Sammy Hagar on Writing This VAN HALEN 80s Hidden Gem with Eddie Van Halen | Professor of Rock

In 1986 Van Halen released their first album with new lead singer Sammy Hagar. 5150 became the band’s first number one album in the US and included three top 25 hits. It also contained a mind blowing rocker, Best of Both Worlds was a perfect pairing of Eddie’s guitar and Sammy’s voice that should’ve been a massive hit. Next up the story of this Van Halen classic with commentary by Sammy Hagar.
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#VanHalen #80's #5150
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1986 was another golden year in the wondrous decade of the eighties. IT was the year of big singles like Say You Say Me from Lionel Richie, Kyrie by Mr. Mister and Glory of Love by Peter Cetera as well as English artists who conquered the US charts like Pet Shop Boys with West End Girls, Alive, Simply Red with Holding back the years and The Human League with Human.
There were the big life changing albums like Paul Simon’s Graceland, Peter Gabriel’s So, The Smiths the Queen is Dead, Black Celebration by Depeche Mode and of course the pop explosion of Janet Jackson Control, Madonna True Blue and Whitney Houston’s debut continued to climb. the Top Gun soundtrack heated up in the summer. and Van Halen followed up their massively successful album `1984 with a new record. With the album 1984, Van Halen just missed the Number one spot because of Michael Jackson Thriller’s dominance into the year 1984.
Lead David Lee Roth left to pursue a solo career and Van Halen started looking for a new singer. We’ve covered that in depth in previous videos as Eddie considered a few different paths to go forward but in the end it was rightfully the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar who became the new voice. The first time Sammy went down to meet with the band, He had cut off all of his hair as he had just come off his solo VOA tour. Alex Van Halen took one look at this and said and I quote: You look like somebody put a donut on your head and cut it off.” End of quote .,
As sammy would relate in his book, Red. The first time he saw alex after that comment, Alex was drunk as a skunk, he was just pounding a whole case of malt liquor. He would pass out a couple of times a day, wake up and then shot gun two of three beers, Eddie would too along with lighting up cigs. It was the rock and roll life. Eddie lived in a pretty modest house and had just converted the garage into the studio that he would deem 5150 after the police code for picking up a crazy person. According to Sammy they were recording through a homemade board that could have come out of a crackerjack box that was built by engineer don landed. Landee of course could make the board sound brilliant. Sammy would say that the studio smelt like a bar.

[@GLHS592]

Van Halen was two of the greatest rock bands ever.

[@wardsmith2542]

Lol, I see what you did there

[@chrishard9801]

Ive always said that.

[@lostintime8651]

@@wardsmith2542 I was about to reply the same thing. lol

[@GLHS592]

@@chrishard9801 I have (almost) always said it. VH is my all time favorite band and I will always like the DLR version better. However, the Sammy version is in my top 5 favorite bands. I liked "Van Hagar" a lot when they put out those 4 albums, but fell out of love with them for about 10-15 years. I felt that they just couldn't match the Roth era musically. I got to listening to them a few years back and realized Eddie is just as good with Sammy as he was with Roth. It's a different band with each singer. Both are exceptional

[@BeauregardHall]

That’s maybe the greatest description. Very few people love both. I’m one of them.

[@questioneverything1933]

That album, especially “Summer Nights”, STILL reminds me of a great summer when I was 15.

[@yamahaxs6501]

My vote was "summer nights", too. cruising around town in the camaro with this album blaring. 17 years old and loving every second!

[@colinstanhouse6663]

There was nothing like being a teen in the 80s. I would relive 1975-1989 forever if I could....lmao

[@ronhoopermusic3028]

Loved “Summer Nights”

[@maryh3470]

I was 15 also & exactly.

[@ingroundpool]

Summer nights is great, my favourite off the album, even though this was before I was born, I’m almost 26 and love VH! Can thank my dad.

[@richm7939]

The album came out when my first wife and I got together. I'm a mega Van Halen fan regardless of who is fronting the band. My first wife passed away from ovarian cancer. "Love Walks In" was her favorite song from 5150 and makes me cry every time I hear it. Now with the passing of Master Eddie. Every song is more powerful to me. Thanks for all the fantastic music and memories Eddie, you are truly missed.

[@petewarrell3734]

Man keep the Fath my frend The pain History would have been made If I Dave and Sam could have Got together And had a big show 4 hours with them 2 Doing 4 songs at a time Sharing the stage Back and forth Fuckn think of that And think of massage that Could be spread. 2 3 big shows If it would last that long👍 ✌️🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦👋🍻🙏

[@adamfindlay7091]

Eddie clearly a decent man who cared not only for music but his fans and those around who needed it.

[@jamesheskey4797]

❤

[@Wesmancan]

Your on your 4 th wife now ?

