Smashing Pumpkins Will Reissue The Aeroplane Flies High
The classic 1996 compilation returns as a five-LP vinyl set arriving December 18, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Alternative
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The Smashing Pumpkins announced that a vinyl reissue of their 1996 compilation, The Aeroplane Flies High, will arrive on December 18, 2026. Published by UMe, the collection will be available in standard and limited-edition color vinyl formats.
Why it matters
This release honors the 30th anniversary of the expansive collection, which originally compiled B-sides and rarities from the era surrounding the band's breakthrough success.
The set features expanded editions of five singles alongside covers of songs by the Cars, Blondie, and the Cure. The collection spans five LPs, building on the band's catalog that includes an 11x Platinum certification for Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness.
The players
The Smashing Pumpkins
Formed in Chicago, the alternative rock band achieved massive commercial success throughout the 1990s.
UMe
Universal Music Enterprises serves as the catalog division for Universal Music Group.
The details
The upcoming collection arrives as a five-LP set, marking the first time the compilation has been on vinyl since 2013. The expanded editions gather rare tracks and B-sides originally associated with the band's high-charting mid-90s output.
Timeline
The Aeroplane Flies High was originally released in 1996.
The collection saw its last vinyl release in 2013.
The band launched the Rats In A Cage tour on September 30, 2026.
The five-LP reissue is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This move capitalizes on the persistent demand for legacy rock reissues within the modern vinyl market. It aligns with the band's current promotional cycle, including the ongoing Rats In A Cage tour, to reinforce the longevity of their mid-90s output.
Fans can now secure the collection through pre-order channels ahead of the wide release in December. The availability of both standard and limited-edition color vinyl provides multiple entry points for collectors looking to add this expanded set to their physical media libraries.
The takeaway
The upcoming box set highlights how deep-catalog archival releases continue to serve as major touchpoints for long-standing fanbases. Collectors should note that limited-edition variants often sell out quickly upon announcement, making pre-orders essential for those targeting specific color pressings.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of alternative rock reissues, visit the Alternative section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by uDiscover Music.
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