By Doug Podell
A new Van Halen was born on the album
5150, named after Eddie’s studio at his home in LA’s Coldwater Canyon (‘5150’ was the Californian law code for detention of mentally ill persons). And for Eddie, this album marked a major turning point.
Along with the new voice in Van Halen came a new approach to guitar – different tones, different gear. Out was the pinpoint positioned mixing style of old and in came huge stereo-panned rhythm guitars courtesy of an Eventide H3000.
Mick Jones, the leader of Foreigner, was enlisted as co-producer on
5150. He had written all of Foreigner’s hit songs, from riff-driven anthems such as