[@petewarrell3734]

@@Wesmancan hay?

[@popcandan3519]

I was 16 years old when 5150 was released. I will never forget the first time I heard the album. Started out with HELLLLLO BAAAAABY!!!! Damn it was the soundtrack of my teen years. It is true, "Dreams" made me feel like I could accomplish anything in this world. The entire album was mint. Even all the banter on "Inside", listen to it closely with headphones.

[@bentleydonovan4608]

I was 16 when van Halen one came out.hard rock, Sammy was ok but Roth VH ROCKED

[@Rob-bo7yn]

When the actual record was released I was still 15 but within a few weeks I was 16. The summer of '86 was really the first summer I had a lot of unsupervised time (by that I'm saying my mom and grandmother went to Vermont for the summer, I stayed in Florida and worked a part-time grocery store job, and it was just my dad at home at nights). This album and several other of the ones out in late '85 were soundtracks for my life at that time. It was a great time of life to be sure.

[@MIDI3301]

Same here man, now I want to dig out the album again! I bought the songbook and learned Dreams and Love Walks In on keyboard. Great time, great memories, great music!

[@batlevi2247]

@@MIDI33015150 is up there with 1984!

[@notsofastahole]

@@bentleydonovan4608 I imagine had i been more into music 5 years earlier i would have a preference for DLR. I still appreciate the Roth era, but I prefer Sammy.

[@rkowalik2]

The title track, “5150,” has always been my favorite.

[@claycountykillers]

and one of funnest riffs to play in the world.

[@REDBlooded904]

Thank you for saying this. I completely agree!!!!

[@johnp1966]

the entire 5150 album is a masterpiece

[@ido11hfa]

Couldn’t agree with you more

[@thejamesbondshowwithkrazyk4581]

Totally agree

[@thejamesbondshowwithkrazyk4581]

@@s1iznc1d34 nahhhhh

[@jennyandrichiezbras]

@@s1iznc1d34 he had a better singing voice than David

[@phillipg1331]

Without question

[@SkippyTarbuckle]

Don't know why, but Best of Both Worlds has always given me goosebumps when I hear it. Even today. One of their best songs.

[@notsofastahole]

i get that from the entire 5150 album.....i miss those days.

[@cowboyupdrummer]

I was already a huge Hagar fan by the time Sammy joined Van Halen, so needless to say he is my favorite VH vocalist. This whole album is incredible! ❤️🤘

[@steveh7108]

I don't think Sammy Hagar ever did a bad album from this day all the way back to Montrose.

[@brianborst6432]

Hell yes, Best of Both Worlds was absolutely the best song on that album. I adored DLR, but the music was much more accessible and rocked harder with Sammy. RIP Eddie. If you only knew how much you are missed.

[@devanshopinski392]

One of my very first concerts was Sammy Hagar and Night Ranger in 1983. So I was a Hagar fan before he joined VH. At first, I was not keen on it. And only bought 5150 because Sammy had joined the band. Even then, I was very lukewarm on the whole thing. But. I came around slowly, especially on Why Can't This Be Love.

[@juanparty]

I Dont like the gay Sammy Hagar balads, with DLR Van Halen did not write any balad

[@patrickdougan4066]

I still can't stop listening to the song 5150. To that was their best song from that album.

[@mbj4ksu856]

Yes sir!

[@billlonee9470]

Absolutely. That solo is hands-down, one of his best, if not his best.

[@nicolamontoro]

Definitely the ballsiest song on the album! Just Sooo tough!!!

[@matthewmp111]

The live version from "Live Without A Net" is just incredible! Ed was just on fire.

[@joe429t]

The note Sammy hits near the end of the song really shows his incredible vocal ability

[@mickeya.4940]

1986- I was a Freshman in High School, and the week 5150 came out, me and my friend Tommy skipped school, and drove to the beach listening to the cassette. Of course I got caught, and had to do detention, but this album always makes me think of driving to the beach and listening to this for the very 1st time!

[@thehouseofcm]

80' were so great for young people.

[@noahwiberg9145]

Reading this kind of stuff makes me wish I was born in the sixties so I could be a teen in the 80s instead of the 21st century

[@alexanderlyon]

The “best of both worlds” is a fantastic song! It’s a fan favorite. How high a song reaches on the charts doesn’t tell the whole story about a song’s impact, especially when you factor in the live shows.

[@scottmiller260]

Van Halen has been my summer soundtrack since they released 1984. What a time to be alive!

[@JeffreyWalker-fs8no]

Oh yeah!!!

[@christrotter3052]

5150. Summer anthem cruising in friend's restored Bel Air... The world was ours

[@angusorvid8840]

1984 was such a great year. Great album too. I loved 5150 as well. The world was simpler then. People knew how to chill out and not be uptight all the time.

[@bamazeen]

Summer Nights and my radio!!

