Van Halen Celebrates 40th Anniversary of '5150' with Expanded Reissue

The remastered album will be released alongside bonus live recordings and music videos.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Van Halen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their 1986 album '5150' with an expanded reissue set to be released on March 27, 2026. The set will include a remastered version of the original album, as well as bonus 7-inch single edits, extended 12-inch tracks, and unreleased live recordings from a 1986 concert in New Haven, Connecticut. The Blu-ray portion will feature the band's 1986 concert video 'Live Without A Net' upgraded to HD.

Why it matters

The release of this expanded '5150' edition marks a significant milestone for Van Halen, as the album represented a major transition for the band with the departure of original frontman David Lee Roth and the arrival of Sammy Hagar. The album went on to become the band's first #1 record and contained several hit singles, solidifying Hagar's place as the new voice of Van Halen.

The details

The expanded '5150' set will be released as a three-CD/LP/Blu-ray package. In addition to the remastered album, it will include bonus 7-inch single edits, extended 12-inch tracks, and 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, as well as promotional videos for the singles 'Dreams' and 'Why Can't This Be Love'.

  • The album '5150' was originally released on March 24, 1986.
  • The expanded 40th anniversary edition of '5150' will be released on March 27, 2026.

The players

Van Halen

An American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, known for their virtuosic musicianship and iconic frontmen David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.

Sammy Hagar

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

Eddie Van Halen

The lead guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen, known for his innovative and technically-proficient playing style.

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What’s next

The expanded '5150' reissue is available for pre-order now and will be released on March 27, 2026, just three days after the album's actual 40th anniversary.

The takeaway

The release of this expanded '5150' edition highlights the enduring legacy of Van Halen and the significance of Sammy Hagar's tenure as the band's frontman. Fans of the group will have the opportunity to revisit this classic album with bonus live recordings and upgraded visuals, further cementing its place in rock history.