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Van Halen Celebrates 40 Years of '5150' Album
Band to release expanded anniversary edition of their first album with Sammy Hagar
Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:45pm
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On March 24, 1986, Van Halen released their seventh studio album '5150', which was their first record with new lead singer Sammy Hagar following the departure of original frontman David Lee Roth. The album went on to become the band's first #1 album and contained three pop hits. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Van Halen will release a special expanded edition of '5150' on Friday, featuring a remastered version of the album as well as bonus tracks and a Blu-ray concert video.
Why it matters
The release of '5150' marked a significant transition for Van Halen, as it was their first album with Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist. The album's success helped establish Hagar as an integral part of the band's lineup and sound, and it remains one of Van Halen's most popular and commercially successful releases.
The details
5150 is named after guitarist Eddie Van Halen's home studio and is also a reference to the California law that allows a mentally disturbed person to be placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold. The album contained three pop hits: 'Dreams,' 'Why Can't This Be Love' and 'Love Walks In.' 5150 went on to be certified six-times Platinum by the RIAA.
- Van Halen released '5150' on March 24, 1986.
- Van Halen will release a special 40th anniversary expanded edition of '5150' on Friday.
The players
Van Halen
An American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California in 1972.
Sammy Hagar
The lead singer of Van Halen from 1985 to 1996.
David Lee Roth
The original lead singer of Van Halen, who departed the band prior to the release of '5150'.
Eddie Van Halen
The guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen.
What’s next
Van Halen will release a special 40th anniversary expanded edition of '5150' on Friday, featuring a remastered version of the album as well as bonus 7-inch single edits, extended 12-inch tracks, and a Blu-ray with the band's 1986 concert video 'Live Without a Net' upgraded to HD.
The takeaway
The release of '5150' marked a significant transition for Van Halen, as it was their first album with Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist. The album's success helped establish Hagar as an integral part of the band's lineup and sound, and it remains one of Van Halen's most popular and commercially successful releases, cementing their status as one of the greatest hard rock bands of the 1980s.
