The Swiftel Center was rocked by avid fans and nationally recognized cover band Hairball April 1. Touring for over 20 years, Hairball has brought ‘80s classic Rock ‘n’ Roll to thousands across the country.

The over two-hour arena-sized light, smoke, fire and pyrotechnic show opened its doors at 6:30 p.m. on April Fool’s Day, but the performance was no joke. Vocalists Joe Dandy, Kris Vox and Dave Moody as well as HBK on the electric bass, Billy on the drums and Happy on the lead guitar covered  Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey and Aerosmith.

The performers “pride themselves on nailing some of the most memorable licks and chops of all time, while adding their own style and flair that they’ve cultivated over decades of tireless performing,” according to the band’s online description.

“Most concerts we get about 2,500 to 2,800 attendees,” Melissa Kucirek, Hairball’s publicist, said.

A lot of the time, fans of Hairball will attend several performances of a single tour. Whether fans are eight or 80, ten or 100, they attend the concerts with passion, Kucirek said.

The band has been described as “The Ultimate ‘80s Rock ‘n’ Roll Tribute Band” by super-fans. Facebook pages devoted to Hairball and its individual performers have been created over the past 20 years where fans share their experiences, merchandise, upcoming tour plans and love for the band.

“We’re just about being face-to-face, putting the phone down for a minute and listening to good looking people scream into real microphones, play real guitars and beat on real drums; and experiencing something that’s real and not so scripted,” Michael “Happy” Schneider, the band’s stunt-guitarist, said in an interview with Branson News’ Tim Church.

“We’re kind of a little more unpredictable than some acts. We really strive to make a moment with each audience that we’re in. Whether it’s throwing a kid up on stage or jumping off the stage right into somebody’s lap or whatever might happen or whatever we might break. We’ve burnt our hair. We’ve thrown swords through our feet and done whatever it takes,” Schneider said.

The majority of the band is based out of Minneapolis, making the midwest a sure stop on all of the band’s tours. If you missed your chance to see the bombastic band’s performance locally, they will be roaming the Midwest over the next two months.

Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.

Tyson Events Center, Sioux City, IA

Saturday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Bernicks Arena, Sartell, MN

Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m.

Liberty First Credit Union Arena, Ralston, NE

Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m.

Ewing Summer Funfest, Ewing, NE

Sunday, May 29 at 7 p.m.

Delaware County Fairgrounds, Manchester, IA

Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m.

Goodhue Volksfest, Goodhue, MN

Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m.

Rockin’ Rogers, Rogers, MN

Wednesday, June 22 at 9 p.m.

Lakes Jam, Brainerd, MN