[@Kashed]

It doesn’t matter when you hear the 5150 album, it is instantly summer, sunshine, parties, and memories! No other album instantly makes you feel that. It is monumental! 🤟🏻🎸

[@gui-texzan7477]

💯

[@danmccaffrey2157]

Absolutely.

[@jamietulip639]

5150 live on Live Without a Net has to be one of the greatest rock n roll performances of all time in my opinion. Eddie’s playing is so good, particularly his genius rhythm playing and the chemistry between the band is at its absolute height.

[@travishikeslakemi]

Back in the day, when I found a way to do so, I recorded “5150” live for myself and listened to it over and over again. Love that track from the LWAN set!!

[@matthewmp111]

You've got great taste my friend! I have watched that video so many times and it never gets old.

[@dotkennedy1615]

I have that video! I watch it a LOT.

[@grilledspaghetti]

On that video a thing that amazed me is where Sammy takes a banner, hangs it over Eddie, Eddie moves his head so it falls down and you see his foot come up, the camera cuts to Sammy and you see the banner coming from Eddie's direction and almost gets Sammy, he had to duck. Eddie undraped that banner, kicked it on target, while not missing one single beat of playing.

[@davidphillips9173]

Bocephus mode!

[@mrspaulb3889]

Even after all these years, I’m still completely obsessed with 5150 and listen to it all the time. I’m 55 now, and I love it.

[@boomer7485]

Same here brother

[@alananzalone5867]

Me too!

[@williamfreeman6935]

👍

[@DanielJStone]

“Best of Both Worlds” was a song I listened to often and remember listening to this with friends as I drove to school in the 10th or 11th grade. At that time, it was overlooked being between “Summer Nights” and “Love Walks In”. In 2007, I returned to my hometown to live after being away for 15 years. I had my regrets and eventually moved away but one Sunday afternoon, I was out running errands and “Best of Both Worlds” came on the radio. One of the lines from the song hit me in a way that I never thought of before. “Tune in to what this place has to offer because we may never be here again.” That line rang in my head for the next two years and eventually I moved away to where I live now. That line reinforced the importance of being present and living in the moment with childhood friends and family. It pushes me to drive 500 miles and take five days off to see to it that my daughter gets the chance to spend time with her Nana, aunt, and cousin so that we can have the best of both worlds.

[@LucasPenido]

5150 is so underrated! It’s 100% a Masterpiece!

[@thedoctor8]

Their best album

[@davidrice3337]

I was 16 yrs old - loved Sammy - had just saw him at the Louisville Gardens - 3 lock box - he was awesome - I was pissed because of "Jump" I hated it - Diver Down - sucked also ( in my opinion ) - anyhow when Sammy joined I could not wait ! Well it was almost the same reaction I'd had when ZZ top who I loved came out with Exterminator or whatever the hell it was called - I fucking slung the album itself Into the woods and shot up the album cover with my lever action rifle - I was fucking pissed - I hated all the Sammy Halen shit - Recently I happened by a VH CD - the first one - hadn't listened to it in 25 yrs - it's a fucking masterpiece - it just is - nothing comes close to Eruption - it just doesn't

[@deebop4904]

Only to cunts

[@fairwarning007]

Underrated? The song or the album? The album went number 1. lol

[@LucasPenido]

@@fairwarning007 in contrast with 1984 it is.

[@billylindsey3678]

From the moment I heard Sammy's opening "hellooo baaaaaaaby...." into "Good Enough", I was instantly hooked. I'm a big fan of the 1984 record, and 5150 is the PERFECT follow up to it. Sammy, Ed and the boys took things to a whole new level and to say it was a fun ride is a total understatement. #RIPEddie

[@russyenger7883]

The “hello baaaaaby” is my ringtone!

[@MusicMan1965]

Billy / Russ… that hello baby, told me the guys were back. I still know exactly where I was. I’m a Sammy buy and was happy when Sammy joined. But to hear Good Enough, after a not so good 1984…sorry (yes, Hot for Teacher is awesome), this was a total breathe of fresh air.

[@johnnypatterson77]

I know it sounds silly but during the Balance tour I was 17 when I first saw VH and when they played Right Now I was overwhelmed and brought to tears, it was the experience of that song live it moved me, and I didn't have any Crystal Pepsi before hand either. Just thinking about that night gives me cold chills.

[@jaysreview1]

I love the DRL era as well, but for me being how I was already a Sammy Hagar fan and I love his solo stuff ; what he did with Van Halen on this album was magic. it’s 10 out of 10 and we definitely miss Eddie Van Halen.

[@strkeout]

5150 is such a complete kickass and underrated album and Summer Nights & Best of Both Worlds are at the top of songs from that album that should have gotten more notoriety. Sammy is introduced as VH's new frontman with authority with "Helloooooo...Baaaaaaaaby!!!!!" and it just goes balls out from there. One of my favs for sure!

