Van Halen Celebrates 40 Years of '5150' With Unreleased Live Recordings

The remastered album features over 90 minutes of previously unheard live performances from the band's 1986 tour.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Van Halen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their 1986 album '5150' with a remastered version that includes previously unreleased live recordings from the band's August 1986 concert in New Haven, Connecticut. The album marked a new era for the group with Sammy Hagar on vocals, delivering radio-friendly hits like 'Love Walks In,' 'Dreams,' and 'Why Can't This Be Love.' The expanded edition also features a remastered version of the original album and a new high-definition Blu-ray of the band's 1986 concert film 'Live Without a Net'.

Why it matters

Van Halen's '5150' was a pivotal moment in the band's history, ushering in the 'Van Hagar' era and showcasing their ability to adapt their sound for more mainstream success. The album's 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to revisit this classic record and uncover previously unheard live performances that will delight longtime fans.

The details

Released in 1986, '5150' was Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar on vocals, following the departure of legendary frontman David Lee Roth. The album featured a more polished, radio-friendly sound compared to the band's earlier work, with hits like 'Love Walks In,' 'Dreams,' and 'Why Can't This Be Love.' The remastered 40th anniversary edition includes over 90 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings from the band's August 27, 1986, show in New Haven, Connecticut, as well as a new high-definition Blu-ray version of their 1986 concert film 'Live Without a Net'.

  • Van Halen's '5150' was released on March 24, 1986.
  • The 40th anniversary remastered 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 guitar work and energetic live performances.

Sammy Hagar

An American singer-songwriter who joined Van Halen in 1985, replacing original frontman David Lee Roth and contributing to the band's more mainstream sound on '5150'.

Eddie Van Halen

The legendary guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen, known for his innovative guitar techniques and iconic solos, who sadly passed away in 2020 after a battle with throat cancer.

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What’s next

The expanded 40th anniversary edition of Van Halen's '5150' album will be released on March 27, 2026, providing fans with a remastered version of the original album and over 90 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings from the band's 1986 tour.

The takeaway

The 40th anniversary of Van Halen's '5150' album is a celebration of the band's ability to adapt and evolve their sound, while still delivering the high-energy rock that made them icons. The inclusion of rare live recordings will give fans a deeper appreciation for the 'Van Hagar' era and the band's continued musical legacy.