"Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds" is a concept album that retells H.G. Wells' classic science fiction story "The War of the Worlds." The album, composed by Jeff Wayne, was first released in 1978. It is known for its progressive rock and symphonic rock sound, featuring a blend of rock music, orchestration, and synthesizers. The narrative is based on H.G. Wells' original story of a Martian invasion of Earth.
Jeff Wayne's version of "The War of the Worlds" is a musical interpretation of H.G. Wells' 1898 science fiction novel. Wayne composed and produced the album, incorporating a mix of rock elements and orchestration. The album features narration by Richard Burton, who provides a dramatic storytelling element to the music. Burton's narration serves as a key component in conveying the storyline.
The album includes notable tracks such as "The Eve of the War," "Forever Autumn" (sung by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues), and "The Spirit of Man" (featuring Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy and Julie Covington). Over the years, "The War of the Worlds" has been adapted for live performances, featuring both concerts and stage productions. These performances often include multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling experience.
The success of the original album led to reissues and adaptations, including a remix in 2005. Jeff Wayne has also released a computer game, a live stage show, and various versions of the musical over the years. Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation of "The War of the Worlds" has gained a dedicated fan base and remains a notable work in the realm of concept albums.