Van Halen became "Van Hagar" 35 years ago

"5150, Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar as lead singer, came out 35 years ago Wednesday.

After a successful run over six albums, David Lee Roth left his gig as lead singer of Van Halen in 1985. In his place stepped Sammy Hagar, former front man of Montrose and at that point in time a successful solo artist (“I Can’t Drive 55”, “There’s Only One Way To Rock”, etc.).

Fans like to differentiate the Van Halen eras by defining the Hagar era, somewhat dismissively for those that love Roth, as “Van Hagar.” The first album with Hagar on lead vocals, 5150, was released on Mar. 24, 1986-35 years ago Wednesday. It has gone on to sell 6 million copies in the U.S., but it was a real contrast to the more casual, free-wheel style led by Roth. I’m reminded of a scene from the movie "Airheads".

Here’s the track listing for 5150:

1-"Good Enough"
2-"Why Can’t This Be Love"
3-"Get Up"
4-"Dreams"
5-"Summer Nights"
6-"Best of Both Worlds"
7-"Love Walks In"
8-"5150"
9-"Inside"

So, are you a fan of the “Van Hagar” era of Van Halen? Do you have a favorite track from 5150 or any of the other Hagar-era albums? Leave me a comment to let me know.

The 30th anniversary of Van Halen’s For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is coming up on June 18, and I will have a post to celebrate that. Hit the subscribe button below to make sure you don’t miss it, or anything else I post about here at Rock Pedia.