Thursday, July 8 arguably the greatest tribute band on the planet Hairball came to The Fraze Pavilion in Kettering. They packed the place treating the crowd to two hours of ‘80s megahits, dipping into ‘70s classics with fist raisers and a few ‘devil horns’ here and there.
It was an arena rock show in scale, grandiose and big budget from the lighted stage to the five large screens flashing cool images, crowd shots, videos and designs all night playing background companion to each singer’s aura, history and image. You’d almost think they were doing originals, if not for the changing array of costumes every two-three songs. Vocalists Dave, Joe and Kris had the highest workload in terms of movement and switching costumes though bassist HBK (not that one), drummer Billy and guitarist Happy had the most stage time.
It was a once in a lifetime chance to see a revolving visual representation of Paul Stanley, Freddie Mercury, Kevin DuBrow, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, OZZY and other famous vocalists on the same stage one after another. They kept the crowd busy and engaged, bringing the essence of each artist out, while the core musicians remained on stage.
The show began with a loud kiss from New York as The Star Child emerged from the smoke celebrating “Detroit Rock City.” Starry-eyed metallic skulls rocked the screens as the unmasked ‘80s officially showed up to the mostly ‘unmasked’ 2021 with “Lick it Up” finishing with “Shout it out Loud.”
Hairball became the DLR band as ‘Diamond Dave’ danced out into view 1984 style, ready for the love and definitely with a bad case of “Hot for the Teacher.” This is undoubtedly the year where every touring band can say with certainty, I heard ya missed us, we’re back!
One of the most iconic video statements of the ‘80s played next as Mark Metcalf screamed on screen, Twister Sister? What is that? The poor kid just wanted to play his electric twanger, and …. ROCK!
The visage of the man who took on the PMRC on their own turf, and made them look like idiots emerged resembling a war-painted quarterback slamming the mic stand around like the opposing team. ‘Bette Midler on steroids’ was draped in dapper pink and black with flying blond locks that literally whipped through the air. For two songs ‘Snider’ whipped the crowd and band into shape, getting uncomfortably confrontation without dropping for 20. R. Lee Ermey would have had choice words for his attire but would have respected his command of the stage.
Things calmed down a little as the union jack splashed across screens. The band that made performing in the round cool, before it was, with major hit videos and robotic, circulatory stage design was represented by a Pyromania looking ‘Joe Elliot’ as Marilyn Monroe got her due on “Photograph.” The multiple booming on screen speakers signaled they were about to get rocked but not adrenalized. The sweet song that launched them into the stratosphere in ‘87 started as the crowd, stepped inside.
The ladies screamed and the guys cheered as a ‘80s ‘Vince Neil’ came out to kickstart the place into gear, getting everyone ready to “Feelgood” with the Dr. There wouldn’t be any Blabbermouth/Youtube drama for this performance as Neil covered as much ground as possible, from one side to the other, No, girls, girls, girls needed for this part. The Fraze was no stadium but he looked to be in good shape, ready to kick up some more dirt.
Selections off the biggest metal record of its day, and once king of the Billboard mountain “Metal Health” came on as “Cum on Feel the Noise,” banged out the speakers with ‘Kevin Dubrow’ decked in era black and white striped spandex and matching mic stand played the crowd like a skilled conductor. He too commanded in rock start fashion as the screens sprayed firework-like explosion imagery over the venue.
Things went a little bit pop and off kilter with a head-banded, red dressed Loverboy and “Turn me Loose.”
A jacketed ‘W. Axl Rose’ came out, on time, outfitted for paradise city, welcoming everyone to the jungle instead. Regardless of history, Rose will be remembered as one of the greatest frontman in this lifetime. Happy brought up a young lady from the crowd to help play some riffs, giving her some stage time and an experience she’d never forget and would be reminded of for years to come.
The spotlights turned to the kit as Billy hammered on the skins making the venue rattle and near-by houses keep the lights on.
The dripping black-eyed father of shock rock came forth with scholarly bells ringing, papers and textbooks flying, receiving one of the biggest pops of the night. Dressed in red and black ringmaster attire, balloons flew and were popped. A few props came along for the ride including their own billion dollar baby on a rope and balloon popping cane as spiders crept down the screen with bad intent. For a few tunes Kettering became CooperTown. Unfortunately there wasn’t time for a straight jacket, guillotine, electrocution or Frankenstein feeding but this was arguably the most well received segment of the evening thus far.
A shaded, ‘Freddie Mercury’ came out, mustached and dressed for machismo talking about those “Fat Bottomed Girls” and the revolving planet. Depending on age, most of the crowd knew “Under Pressure” as an original and not the ’90s iced-over version.
Then… everything went dark. With clouds of smoke bellowing out, enveloping the stage as a figure in black slowly became visible standing before them. The loud carnival-like organ introducing the wickedest man that ever lived played out as the ‘godfather of metal’ gestured everyone to go extra, extra, extra….. crazy!
Moving from the early ‘80s blizzard to the tears of the early ‘90s, one of the most iconic bass intro’s on record began as the crowd screamed approval. Luckily ‘OZZY’ got three tunes, finishing with a ride on the “Crazy Train.” Ending with the last part of “Iron Man” and a large steam gun. No doves or bats were harmed or seen during the segment and no buckets of water were used, though the first couple rows might have appreciated it.
‘Brian Johnson’ came out ready to be “Thunderstruck” as blue lightning filled the screens and the sounds of a pavilion full of stomping feet sounded off. “Shoot to Thrill” and “Shook Me All Night Long” finished the show as they held the AC/DC banner high and the venue was illuminated by the glow of hundreds of firefly cell phones.
For those about to rock… Hairball salutes you!
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