If you grew up on ’80s music like I did, chances are you don’t need a reminder that Hairball is coming back to Duluth for a show at Bayfront Festival Park tomorrow. Ahead of the show, I sat down with Dave Moody, Hairball’s lead singer and bassist, to talk about the band’s electric tribute performances, and why Duluth holds a special place in their hearts.

Hairball is known for their spot-on portrayals of rock’s biggest icons, from the sound to the moves to the larger-than-life stage presence. But how do they nail it so perfectly?

“We grew up on these characters,” Moody said. “We weren’t raised by Big Bird and Mr. Rogers, we were raised by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Alice Cooper, Dee Snider, Axl Rose, and AC/DC. These weren’t just rock stars to us, they were heroes. They showed us that we could be more than just kids from small towns.”

As kids, Moody and his bandmates watched countless performances, memorizing every movement. “We watched those videos a million times. We remember exactly how they moved, how the shows went. So when we come to town, we want people to suspend disbelief. You know it’s not actually Gene Simmons up there, but for a moment, you might just think it is.”

When asked if he has a favorite artist to impersonate, Moody couldn’t choose just one.

“I love them all,” he said. “How do you pick? I get to be Gene Simmons. I get to be Alice Cooper. I get to be Dee Snider, Brian Johnson, Blackie Lawless, Lemmy Kilmister… I get to step into my heroes’ shoes. To pick just one would be ridiculous. It’s impossible.”

Hairball has performed all over, but there’s something uniquely powerful about their Duluth shows.

“It’s Duluth,” Moody said, smiling. “We’re chocolate and you’re peanut butter—it just works. It’s like a big family reunion. Everyone knows what’s going to happen, and it’s always epic.”

The band brings an over-the-top production every time: five video walls, more pyro than a ’70s KISS concert, and two massive side screens to make sure the crowd—often numbering in the thousands, can catch every moment. But it’s not just the spectacle that keeps them coming back.

“The energy, the view, the beauty of Duluth, it’s all of it. There’s nothing mystical about it. This is the place I want to be. Honestly, this is our Super Bowl. We look forward to it every single year.”

Hairball takes the stage tomorrow, July 3rd, at 3:30 PM at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. With a show that promises flames, flash, and a full-force tribute to rock’s greatest legends, you won’t want to miss it.