981-82," and the Grateful Dead's extensive five-disc set, "Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA 6/11/76." Pink Floyd fans can look forward to a four-disc collection, "Live From the Los Angeles Sports Arena, April 26th, 1975." Bruce Springsteen's "Live From Asbury Park 2024" will be available as a five-disc set, while Van Halen's "Live in New Haven, CT 1986" comes as a two-disc package.
Compilations and Unique Collaborations
This year also brings intriguing compilations and collaborations. One such compilation is "Rock and Roll Doctor: Lowell George Tribute Album," which makes its vinyl debut. This album features artists like Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Willie Nelson, and Jackson Browne paying tribute to the late leader of Little Feat.
A particularly unique release involves Doors drummer John Densmore. He has collaborated with hip-hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy under the name doPE. Their debut album, "No Country for Old Men," includes the 2026 Record Store Day Song of the Year, "Every Tick Tick Tick." This collaboration bridges genres and generations, offering something unexpected for music lovers.
"Record Store Day is more than just buying records; it's about celebrating the culture, the artists, and the vibrant community that surrounds music," commented a long-time collector.
The U.K. will also participate in Record Store Day on April 18, with its own set of exclusive releases. These include titles supporting War Child, such as Fleetwood Mac's "The Original Fleetwood Mac," The Cure's "Greatest Hits" and "Acoustic Hits," and Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris's "All the Roadrunning." These U.K.-specific releases add another layer of excitement for international collectors.
Artists Reflect on Their Own Work
Interestingly, some iconic artists have expressed mixed feelings about their own famous works over the years. This adds a layer of perspective to the enduring popularity of these releases.
Aerosmith's Joe Perry once admitted reservations about "Walk This Way," fearing fan backlash. Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys famously called the 'MIU Album' "an embarrassment to my life." Paul McCartney openly disliked Phil Spector's production on The Beatles' "Let It Be." Even Ozzy Osbourne described Black Sabbath's 'Never Say Die' as "the worst piece of work that I've ever had anything to do with."
David Bowie felt he "mistreated" the songs on 'Never Let Me Down.' Captain Beefheart reportedly hated the phaser effects on 'Strictly Personal.' Joe Strummer of The Clash expressed his disdain for 'Cut the Crap,' calling it a "fucking mess." Ronnie James Dio even tried to destroy the tapes for "Rainbow in the Dark" because he found it too "poppy."
Carl Palmer called Emerson, Lake and Palmer's 'Love Beach' "the worst album that ELP ever made." Rod Stewart labeled The Faces' 'Ooh La La' a "disgrace." Dave Grohl was candid about Foo Fighters' 'One by One,' stating, "Four of the songs were good, and the other seven I never played again in my life."
Even the force behind "Do They Know It’s Christmas?", Bob Geldof, stated he "can't stand the sound of it." Slash initially "hated" Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine." Ann Wilson of Heart disliked the message of "All I Want to Do Is Make Love to You." Paul Stanley called Kiss's 'Music From "The Elder"' "pompous, contrived, self-important and fat."
Robert Plant famously called "Stairway to Heaven" "that bloody wedding song." John Mellencamp never liked the sound of "Jack and Diane." Nico couldn't listen to 'Chelsea Girl' due to unauthorized arrangements. Kurt Cobain considered Nirvana's 'Nevermind' closer to a "Motley Crue record than it is a punk rock record."
Tom Petty admitted, "I hate 'Zombie Zoo'." David Gilmour felt Pink Floyd's 'The Final Cut' was "unbalanced." Chrissie Hynde of Pretenders never thought "Brass in Pocket" was "that great." Brian May of Queen had concerns about the hedonism in "Don't Stop Me Now." Peter Buck found R.E.M.'s 'Around the Sun' "not really listenable."
Mick Jagger called 'Their Satanic Majesties Request' "a lot of rubbish." Bruce Springsteen initially called 'Born to Run' the "worst piece of garbage." The Edge admitted U2's 'Pop' was "a compromise project." Van Morrison stated he had "about 300 songs I think are better" than "Brown Eyed Girl." Lou Reed "gave up" on The Velvet Underground's 'Loaded.' Jani Lane of Warrant "hated" "Cherry Pie." Finally, Roger Daltrey said The Who's 'It's Hard' "should never have been released," and Neil Young said "Heart of Gold" put him "in the middle of the road," which became a "bore."