[@jamesdavison2927]

HELLLLLLL YES could not have said it better

[@section8usmc53]

I don't think it's underrated.

[@Gutterman5150]

The title track, 5150, has always been my favorite on that spectacular album. The way the tempo just builds and builds until the guitar solo when it just explodes, thanks in large part to Alex's double bass and Michael Anthony just pushing the groove with Eddie's spectacular guitar soaring to new heights. Incredible.

[@tomgorycki7176]

I was hoping this video was about the title track. Great song!

[@rssadlier]

@@tomgorycki7176 Likewise. That track is phenomenal.

[@Soupcan35]

@@tomgorycki7176 Same! Still play it all of the time.

[@Darren-ch6xd]

Check out 5150 live japan 1989. Fucking killer !!!!!!!

[@danielosterman9676]

The performance of that song in their concert video was terrific.

[@keithsgarage5831]

I rushed out and bought 5150 on cassette, the day it was released. I remember the excitement of seeing it for the first time. The art work. What would VH sound like with Sammy singing? I popped it in the car stereo. The very first song I was blown away. “Good Enough”. What an absolute killer guitar sound. The excitement and other feelings I got that moment, from that first VH/Sammy album is unforgettable. Killer, awesome music during an amazing time in my life.

[@JeffreyWalker-fs8no]

Exactly

[@rickhicks302]

I was 23 and had no idea how good VH with Sammy was gonna be. I knew his stuff since Montrose and was running around the IE, just a dozen years behind him. When I cut the shrink wrap off 5150 and put it on the stereo I wasn't fully prepared for the mind blowing I was about to receive. 🎉❤🎉 What a song, what an album. Van Hagar was the band we didn't know we ~needed~. 5150 and OU812 were damn near perfect. Thanks Adam👍 And thank you Sammy!

[@suzanneforgione1018]

I could listen to 5150 all day long. This album is amazing!!

[@gui-texzan7477]

I listen to 5150 weekly. My favorite VH album.

[@rockero1313]

I did when I bought it 🤘🤘

[@joe800096]

I often did that. It was always on in my car.

[@randomcrandom]

Michael's backing vocals are the real MVP on this track. That chorus just pops the first time you hear it. You never forget that chorus after you've heard it.

[@1kelbrat1]

I was hoping someone would say that. Michael Anthony doesn't get his due.

[@sidneyevans9863]

Rarely, in our entire lives, will we have an artist(s) touch us in a way that completely opens our minds to the possibilities of music. Van Halen, regardless of the lead, was that band. One version rocking harder than the other is not the testament to this band. It was their ability to redesign themselves as music styles were changing around them, .ie pop synths. The ability to conform but still rock hard was why Van Halen was, and still is, so relievent and beloved! My God Eddie, you were absolute perfection!

[@squewezance]

The Best of Both Worlds gets played daily in my world.. Such an awesome song all around but Eddie's opening riff to Sammy's vocals.. To me, it's perfect. Thank you so much for this.....

[@BigPickle5150]

Something about “Summer Nights” always did and still makes my day. Especially in the car, windows down, sunshine and about 82 degrees, beach to the right as I drive with it cranked.

[@giannimotta5823]

My favourite on this album is Summer Nights. Just a prime example how Eddie‘s amazing musicality can make a simple and straightforward guitar riff sound absolutely brilliant and exciting. I could listen to this riff all day. It was also the first song Sammy and the guys did together and it pretty much defined the positive atmosphere & energy of the album.

[@deweyoxburger5470]

"Mean Street" is, by far, my favorite VH song of all time. A complete banger. To me, rock started taking a dive after synthesizers were added. Sure there were great songs that feature them, but between the synth and the "tinny" sound that rock moved towards, we lost something.

[@glennabaker3922]

That was mainly influenced by Eddie getting more into keyboards, not because Sammy joined the band.

[@JoshHaley]

This has always been and always will be the soundtrack of my best summer growing up. So good. And the track 5150 doesn't get enough credit. It's the strongest track imo.

[@truckinforjesus]

Yeah man! 86' was one of my best summers too.

[@gib59er56]

Yes it is. 5150 is a rhythm and lead MONSTER !

[@islandfocus2]

Man, if only I have a time machine to relive the 1980’s.

[@steveludwig4200]

The 70s were FAR cooler.....

[@Commtech72]

@@steveludwig4200Not really. Even 70s people know it. 😉

[@jayonez137]

I was 16 yrs old in 1986 And I remember buying this album the day it came out in stores. My sister was 5 years older than me and she turned me on to Diver Down when I was younger. Rush,and VH always kicked ass! Rock on in piece Eddie! My generation will never forget you

[@philosophers-riddle]

Though the songs remain to comfort us of Eddie Van Halen, it is highly doubtful that the world will see or hear such total and absolute mastery, and such magnificent art ever again! Your music will keep us longing hopelessly forever for that song, for that beauty, the tapestry of sound that you weave out of thin air! We miss you Eddie!

