Van Halen Announces ‘5150’ 40th Anniversary Expanded Edition
Van Halen is officially marking the 40th anniversary of their landmark album 5150 with a massive expanded reissue. Scheduled for release on March 27, 2026—just days after the album’s actual anniversary—this new collection celebrates the beginning of the "Van Hagar" era in high-definition glory.
The reissue will be available in several formats, including a 2-LP set (on black or limited-edition green vinyl), a 2-CD edition, and a deluxe 3-CD/1-LP/Blu-ray box set.
The Full Sonic Explosion
For the first time, fans will receive a comprehensive look at the 1986 sessions and the legendary tour that followed. The expanded editions include:
Remastered Original Album: The core 5150 tracks—including "Dreams," "Why Can’t This Be Love," and "Best of Both Worlds"—have been newly remastered. This version was overseen by the band’s longtime engineer, Donn Landee.
Rarities & B-Sides: A full disc (or LP) dedicated to rare 7-inch and 12-inch single edits, as well as extended versions of the album’s biggest hits.
Live in New Haven (1986): A previously unreleased live performance recorded on August 27, 1986, at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This audio set captures the band at the height of their first tour with Sammy Hagar, featuring live versions of "Summer Nights," "5150," and even Hagar solo staples like "I Can't Drive 55."
Blu-ray HD Upgrade: Perhaps the most anticipated piece for collectors is the first-ever HD release of the classic concert film Live Without a Net. The Blu-ray also includes the original promotional music videos for "Dreams" and "Why Can’t This Be Love."
A Deluxe Collector’s Experience
True to the format of recent reissues like For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and Balance, the 5150 box set comes with a high-quality booklet. It is packed with rare band photography from the era, replicas of backstage passes, promotional advertisements, and tour ephemera that tell the story of one of rock’s most successful "re-inventions."
Track Listing (Deluxe Edition)
CD 1: Original Album (Remastered)
Good Enough
Why Can’t This Be Love
Get Up
Dreams
Summer Nights
Best of Both Worlds
Love Walks In
5150
Inside
CD 2: Rarities & B-Sides
Includes various single edits, extended versions, and early live B-sides like "Rock and Roll" (Led Zeppelin cover).
CD 3: Live in New Haven, CT (8/27/86)
Features the full live set including "There’s Only One Way to Rock," "Panama," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," and more.
Blu-ray
Live Without a Net (Upgraded to HD)
"Dreams" (Promo Video)
"Why Can’t This Be Love" (Promo Video)
Pre-orders are now live through the Rhino Store and the Van Halen Store. For fans who want a taste of the new set, the live version of "Summer Nights" from New Haven is available now on all digital streaming platforms.