Record Store Day 2026 is just over two months away, so the BBC has unveiled its next Doctor Who vinyl: the TV soundtrack of First Doctor classic, The Rescue!
Comprised of two episodes, The Powerful Enemy and Desperate Measures, the story features the debut of companion Vicki, played by Maureen O’Brien — who provides newly recorded linking narration and a bonus behind-the-scenes interview for this exclusive release.
After Susan has left them — rather forcibly actually — the Doctor, Ian Chesterton (William Russell), and Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill) discover a crashed spaceship on the planet Dido in the 25th Century. Survivors Vicki and Bennett are menaced by a terrifying native named Koquillion – or are they? The travellers risk their lives to discover the truth…
Sixty years after its original broadcast, The Rescue is presented for the first time on 140g ‘Rescue Red’ translucent vinyl in a beautifully illustrated outer sleeve depicting the mysterious Koquillion, plus an illustrated inner sleeve which includes full cast and credits.
I rather like Koquillion; such an unusual ‘baddie’. And I really like The Rescue, a great introduction for Vicki, and a solid companion piece to its following story, The Romans, which allows Vicki to really bed into the role as she accompanies the Doctor when they’re separated from Ian and Barbara.
Record Store Day is an annual event where thousands of independent record shops all over the world come together to celebrate their unique culture. The Rescue will only be available from participating stores – you can find where your local participating shop is by clicking here! These are normally hard to get, but remaining stock sometimes finds its way online afterwards; no guarantees though!
Record Store Day 2026 takes place on 18th April 2026.
