On November 8th, 2024, the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, hosted Hairball’s high-octane rock tribute show, and the night was an electrifying blast from the past. Known for their exacting tributes to rock’s greatest icons, Hairball brought the spectacle, energy, and talent needed to revive the magic of the ’70s and ’80s. From KISS to AC/DC and Bon Jovi to Guns N’ Roses, the band seamlessly transitioned through rock royalty with every costume change and guitar riff, bringing the crowd along for a ride through rock’s golden years.
Hairball’s success lies not only in their theatricality but in the powerhouse talent of its members. The band features three frontmen—Dave Moody, Kris Vox, and Drew Hart each a dynamic vocalist with the ability to channel the unique styles and voices of rock legends like Axl Rose, Paul Stanley, and Jon Bon Jovi. They rotate costumes and vocal duties seamlessly throughout the show, ensuring each act is a spot-on tribute. Guitarist Happy and bassist Brian “HBK” add relentless energy to the band’s sound with tight, driving riffs and thundering basslines that anchor each performance. Drummer Billy provides a strong backbone to every song with his thunderous, precise drumming. Together, Hairball’s members combine their skills, charisma, and rock knowledge to deliver an immersive experience that makes fans feel like they’re watching the original rock stars themselves.
The night opened with a thunderous tribute to KISS. They powered through “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “War Machine,” and closed out this segment with “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Hairball delivered KISS’s full rock extravaganza—complete with face paint, platform boots, and pyrotechnics. Their dedication to detail set the bar high, immersing the audience in KISS’s larger-than-life world.
After the KISS opener, the show turned to Mötley Crüe. Hairball nailed the gritty, wild energy with spot-on renditions of “Kickstart My Heart” and “Dr. Feelgood,” bringing the band’s hard-living attitude to life on stage. The crowd was hyped, fully in the moment, and ready for the next tribute.
Hairball’s take on Def Leppard had the crowd singing along to every word. “Photograph” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” were the perfect arena rock anthems, and the band delivered both with the intensity and harmony that makes Def Leppard a classic. Fans belted out the lyrics, filling the Cross Insurance Center with nostalgia.
The show took a darker, theatrical turn when they dove into Alice Cooper’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and a mashup of “School’s Out” with Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.” Leaning into the eerie and dramatic, Hairball brought Alice Cooper’s gothic presence to life, adding to the dynamic shifts of the night.
With the crowd still buzzing, Hairball moved into Journey’s timeless hits, “Any Way You Want It” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Journey’s soaring ballads and upbeat riffs had the entire venue singing along, lifted by Hairball’s powerhouse vocals and seamless instrumentals. It was a true tribute to Journey’s emotional depth and musical sophistication.
After the Journey set came Bon Jovi’s “Runaway” and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” bringing the crowd back to the high-energy pop-rock spirit of the ‘80s. Hairball’s rendition of these hits was electric, as the entire venue joined in for one massive singalong, highlighting the nostalgia of Bon Jovi’s timeless anthems.
Twisted Sister was up next, but first, Hairball’s drummer Billy took center stage with a thrilling solo, demonstrating his skill and pumping up the audience even further. The solo led perfectly into Twisted Sister’s rebellious “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” two anthems that had the crowd shouting along, fists in the air. The band fully embraced the spirit of rock rebellion, encouraging fans to let loose and join in the defiance.
Hairball then gave a patriotic performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before diving into the heavier side of rock with Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears” and “Crazy Train.” Their Ozzy tribute brought the eerie, intense vibe Ozzy is known for, with wild guitar solos and powerful vocals that had the crowd riveted.
The set continued with Queen’s groovy “Another One Bites the Dust” and their ambitious performance of Bohemian Rhapsody. Hairball tackled Queen’s multi-layered classic with impressive accuracy, delivering the operatic sections, guitar solos, and harmonies that make Bohemian Rhapsody one of rock’s most iconic songs. The audience was ecstatic, singing along with the theatrical performance that felt true to Freddie Mercury’s grand vision.
They closed the Queen segment with AC/DC’s high-energy classics “Thunderstruck” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Hairball’s renditions brought the crowd to a frenzy, channeling AC/DC’s thunderous sound and relentless rock spirit.
The encore was a high-energy Guns N’ Roses set. They tore through “Nightrain,” “It’s So Easy,” and “Mr. Brownstone,” ending the night with an electrifying performance of “Paradise City.” As the final chords echoed, confetti filled the air, and the crowd roared in appreciation, reveling in the ultimate rock-and-roll finale.
Hairball’s performance at the Cross Insurance Center was nothing short of a rock lover’s dream. Each song was executed with precision, enthusiasm, and a passion for rock’s golden age. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a time machine back to the days when rock ruled the airwaves, leaving fans energized, nostalgic, and eager for more.
