The Legendary Michael Anthony is on Talkin' Rock

About this episode

Michael Anthony discusses the 40th anniversary of Van Halen's 5150 album and shares insights about the band's history.

Believe it or not, the Van Halen 5150 album turns 40 at the end of March! To celebrate, the guys are dropping a deluxe version of it on March 27th. According to the press release, The deluxe edition not only contains a remastered version of the album, but also more than 90 minutes of previously unreleased recordings from their August 27th, 1986 concert at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut; a selection of rare seven-inch single edits; and extended 12-inch versions.  There's also a Blu-ray containing a high-definition upgrade of the video of that show, which was previously released as  Live Without a Net , plus promo videos for “Dreams” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.”  The collection will also be available on vinyl and digitally. Michael was cool enough to hop on to discuss this time period of the band, and lots more. Did he know Sammy Hagar before he joined VH? Did he feel like, at certain times, it was the brothers (Eddie and Alex) vs. him and Sammy? Did he have any input into bringing Sammy in? How do I get a Jack Daniels endorsement? These are the important questions Michael answered, and lots more. You can see him, along with…

People in this episode

Guest: Michael Anthony

Topics covered

• Van Halen
• Michael Anthony
• music history
• album release

Keywords

• deluxe edition
• remastered album
• concert recordings
• Blu-ray
• vinyl

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Van Halen 5150 deluxe edition, Live Without a Net

Books & works: Talkin' Rock, Live Without a Net, Dreams, Why Can’t This Be Love

Places: New Haven, Connecticut

More episodes of Talkin' Rock With Meltdown Podcast

• Spread Eagle's Rob De Luca and Ray West talk The Brutal Devine · June 10, 2026 · 28 min
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd returns to Talkin' Rock · June 8, 2026 · 17 min
• Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and musician Ryan Perdz are on Talkin' Rock · June 5, 2026 · 24 min
• Armored Saint's John Bush Returns To Talkin' Rock · May 28, 2026 · 32 min
• Drumming Legend Mikkey Dee is on Talkin' Rock with Meltdown · May 19, 2026 · 36 min
• Talkin' Rock with Pepper and Woody of Corrosion of Conformity · May 11, 2026 · 22 min