On August 27, 1986, Van Halen took the stage at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Connecticut for a show that would become one of the most iconic concert videos in rock history: Live Without a Net. It was the band’s second night in New Haven during the massive 5150 tour — and fortunately so. The first night’s filming had audio problems, rendering it almost useless. That second night captured Van Halen firing on all cylinders during their first tour with Sammy Hagar.
The legendary concert gave fans a front-row seat to the new Van Halen, with songs from the chart-topping 5150 album, as well as classics like “Panama” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” It also featured unforgettable solos by Alex, Michael and, of course, Eddie.
What fans eventually saw in the November ’86 release of Live Without a Net wasn’t even the whole show. Songs like “Dreams,” “Good Enough,” “You Really Got Me,” “Summertime Blues” and “Wild Thing” were also performed that historical night but left out of the original home-video release.
Four decades later, Live Without a Net remains an incredible snapshot of Van Halenin 1986: a new chapter underway and the sheer energy of the 5150 era captured for generations of fans.
On August 27, 1986, nobody inside the New Haven Coliseum could have known just how many millions of times fans would eventually experience that night from their own living rooms. Forty years later, we’re still watching.
Experience the night…
40 years later, you can experience that historic night in New Haven in ways Van Halen fans could only dream about back in 1986.?
Live in New Haven 1986 captures 13 tracks from that historic August 27th performance, including two songs that weren’t included in the original Live Without a Net video: “Good Enough” and “Wild Thing.” Relive the night on 2LP vinyl or CD. Grab yours at Van Halen Store — includes a 5150 holographic sticker!
Go even deeper into the era with the 5150 (Expanded Edition) Deluxe Set, featuring the remastered 5150, rarities and live recordings, plus Live Without a Net in HD on Blu-ray, classic promo videos and more.