[@radarluv67]

I am so glad u do this Professor of Rock. Love listening to these stories and the interviews you score! TY!

[@chadrogersmusic5729]

I’m a 30 year musician and Ed will always be the reason I picked up a guitar. RIP brother.

[@dr.erikzimmermann3086]

Sammy fucking rules. He still rocks with The Circle and he's in his early 70's and still sounds amazing. Nice guy too

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I was a big Sammy fan at this time! I saw him a couple of times before this as a solo act, and he blew it off the roof EVERYTIME! The very definition of the perfect rock entertainer! Van Halen really couldn’t have picked a better singer! Plus they played Sammy’s I Can’t Drive 55! That was cool! Plus Sammy was a good guitar player too! We got to see Van Halen as an awesome 2 guitar assault!

[@theresatoth3831]

So he thought he could re name the band and bad mouth everyone and laugh

[@philomelodia]

I like the band he formed with Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and the drummer from Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s. It’s called chicken foot. It’s absolutely bad ass. He’s still got it.

[@dmccalldds]

The pre-chorus is why I absolutely love this song. “Something reached out and touched me”. That Fsus2 chord just presses the deepest buttons in my soul.

[@A-Milkdromeda-Laniakea-Hominid]

5150 was the album that I got to meet EDDIE and Sammy and the band in a meet n greet before the show. It was also the only concert I had to wear a mask because I had leukemia at the time and chemo had temporarily erased my immune system. But nothing was holding me back from meeting my hero, and the man didn't know I was ill yet he was like the nicest guy you met in a bar, down to earth, smiling, holding me arm in arm like that photo of him and Sammy. It was a slice of heaven in the middle of hell for me. It was 5150.

[@jtmichaelson]

When I saw the title of the video, I instantly knew it was going to be "Best Of Both Worlds". We played the living shit out of that one. I think we played it more than "Dreams" and "Love Walks In" combined. And at the Classic Rock stations I've worked at since 2000 "Best Of Both Worlds" gets played quite a bit. Good call, Adam. Cheers!

[@TiredWings]

Worked at a 3000 watt FM/AM when it came out. Trust me, the cornfields of West Ky heard it alot:)

[@jimmymitchell9208]

I knew it too my favorite on the album

[@gnr311182pj]

Yes indeed👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimmyboy131]

The "Live without a net" version is the best version.

[@Olsen-vp5vg]

Me too! Definitely my favorite Van Hagar song. Live Without a Net was a great convert video!

[@tmtex]

I am 52 yrs old. When this came out I was in my prime at HS. Still today in 2021, I listen to it hardcore. Live without a net plays whenever I will be at home for a while. I wish I could really sing Dreams as I love that song.

[@Darkpixies]

Thanks for the great review and interview with Sammy, loved it. This album is still my all time favorite, so many great hits that have smashed the sands of time.

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Everyone had this album... Dreams became a personal anthem...my best friend and I rocked out to this the summer of 1989...best summer of my life!

[@joshbieker7388]

We used hot summer nights as the theme song for our student film senior year. That album was such a big part of our lives back then

[@jaytrace1006]

“Best Of Both Worlds” is among the top Van Halen tubes ever. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING like cruising down the boulevard, T-tops off, Alpine stereo pumpin’ & thumpin’ this tune loud! Love it...

[@rondempesmeier1845]

Alpine car speakers jamming VH brings back a lot of great memories!

[@paulya1269]

You are so right...I had an Alpine in my 1986 Corolla. The good old days!

[@harolddavis4138]

The music of my early 20's.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉nothing but good memories when i hear the best of both worlds. Thanks Ed and Sammy

[@TD-3269]

This album takes me back to my junior and senior years of high school. Dreams was our class song.

[@GaryWrightABQChief]

5150 is probably my favorite song of that whole album. And that's saying a lot because I freakin love Why Can't This Be Love?...

[@wallbreakers5062]

I love the way the guitar rings out and has that feedback because he wanted it to do exactly that, not many guitarists who are influenced by him take his nuances with them, you have to really use your ears and he had the best ears.

[@jordenperkins8735]

My favorite song off the album is the self title track, 5150. Just something about that song, I love it!

[@daleholbert3111]

Me too can't get enough of it

[@iess2006]

Agreed....the extended live version is even better IMO.

[@patrickcolburn7089]

This video was gold my brother!! Loving your videos. Cheers man!

[@richardjoseph8532]

Prof. your enthusiasm is utterly infectious! A subtlety I absolutely love in your videos is your choice of LPs on the shelf behind you... Love it!

