diff --git a/beetsplug/play.py b/beetsplug/play.py
index 38ef379dd..c98be40a0 100644
--- a/beetsplug/play.py
+++ b/beetsplug/play.py
@@ -101,7 +101,10 @@ def play_music(lib, opts, args):
     # Invoke the command and log the output.
     output = util.command_output(command)
     if output:
-        log.debug(u'Output of {0}: {1}'.format(command[0], output))
+        log.debug(u'Output of {0}: {1}'.format(
+            util.displayable_path(command[0]),
+            output.decode('utf8', 'ignore'),
+        ))
 
     ui.print_(u'Playing {0} {1}.'.format(len(selection), item_type))
 
diff --git a/docs/changelog.rst b/docs/changelog.rst
index 26a8e5b3e..71bd27bab 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.rst
+++ b/docs/changelog.rst
@@ -53,6 +53,8 @@ Fixes:
 * :doc:`/plugins/discogs`: Authenticate with the Discogs server. The plugin
   now requires a Discogs account due to new API restrictions. Thanks to
   :user:`multikatt`. :bug:`1027`, :bug:`1040`
+* :doc:`/plugins/play`: Fix a potential crash when the command outputs special
+  characters. :bug:`1041`
 
 
 1.3.8 (September 17, 2014)