Van Halen Celebrates 40th Anniversary of '5150' Album

Expanded edition of the 1986 album featuring Sammy Hagar to be released in March 2026.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Van Halen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their 1986 album '5150', which was the band's first with new frontman Sammy Hagar. On March 27, 2026, the band will release an expanded three-CD/LP/Blu-ray set featuring a remastered version of the original album, bonus tracks, and a live concert recording from 1986.

Why it matters

The release of the expanded '5150' album marks a significant milestone for Van Halen, as it was the first album the band recorded with Sammy Hagar after the departure of original frontman David Lee Roth. The album went on to become the band's first #1 album and contained several hit singles.

The details

The expanded '5150' set will include a remastered version of the original 1986 album, as well as bonus 7-inch single edits, extended 12-inch tracks, and a CD featuring unreleased live recordings from Van Halen's August 27, 1986 concert in New Haven, Connecticut. The Blu-ray will feature the band's 1986 concert video 'Live Without A Net' upgraded to HD, along with promotional videos for the singles 'Dreams' and 'Why Can't This Be Love'.

  • The original '5150' album was released on March 24, 1986.
  • The expanded edition of '5150' will be released on March 27, 2026, just three days after the album's 40th anniversary.

The players

Van Halen

An American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California in 1972.

Sammy Hagar

The lead vocalist who joined Van Halen in 1985, replacing original frontman David Lee Roth.

Eddie Van Halen

The guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen, who named the band's home studio '5150' after the California law that allows for the involuntary psychiatric hold of a mentally disturbed person.

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What’s next

Van Halen will also reissue '5150' in two-LP and three-CD formats, which include the remastered album, along with single edits and live recordings. The expanded edition of '5150' is available for preorder now.

The takeaway

The release of the expanded '5150' album celebrates a significant milestone in Van Halen's history, marking the band's transition to a new era with Sammy Hagar as the frontman. The inclusion of bonus tracks and live recordings provides fans with a more comprehensive look at this pivotal moment in the band's career.