[@jroberts2nd]

"Best of Both Worlds" hit #12 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, which by then was largely how rock bands viewed chart success, so it wasn't like it was a dud, it just wasn't a hit on the Top 100 on Billboard. That damn song was everywhere back then. "Summer Nights" was the song everyone slept on back then.

[@dafunk39]

Summer nights is one of my favorites.

[@danielgouge4639]

I agree "Summer Nights" was my favorite song on the album and I didn't see why it wasn't pushed out there

[@MrManfly]

Best Of Both Worlds is my 2nd favorite song from that album, after Why Can't This Be Love !

[@joejohnson273]

While BOBW is awesome, the song "5150" buried deep on this album is MAYBE the best Hagar era song. THAT'S the real hidden gem.

[@octaviocordoliani9081]

Agreed "Always one more!"

[@paulcamilleri3299]

Agree 100%

[@robmacmillan7655]

Correct

[@terrybanfield8981]

So true love the vocals on that one..yeah, yeah ,yeah....

[@j_freed]

It seems like a few good riffs and some changes with a throwaway vocal. Sammy's lyrics were pretty banal. But I dig this album because it was still a ROCK album from this band. It was like having Pepsi this time, instead of Coke. Pepsi is still great. Do you guys remember how people hated New Coke?

[@johnwilson2414]

I had already been a Hagar fan since 1980. I had most of his recordings to that point. I had also been a VH fan since their debut album but hadn't had the opportunity to see them live other than on the midnight special. To say I was pumped was an understatement. That album, that tour, that live video are all epic. I saw them 3 nights in a row at Detroit's Joe Louis arena on that tour. I've seen a lot of shows in my lifetime, and that show was just so epic. I have never seen a show with that kind of energy, with that kind of sound quality, on such a wide open stage, and then Sammy got on top of the lights. I still listen to the album that from start to finish is great. My favorite song is on the inside.

[@dannyguillory8941]

Bought the cassette as soon as I heard "Why Can't This Be Love" and still listen to it on CD in my car today! I'm 62 and keep the music cranked. Always get the comment, "You rocking out Mr. D" and I just say: Always. And leave it at that. Can't imagine a world without great music. But, are we in the era of "The generation when music died?" I hope not.

[@AkikoMakiOfficial]

I absolutely loved “Get up” on this album. The rockin energy of the 5150 album was absolutely electrifying. Eddie Van Halen may be gone but, the memories, will always keep him alive in our hearts. ❤️

[@tangoandcars9588]

I get tears every time I hear Dreams. Sammy’s voice is so powerful especially in the chorus. Never give up on your dreams! ✨

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a POWERFUL song. Thanks for commenting.

[@edalder2000]

I am an Annapolis native. I grew up 5 miles from The US Naval Academy. So, "Dreams" with the Blue Angels footage will always be a favorite.

[@iddddaduncan]

Me too, for some reason I get goose bumps every time I hear that song.

[@mindeloman]

"Cause we belong . In a world that must be strong. Oh, that's what dreams are made of.....And in the end on dreams we will depend 'Cause that's what love is made of."

[@davearonow65]

Dreams is the ultimate masterpiece from a band full of masterpieces.

[@hawkeye40313]

Love this channel. I like seeing the albums in the background. Great content too.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome, thank you!

[@markchronister4620]

That really is an incredible live video! They are having a ball! I’ve always loved it!

[@ccrawmer4]

I remember buying 5150 on cassette in the summer of ‘86 and feeling somewhat guilty, thinking that I was betraying DLR’s Van Halen. After a few listens, it became my favorite VH release. To this day it holds up so well as a great pop rock and classic rock album. Now that the decades have passed, it’s crazy to think how this release didn’t get more recognition back in ‘86. 🤘

[@markrandall7400]

I did exactly the same thing on my way to work early morning at about 9 o’clock. I was already two hours late. I pulled into the register and bought the concert. My truck was broke so I was driving my wife, yellow Volkswagen bird and had a pretty good stereo in it, what a great album it really was. Ranked right up with all of Van Halen albums David Lee Roth and you were also he talk to Laura shit that so you know it was good. Man, I loved it.

[@Tmac327]

I was right there with you. I had heard Sammt got the gig and thought huh, that could work,. then I heard the first single on the radio so I was so excited that they were back with an album, but still a bit sad no David Lee Roth. But, one listen to 5150 and OH YEAH the BOYZ WERE BACK!!!

[@ecleveland1]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@LaneDenson]

It was a #1 album, over 7M units sold with three singles charting at #22 or higher (one of which hit #3). That's pretty significant.

[@mindeloman]

To each their own but i've always felt the 5150 song on the 5150 album was one of the most underated from the hagar era. That opening lick is just amazing. Especially as it builds and builds to the verse break.

