500 Fans Rock With ‘Hairball’ on a Cold, Rainy Night in Cheyenne (Concert Review)

There are a lot of classic rock tribute bands these days, but there aren't many cover groups that can draw 500 fans on a cold, rainy night in Cheyenne (and keep them standing outside for 2 hours in 40 degree weather). Friday night at the Outlaw Saloon, Minneapolis based arena rock tribute band 'Hairball' proved why they're one of the best in the country.

Unlike similar groups that emulate one popular band, Hairball rotates three different singers, all in costume, who take turns covering the biggest bands of the 70's and 80's. Of course, no arena rock show is complete without a steady diet of smoke bombs, pyrotechnics, flames, and fireworks. Hairball's stage show was bigger and more bombastic than any tribute band you'll ever see.

The evening started with a three song tribute to KISS and the hits kept on coming. Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, Ozzy, Van Halen, and an incredibly authentic impression of Journey. Not only does the guy look and sound just like Steve Perry, but his costume was spot on all the way from his tuxedo with coattails down to his white Nike shoes.

The same singer who flawlessly covered Journey also did a credible reenactment of Queen's Freddie Mercury, which isn't easy to do. Another singer specialized in 80's era glam metal, expertly emulating the signature moves of Axl Rose, Vince Neil and Ozzy.

A third singer struggled through sloppy versions of Bon Jovi's 'Livin on a Prayer' and Aerosmith's 'Dream On', but redeemed himself at the end of the night with a solid impression of AC/DC's Brian Johnson during the band's final song 'For Those About to Rock'.

Hairball is one of the very few bands that can truly capture the look and sound of the era. In a few cases, they actually sound better than some of the bands themselves. Plus, you know every song by heart.

Friday's concert marked the band's second visit to Cheyenne. In spite of the cold, wet weather, the turnout was decent and the band was well received. Hopefully, they'll be back next summer. If so, it's a show that every classic hard rock fan should see.