WAR – have announced the 50th anniversary ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’ CD boxset

On June 6^th 2025 WAR will release Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition), celebrating the multi-million-selling, blockbuster album that topped charts and left an indelible mark on music history.

This deluxe 3CD and digital set commemorates 50 years of some of the band’s most iconic songs, including its timeless title track, ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’, the perennially cool ‘Low Rider’, ‘So’ and more.
 
First released in 1975, Why Can’t We Be Friends? remains a groundbreaking record—defined by unforgettable melodies, a powerful message of unity, and an enduring influence that continues to shape music, film, and social movements today.
 
On June 6th via Avenue/Rhino, the arrival of this special edition will not only honour the album’s milestone anniversary, but celebrate WAR’s 55-year legacy as cultural trailblazers whose impact still resonates across generations today. They are “one of the most seminal bands in music” (Billboard), and “when it comes to low rider Cali-cool multiculturalism, WAR wrote the biggest, loudest book” (Variety).

Newly remastered by Bernie Grundman, Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) presents the original album alongside two additional discs. Featuring seven unearthed bonus tracks, rare jam sessions and unedited mixes, as well as a revelatory recording about the making of ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’, the collection offers a deeper look into the record than ever before.
 
The 3CD and Digital editions follow the stunning Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) 3LP set that just debuted as a 2025 Record Store Day Vinyl Exclusive. WAR’s previous box set, honouring 50 years of The World Is a Ghetto, was named Best New Reissue by Pitchfork, and hailed as one of the best of the year by The New York Times, Variety and more. Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) continues that streak. 

Pre-Order Why Can’t We Be Friends? 50th Anniversary (Collector’s Edition), and listen to the previously unheard ‘Low Rider (Original Unedited Mix)’, available today: HERE