Brian Eno relaunches Opal Records and reissues classics
Legendary ambient artist Brian Eno is set to bring a beloved musical legacy back to life, announcing the relaunch of his iconic Opal Records label and the reissue of two foundational albums: Another Day On Earth (2005) and Drawn From Life (2001).
Founded in 1988, Opal Records was an incubator for a diverse group of musical minds, featuring artists such as Brian Eno, Roger Eno, Harold Budd, John Cale, and many others. Although Eno took the label on hiatus in 1991, the rich catalogue continued its journey, eventually moving to All Saints Records.
Now, the music is finding its way back home. In 2026, Eno will officially bring Opal back, offering these celebrated albums to a new generation. This is not just a reissue; it is a celebration of a body of work that has been largely unavailable outside of Japan for nearly two decades.
To commemorate this return, the package will include exclusive content. Eno is releasing two previously unreleased live performance videos, capturing the magic of the music in action. For Another Day On Earth, the video features the track Caught Between, filmed live at the Coliseu do Porto on June 16, 2001. For Drawn From Life, the feature is Persis, shot at the Naeba Ski Resort during the Fuji Rock Festival on July 29, 2001.
Both cinematic releases showcase Eno performing alongside a stellar ensemble, including J. Peter Schwalm, Nell Catchpole, Leo Abrahams, Christoph Buhse, Tim Harries, and Heiko Himmighoffen, creating a vivid visual experience of the label’s history.
This renewed effort is anchored by a commitment to social causes. Each re-release will contribute one percent of its proceeds to Earth Percent, linking the celebration of art to environmental stewardship.
Reflecting on the philosophy behind Opal, Eno once described the label as a space for “outsiders,” a place where music drew its strength both from the center, like the Beatles, and the edges, like the Velvet Underground. This perspective suggests that true artistic richness often emerges from the fringes of mainstream culture.
While the focus is on the music, Eno’s ongoing work remains dynamic. Earlier this year, the musician also garnered attention among UK millionaires, including Gary Lineker and Richard Curtis, who asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to consider increased taxation.
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