Hairball at Bridge View Center, Ottumwa, IA

April 9, 2022

I had never even heard of Hairball until Brandy brought it up. Once I did my research, I knew I HAD to go.

Hairball is a hair metal tribute band from Minnesota that performs the biggest hits from the biggest artists from the heyday of arena rock. Performing hits from acts such as Kiss, Guns N Roses and Journey to name a few, the show typically lasts over two hours.

Apparently, the band visits Ottumwa on a fairly regular basis, and each time they do, they draw the entire town.

Brandy mentioned it as part of a larger conversation that she’d had with her friend. Once I discovered who they were and what they do, I vowed that I would not miss it.

Shortly after, I bought tickets online and made arrangements for a sitter for Ash, then I eargerly waited.

The day came. We left our home at about 12:30 and made the hour and a half drive to Ottumwa, getting to Brandy’s parents’ at about 2:00. We sat and visited with them for a few hours, having some drinks along the way.

At departure time, we were taken to Front Runner’s, a divey bar on Church St. just up the road from the venue where the concert was taking place. We met up with a couple of Brandy’s friends and had some more drinks before we headed to the Bridge View Center, an event center on the banks of the Des Moines River.

We walked in and grabbed a couple of beers before heading into the amphitheater where Hairball was in the midst of their Kiss set. They played a few tunes such as Detroit Rock City and Rock and Roll All Nite. The set included all the fanfare of an original Kiss show, including pyrotechnics and even the singer in full Gene Simmons regalia.

After their Kiss set was done, the stage went dark as the band quickly transitioned to a set of Van Halen songs including Hot For Teacher and Jump.

We were approached by many, many people that know Brandy. Having grown up in Ottumwa, she was bound to run into people she knew, but it blew my mind that people walked up to ME (without Brandy around) and knowing me, just by what they’d seen on Facebook. Hugs were given, tears were shed and a good time was had by all.

The night went on with the band paying tribute to such acts as Journey, Twisted Sister and Guns N Roses. As the band started their set of Queen songs, Brandy said she wanted to leave.

So we left.

I was flying pretty high after drinking for hours at her parents’ before a couple more drinks at the bar before a couple more beers at the concert. I didn’t protest.

We made it back to Brandy’s parents’ house in minutes, we went upstairs and quickly fell asleep… or, passed out. However you want to look at it.

I was up at 4:00 am the next morning without the slightest hint of a hangover (a fact that upsets Brandy no end.) I made a trip to Starbucks for some coffee and waited for her parents to get up, then after another hour, she got up. We got dressed, made the trip home and took a good, long nap before winding the weekend down.

I absolutely loved seeing Hairball live and I can’t wait to see them again.

I know this wound up being a shorter post, but this weekend is a big trip to Chicago. I’ll likely have a longer post about that trip.

Until then, enjoy this small handful of pictures I was able to get at the show, and as always, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you.

-Phil