[@brianwolk7894]

I always liked Van Halen, but this is the album that made me love them! There was a certain dynamic between Sammy, and the rest of that band that brought their musicality to an all-time high and got more and more so on every following album. I think it’s because Sam is such an honest person you heard him, not an image of things like you got from Dave’s lyrics. It was more from the soul and more from the heart and Edward is missed will always be missed and no one will ever claim that throne the way he did.

[@ericmaillet5000]

Totally agree summer nights and my radio, love that song.

[@TheGrayMatters]

Best Of Both Worlds is a Top 5 VH song to me, regardless of Sammy or Dave. I’d sit around drawing the Van Halen logo in school. Good times. Good times.

[@DickieH72]

I still doodle the logo and I’m 48.

[@reythomas3922]

Same here brother

[@VadersRage]

Funny. I was staring at the ass end of a Tesla today in traffic.....and realized the logo on the trunk lid was just a few pen-strokes shy of that iconic VH logo. Next time you see one, take a good long look.

[@zapusama67]

We graduated High School in '86. Our senior trip was "Senior Splash: A Cruise to Nowhere". Our class actually rode a bus to NYC harbor, boarded a cruise ship and sailed out into the Atlantic Ocean for a five day / four night cruise! Sailed out and turned around, back to NYC. It was THE time of our lives!! VH's 5150 was there with us. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!!

[@PAULTRUDT]

This album - that song - were milestones that mark many of the best memories of my senior year of high school and a band of friends that made every day better ... the music and memories are forever ... great video - thanks for this!!!

[@Allampedupscxd]

Looking back, That could be my favorite album of all time...end to end awesome

[@travishikeslakemi]

I always loved the back-and-forth between Sam and Ed that led into “Best of Both Worlds” on the “Live Without a Net” film. Memorable moment :)

[@soylentgreendip]

I thought the song 5150 was killer and my fav from the album. It didn't do anything on the charts. Eddie's opening riff is ruthless.

[@jasonhumphries5716]

Absolutely ruthless solo too!!

[@breakfastleadership]

By far my favorite VH song.

[@markspin4596]

Should have charted that song.

[@jakeamberson3239]

No doubt. One of the best VH songs ever

[@sirlancelot2171]

It’s a shame

[@kevinjohnson7330]

Me and my buddies rented the Live Without A Net VHS when it came out. We stayed up all night watching it multiple times and totally mesmerized with each rewind of the tape. Such an awesome blend of rock and pop.

[@ricktheexplorer]

I love this song. It still blows them all away.

[@rmzzz76]

The song "5150" is the best song on the album 5150. The composition (rhythm and lead playing, time changes, etc..) and the vocals. The song never gets much mention.

[@Tylercorrell]

I agree

[@markgaterbondifinancialguy3885]

Yes 100%

[@kevingartland723]

5150 the song is my favorite from the Van Hagar era. Good call!

[@rmzzz76]

@@kevingartland723 In my top 5. that part after the solo where all the other instruments in the mix go silent and it's only Eddie's guitar hammering out that main rhythm part gives me chill bumps every time. Just a bad ass song all around.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

I think Adam covered this one briefly in his top 5 VH songs video a few months ago. And btw, that's top 5 from both the DLR and Hagar lineups.

[@davidwise3426]

Wonderful album, Sammy's voice can make an average song sound great. He's in the pantheon of rock legends.

[@jroch41]

Great interview with Sammy and insight about one of my favorite VH songs.

[@Tmac327]

So many amazing hits! I absolutely love both Van Halen legacies! Sammy was the right guy to come in and bring that amazing band to the next level!!! If I had to only listen to one band for the rest of my life, it's Van Halen!!!

[@johneoff707]

My best friend had this on cassette back in high school. I bought it as well. I couldn't get enough of it. It's a masterpiece. I still drive around listening to the songs digitally of course. We miss you, Eddie.

[@tomorgantini8317]

I was a freshman in college and this album was playing out the windows of every dorm. Truly a great album and is still great to listen to today.

[@chicksands80]

You are exactly right! Watching Best of Both Worlds is joyous. Love watching them have the time of their lives. It IS what is missing in music today. Attending their shows was exciting, energizing and a natural high. Would take me days to come down. Miss it!

[@gregras2577]

Every songs on thats album was a gem. My fav love comes walking in

[@staceybaker5532]

This album was along with OU812 were the soundtracks to my high school years, going to football two a days with this cranking out the windows and some of the greatest memories of my life! Miss you EVH

[@robertfray7737]

I have the exact same memories... Football practice...2 a days...and cranking some fan Van Hagar ..especially on Friday nights after the game ..and picking up my girlfriend... some of the best days of my life..

[@tommypowell1137]

Wow awesome story great interview with Sammy. Thank you man!

