The band 5150 formed in 1985 after David Lee Roth left Van Halen. He brought together guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Greg Bissonette. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1986 and included the track "Last Cry." The name 5150 references a California penal code for an involuntary psychiatric hold.
Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan left the band in 1988. Roth continued with new members and released two more albums: "Eat 'Em and Smile" in 1989 and "A Little Ain't Enough" in 1991. These didn't reach the same commercial level as the first record.
Roth's stage presence and vocal style were a defining part of 5150's sound. The band's initial lineup and debut album remain a specific chapter in 1980s rock, separate from Roth's earlier work with Van Halen.
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