# Hoodoo Gurus: 40 Years Of Mars Needs Guitar

**New Music** — On Your Markus  
**Published:** 8 September 2025  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/new-music-releases/hoodoo-gurus-40-years-of-mars-needs-guitar/

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HOODOO GURUS ANNOUNCE 40TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE 2LP EDITION OF ICONIC ALBUM *MARS NEEDS GUITARS!*

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/29632/c8ce9af7-7e2e-2edf-c5d1-8328ca609057.jpg)

Australian rock icons **Hoodoo Gurus** are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their landmark second album ***Mars Needs Guitars!*** with a stunning **Deluxe 2LP reissue**, giving fans a chance to rediscover one of the most beloved records in Australian rock history.

Originally released on 8 March 1985, ***Mars Needs Guitars!*** cemented the **Gurus**’ reputation as one of the most influential guitar bands of the era, delivering unforgettable hits including *Bittersweet, Like Wow – Wipeout! and Death Defying.*

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/29634/8YmgAcoA.jpg)

The **40th Anniversary Deluxe 2LP Edition** features:

- LP1: A picture disc pressing of the original 1985 album;
- LP2: A collection of previously unreleased demos, including the never-before-heard outtake *Johnny*, pressed on Ozone Green glow-in-the-dark vinyl;
- Original artwork by Richard Allen;
- Inner sleeve featuring handwritten lyrics to *Show Some Emotion* by frontman Dave Faulkner
- An A2, fold-out “Like Wow Tour” poster
- Limited-edition packaging celebrating this milestone release

Fans are also treated to newly remastered audio and a glimpse behind the scenes of the band’s creative process, with early demos showcasing how the **Gurus**’ sound evolved during this defining period.

*“When we made Mars Needs Guitars! we were just focused on making something fun, loud, and honest,”* said **Dave Faulkner**. “*Forty years later, it’s incredible to see how much these songs still resonate. This edition really captures the spirit of that time and gives fans a deeper look at how it all came together.”*

Released on 8 March 1985, the **Hoodoo Gurus**’ sophomore album marked a turning point for the Sydney-based band. With explosive drumming from newcomer **Mark Kingsmill** and standout contributions from **Brad Shepherd**, the album fused garage-rock grit, power-pop melodies, and irreverent storytelling.

It became a critical and commercial triumph, peaking at #5 on the Australian Albums Chart, earning 3× Platinum certification, and landing the band on international stages. Its success helped establish **Hoodoo Gurus** as one of the most enduring acts in Australian music.

Photos and artwork can be downloaded from [here](https://facebook.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50c508a822fbfa87e526cc369&id=354fa0a2e8&e=712e79efd9).

The ***Mars Needs Guitars!***** **40th Anniversary Deluxe 2LP Edition will be available on **17 October 2025**, with pre-orders live now from [here](https://facebook.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50c508a822fbfa87e526cc369&id=e727189903&e=712e79efd9).

**Side A**

1. Bittersweet
2. Poison Pen
3. In The Wild
4. Death Defying (Single Version)
5. Like Wow – Wipeout!

**Side B**

1. Hayride To Hell
2. Show Me Some Emotion
3. The Other Side Of Paradise
4. Mars Needs Guitars!
5. She

**Side C (Demos)**

1. Bittersweet (Demo)
2. Poison Pen (Demo)
3. In The Wild (Demo)
4. Death Defying (Demo)
5. Like Wow – Wipeout! (Demo)

**Side D (Demos & Outtake)**

1. Hayride To Hell (Demo)
2. Show Me Some Emotion (Demo)
3. The Other Side Of Paradise (Demo)
4. Mars Needs Guitars! (Demo)
5. Johnny (Previously Unheard Album Outtake)

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/29633/w6CNAXTg.png)

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/29635/468303271_10159137092384229_6981097386013530065_n.jpg)