Hairball to bring 'huge party' to FRYfest

Hairball's guitarist looks forward to donning the big boots and knee pads that go with his alter ego, Happy, and greeting Hawkeye fans at FRYFest.

Mike Schneider, who goes by the stage name Happy, said Hairball puts on "a very rapid-fire show of the coolest things in arena rock," including the music of legends like Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue and Prince. Happy, a 14-year member of Hairball, described a show that offers a "wall of sound," pyrotechnics and costumes.

"What we do are things that are larger than life ... that are so big that you can see them a mile away," he said.

The six-member band will take the stage at 8 p.m. during FRYfest's High Porch Block Party and bring a range of rock classics to life. Tickets to the block party cost $5, and a 10 p.m. fireworks show by the Coralville Fire Department will follow the band's performance.

The concert will take place in the parking lot south of the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

Melissa Kucirek, the band's spokesperson, described Hairball as bombastic, feverish and euphoric, saying their shows are "a huge party." She said that while Hairball could never be a substitute for "the real thing," the band comes pretty close with its renditions of the classics.

"Calling Hairball a tribute band is like calling the Grand Canyon a roadside attraction," she said.

Kucirek said Iowa has been a "huge supporter" of Hairball. She said Iowans spread the word about the band on social media and take selfies in their own hair-band-inspired outfits.

Clarissa Kane, director of creative services and events at the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Hairball will offer a youth-friendly show at FRYfest with amazing pyrotechnics and costume changes, noting Hairball's shows require a stage with no ceiling to accommodate their special effects.

Happy said he enjoys performing music by Queen, and said Hairball is known for capturing the spirit and excitement of a live show, describing the feeling as "that little bit of chaos that you can't script."

He said that while he enjoys large venues in cities like Chicago and London, there's something special about playing in smaller, Iowa towns, like Cresco and Boone.

"These are places where people really want to have a good time," he said.