On Friday, December 6, 2024, the rock and roll tribute band by the name of “Hairball” performed at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Hairball is well known for their extremely accurate 80’s rock band impersonations and is loved by all ages. This past Friday, they covered bands such as Motley Crue, Loverboy, Twisted Sister, Ratt, KISS, AC/DC and others. The show was opened by a band by the name of “Booz & Tuna,” who played a similar style of rock music.
Hairball has existed for over 20 years and has significantly grown since they first started in the early 2000’s. Hairball covers all the rock and roll greats and has a significant fan base consisting of all ages. The band is comprised of Happy, the lead guitarist, Brian HBK on bass guitar, Billy on the drums, and Kris Vox, Drew Hart, and Dave Moody all on vocals. Each of the members has been with the band for several years and brings a wide variety of skills and experience to the metaphorical rock and roll table. Though they all contribute individually, they all share a common love for 80’s rock and roll.
Perhaps the most notable part of Hairball’s covers of 80’s rock band is the realistic makeup and hair that is modeled after the original band members. The show began with a dramatic entrance from one of the lead singers, Kris Vox, dressed identically to Paul Stanley, one of the lead singers in KISS. Each band covered by Hairball is complete with two songs from each band. The KISS set opened with the song, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and captured the audience immediately. The band’s guitarist, Happy, was responsible for entertaining the audience as each band switched. Following KISS, the band covered Ratt. All of the sets that Hairball covered were extremely accurate with costume, makeup, and vocals. Ratt’s “Round and Round” opened their set, which ignited a great response and plenty of engagement from the audience. After Ratt, came Motley Crue and Loverboy to follow. In between sets were solo’s from the drummer, as well as a tribute to an U.S. Army Veteran coupled with a rock infused rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
After Loverboy, came Twisted Sister, AC/DC, and Queen. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” prompted the audience to sing along, generating feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for rock and roll.
The show lasted two and a half hours and covered over six bands. This is not the first time Hairball has been in Grand Forks, and it is likely not the last. If you are interested in the band, you can visit their website at hairballonline.com.
Sadie Blace is a Dakota Student Section Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].
