National Album Day is set to return on Saturday, October 18 with a celebration of rock music for this year’s edition.
Music Week cover stars Wolf Alice, Architects, Nova Twins and Iron Maiden have been unveiled as album champions for the 2025 event.
The newly appointed album champions will help in promoting National Album Day and are set to unveil a series of activities.
National Album Day is organised jointly by labels body the BPI and ERA, the digital entertainment and retail association (Record Store Day). Presented in association with official broadcast partner BBC Radio 2, it is now in its eighth year since launching in 2018.
National Album Day sees the music community come together to celebrate and promote the art of the album, and will pay tribute to artists who tell their stories behind these influential bodies of work.
The event draws support from the artist community and wider music industry, including music bodies AIM and PPL, the Official Charts Company, and album platforms including Classic Album Sundays and Pitchblack Playback.
This year’s NAD aims to highlight some of Britain’s most influential rock artists and bands.
Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice said: "We are very happy to be part of National Album Day this year. Albums are so important to us – it’s one of the most romantic parts of being an artist/musician/band. You get to create a little world, a piece of theatre, a snapshot of time, tell a story, spread a message or none of those things at all; there’s no formula, there’s no rules and that’s why it’s so exciting. Between the four of us, we never stop discussing what our faves are, what makes a good one, what we want ours to be like etc. I hope the romance of the album never dies and we’re so grateful for things like National Album Day.”
I hope the romance of the album never dies and we’re so grateful for things like National Album Day
Ellie Rowsell
In a statement, Nova Twins said: “What an honour to be a part of National Album Day! Albums have always been the soundtracks to our lives. Listening to a favourite album is a form of escapism, losing yourself in another world. They’re portals to different moments in time, each one marking a significant memory. They are often a source of comfort, love, joy, or healing.
“We will always treasure the album format, it’s the only way artists can truly share their whole story. A single just isn’t enough to capture the full picture! Put on your favourite albums today and reminisce about the first time they stole your heart. You’re guaranteed to be slingshot through the many eras of your life. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!”
Sam Carter of Architects said: "We’re really happy to be part of National Album Day this year! There’s nothing better than throwing on one of your favourite vinyl records, grabbing a coffee, and just enjoying the full thing. Albums have always been a big deal for us, that’s why we’ve ended up with so many in our back catalogue. Each one takes me right back to the time we recorded it whenever I listen to them.
“I feel like albums soundtrack the most important moments in our lives, and whenever you listen to them, they take you right back. I hope albums always remain as important to music lovers as they are now.”
It’s great that fans are coming full circle to enjoy the totemistic experience that was lost for a while in this digital era
Bruce Dickinson
Although the event is format-neutral across physical and digital, it includes a roll-out of special vinyl editions amid the ongoing growth for the format.
Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson said: “Albums matter. They always have not just to Maiden but to all of the band members that have done solo projects – none of them have just toured – they have always recorded and released product too – especially me! The rush of first seeing the vinyl or the CD or back in the day the cassette for the first time never leaves you, and it’s great that fans are coming full circle to enjoy the totemistic experience that was lost for a while in this digital era.”
Iron Maiden celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.
Manager Rod Smallwood added: “Back in the day, and before the internet made the smallest snippet of conjecture about a band into global news, we had to rely on the release of a new album to do the heavy-lifting for us – it would herald new music of course, but also launch a tour, market the band to a wider audience with the title and the cover and – the bit I always loved – birthed a new Eddie! When things really exploded for Maiden back in 1982, with The Number of The Beast, the band were still finishing the album right up to going out on tour to promote it! They were different times and an amazing experience to connect with our fans.”
Since its launch in 2018, National Album Day has been supported by a broad range of artist champions, including Kylie Minogue, Joy Crookes, Sharleen Spiteri, Lewis Capaldi, Mark Ronson, La Roux, Elbow, Paloma Faith, Blossoms, Alice Cooper, Novelist, Tom Odell, Mahalia, Toyah Willcox, Jazzie B, Gabrielle, Declan McKenna, Tricky, Nuno Bettencourt, Shola Ama, and The Corrs, to name a few.
In 2024, Catherine Marks, Jazzie B, Liam Fray (Courteeners), Nova Twins, Shed Seven, Travis and Jeff Wayne were the latest acts to add their voices as advocates of the album.
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