Stan Bush has been the voice behind some of the most beloved anthems in pop culture history, with “The Touch” and “Dare” becoming timeless songs that have inspired generations of Transformers fans around the world. Forty years after the release of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE (1986), Bush returns to those iconic tracks with brand new recordings for THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION, out this week via Reigning Phoenix Music in collaboration with Hasbro.
The Everblack Podcast sat down with Stan Bush to talk about revisiting the legendary anthems that defined an era, re-recording songs that have become synonymous with the Transformers legacy, his lifelong connection to the fandom, and why these powerful tracks continue to resonate with fans four decades later.
Watch/listen to the interview here:
Released July 24, 2026, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION breathes new life into the iconic 1986 soundtrack, featuring 10 reimagined recordings rebuilt from the ground up by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON. Combining modern production with the spirit and energy of the original film, the album delivers a heavier, sharper and more cinematic take on the music that helped define a generation.
Alongside Bush’s return for new versions of “The Touch” and “Dare,” the release features an all-star lineup of Transformers fans and heavy music icons, including Sebastian Bach (original SKID ROW, TWISTED SISTER) on “Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way,” Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS) on “The Transformers (Theme),” as well as appearances from Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL, KERRY KING), Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE, V.B.O.) and Torch from COLD SLITHER. The album also features the talents of Vince DiCola, whose legendary compositions remain an essential part of the Transformers soundtrack legacy.
Reigning Phoenix Music Pre-Order HERE:
After four decades the stories, memories and music still resonate deeply with fans globally. The Reformatted Edition sees worlds collide across generations though heavy music, and a return to a major moment in pop culture history.
Hasbro Music presents The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition. Produced and engineered by Matt LaPlant (COLD SLITHER), with pre-production by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON and Matt LaPlant. The album was mixed and mastered by Zeuss (ROB ZOMBIE) and recorded at Ripper’s Lair in an undisclosed location. Cover artwork and design created by Matt Ferguson.
ABOUT THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE AND HASBRO’S “THE APOLOGY TOUR”:
Originally released in 1986, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE marked the franchise’s first feature film and raised the stakes in ways audiences did not see coming. What started as an epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons quickly became something more, introducing the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, the planet-devouring Unicron, and a turning point that left a generation of fans emotionally unprepared for what a children’s film could deliver.
Optimus Prime’s fall in a final showdown with arch-nemesis Megatron remains one of the most controversial moments in franchise history. Four decades later, fans are still talking about it. That legacy now fuels Hasbro’s “The Apology Tour,” a year-long campaign acknowledging the emotional impact of Optimus Prime’s death and delivering special surprises for fans throughout the year.
Track List:
1. The Touch – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
2. Instruments of Destruction – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Francesco Cavalieri (originally recorded by N.R.G.)
3. Death of Optimus Prime – Vince DiCola
4. Dare – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush and Vince DiCola (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
5. Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Sebastian Bach (originally recorded by Spectre General)
6. The Transformers (Theme) – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Brittney Slayes (originally recorded by Lion)
7. Escape – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
8. Hunger – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Mark Osegueda (originally recorded by Spectre General)
9. Autobot/ Decepticon Battle – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
10. Dare To Be Stupid – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Torch (originally recorded by “Weird Al” Yankovic)
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE, Bush will also join KNIGHTS OF UNICRON and special guests for THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert at The House of Blues San Diego during Comic-Con week, bringing the reimagined soundtrack to life on stage.
Event Details – THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Concert
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: Doors at 7 PM | Show at 8 PM
Venue: House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets: Available via Universe
General Admission – $50.00 plus service charges
VIP Packages – $100.00 plus service charges
Exclusive show merchandise will also be available on the day.
