Today’s Blimp Time-Hop

32 years ago today, Van Halen 5150 went No.1 the US and stayed on top for 3 weeks. This was the first album with Sammy Hagar. It was also the first VH release to reach the top of the charts.

The announcement of the dawning of Van Halen Mach II, 5150 opens with Sammy’s big voice saying, “Helloooo Baaybeeee!” This starts the loud and raucous Good Enough followed by the first “Van Hagar” hit, Why Can’t This Be Love.

Not only did Sammy Hagar bring a whole new vocal dimension to compliment Eddie’s guitar wizardry, he was no slouch on guitar himself. The other big difference between this and the Diamond Dave Era, was the introduction of ballads to the catalog with Love Walks In and anthems with Dreams.

And since we Mainahs love Summah more than anyone else, this song has always been a wicked big one in Blimpville!

The made it to Maine with Sammy for the first time in the Summer of '86 for a sold-out two-night stand! Were you there? (If you're wondering, the setlist was exactly the same on the following night.)

Go backstage with Sammy, Eddie, Alex, and Michael on tour in ’86 during an interview with MTV . Happy times. We miss these days.