[@PlanetObservatory]

I have always felt same way about best of both worlds. I love that song, the video just looked like everyone was having such a good time. I wish I could have seen them live

[@anthonymitchell2354]

RIP Eddie, the bands music was the soundtrack to some of the best times of my life. 💔

[@bobreich3534]

👍

[@xendava7217]

This is quickly becoming my favorite channel. I never miss an upload. The professor makes me feel like I'm not alone in my obsession with music. ALL music.

[@weeklyfascinationstreetvid8064]

So many good stories. Please keep 'em coming!

[@jonnytaylor9798]

Soundtrack of '86...my senior year of HS....amazing album...

[@jeffsheridan9910]

Great one again Professor. The music of VH and Edward absolutely means everything to me. I was 16 when this album(5150) came out. I was already head over heels in love with this band and deemed them my number one ever prior to the Sammy era. But this direction that Van Halen took with Sammy was perfect in my book. The melodic songs, the writing, the growth and maturity... and still with the ass kicking sounds of Drums,bass and King Edward's guitar. To me it was just as good as the 6 albums with DLR but in a different way of course. The band was running on all cylinders. My favorite on the album might just be the title track 5150. I truly believe that Sammy and Eddie's song writing on all 4 of their studio albums should be compared in the same breath as Lennon and McCartney and their live concerts... Rock perfection ! Rest in peace ELVH. You tone chasing genius... you gave us more great music then anyone before you. And thank you Alex,Sammy and Michael as well

[@gokhanersan8561]

What a great summary of VH mark II

[@zachpowers3064]

This video literally brought tears to my eyes. Beginning with the commentary about what is missing from modern music, to reliving the sting of losing Eddie, to the building and realization of such a great song, album, and band. We as musicians or just fans of great music need to rediscover whatever the heart and soul was that music like this had.

[@The_Hiking_Viking]

That song takes me back to my junior year in H.S., driving my 1979 Buick Regal with the windows and moon roof open, jamming and cruising. Such a great album.

[@granteckhoff8319]

i was able to see both van halen 1984 and van hagar 5150 tours...loved them both...it was heaven right here on earth

[@joeyallison4144]

I was 17 years old and a VH fanatic so I was terrified of what was going to come of the band when I had heard Sammy was the new singer. When I heard the sound of this NEW band I was BLOWN AWAY. What I heard was a voice that was as dominant as the powerful guitar, a voice that could keep up with Edward's ability. NOTHING BUT LOVE !!! Every song can make the hair on your arms and neck stand on end with chills. RIP Edward Van Halen fan for life.

[@robindelaney4425]

Thank you for sharing the interview with Sammy Hagar! I love all of these songs. If you listen to Sammy's lyrics on all of his music, let it sink in, sing it, speak it, your life will improve. Where's my Sammy Hagar TV? Thank you for the music Sammy! Right Now is Your Tomorrow! RIP Eddie!

[@TheMrskydog]

Hagar tv? He has Sammys Rock n roll road trip doesn't he? Better.than that crazy nutjob show " the Roth show" 🤣🤣🤣🥴🥴

[@Drumhits]

Thanks for all the hard work you put in to your videos. Very cool interview with the Red Rocker. You always have such kind, interesting and thoughtful comments to share on the music you’re covering.

[@Dsc1965Capricornsnake]

Thank you for your great videos professor.....and the spinal tap reference ❤️11. Let’s get shows back on.. I miss my Job

[@mikewalsh3789]

Ah... 5150 is one of THOSE albums. So many great memories blasting every one of those tunes. I love hearing Sammy talk about his process and how it went down. How cool it must have been to be in the control room that first time Sammy sang the lyrics. He knew he had absolute gold!

[@MrBigWaveDave23]

One of the first two albums I owned. Still an absolute favorite of mine to this day.

[@IsaidIt_2]

One of my favorite episodes! Great job. I was all in on the Van Halen/Van Hagar days. I love both ....😊

[@TheDekysar]

Loved ❤️ the interview with Sammy !! Awesome 😎

[@minigu06]

My memory? I wonder what Sammy is gonna sound like with VH. *pushes play “Hello baaaaabeeeeee!” Then magic

[@Bernz66]

I remember listening to the HSAS album in 1984 thinking “dang, I wonder how Van Halen would sound if Sammy Hagar sang for them”....... two years later!!! 5150 came out..... awesome album....

[@DrewMIATL]

I think good enough is the best song on the album

[@richevans609]

U.S. prime... Grade A... Stamp Guaranteed!!!!

[@TheDesertRat31]

Yes! This. Yes 5150 is awesome, best of both worlds is terrific. But good enough is straight VOLCANIC. The energy level is off the charts. I still roll down my windows and BLAST that song so everyone can enjoy it with me.🤘

[@anthonygalbo9348]

@@DrewMIATL good enough is the best song on the album XD