For more than five decades, the band WAR has stood as a genre-defying force in American music—fusing funk, soul, rock, Latin, jazz, and street rhythms into a sound that’s unmistakably their own. Now, they’ve added another major milestone to their long and influential career: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A statement from the company discloses that “on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, WAR was honored by The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, with a dedicated star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.” The star, awarded in the Recording category, reunited original members Lonnie Jordan, Howard Scott, Harold Brown, Lee Oskar, and founding producer Jerry Goldstein. Also in attendance were emcee Jimmy Jam and guest speaker George Lopez, both long-time admirers of the band’s legacy.
The ceremony reflected the spirit of WAR—community-driven, deeply rooted in Southern California culture, and unafraid to do things differently. In what the company calls a “Walk of Fame first,” the celebration also served as a low rider car show, with cars provided by local Los Angeles car clubs such as Imperial, Groupe ELA, Spirit, and Southern Life.
Just steps away from the newly unveiled star, the celebration continued at Amoeba Hollywood with a special signing of the band’s latest release: the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of Why Can’t We Be Friends? Released via Avenue/Rhino, the commemorative set honors one of the group’s most iconic and best-selling albums—one that has resonated across generations and musical boundaries.
A statement from the company reveals that the new edition is “a deluxe 3CD, 3LP and Digital collection” that features the original album remastered by legendary engineer Bernie Grundman, along with “two additional discs, including seven unearthed bonus tracks, rare jam sessions and unedited mixes, as well as a revelatory recording about the making of ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’”
Originally released in 1975, Why Can’t We Be Friends? made an immediate global impact. Its title track carried such a powerful message of unity that NASA famously transmitted it into space during the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission. With songs like “Low Rider” and “So,” the album continues to hold cultural relevance and musical influence, even 50 years later.
WAR’s music has always reached beyond entertainment. Known for its commitment to social consciousness, the band has long addressed issues such as racism, poverty, and conflict—both through its lyrics and its philanthropic work. The company notes that WAR has supported organizations like PETA, Toys for Tots, Venice Family Clinic, and St. Jude’s Hospital.
Their influence also spans genres and generations. Over the years, WAR’s music has been sampled or covered by artists including Janet Jackson, Tupac, Method Man, Sublime, Redman, De La Soul, Flo Rida, Phish, ZZ Top, and even The Muppets. With over 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, four #1 LPs, and multiple Top 40 hits, WAR has left an indelible mark on the music world.
Their previous box set celebrating The World Is a Ghetto was named Best New Reissue by Pitchfork and earned high praise from The New York Times and Variety. This latest release continues that tradition, offering fans both a fresh look at a classic album and a reminder of the band’s continued relevance.
WAR’s legacy is one of musical innovation, cultural fusion, and a message of unity that feels as urgent today as it did in 1975.
