A rockin’ HAIR-lloween

feature-HAIR-lloweenOttawa ‘80s tribute band Hair Force 1 will bring their brand of hair metal for a thrilling musical throwback to support the CHEO Foundation

In the ‘80s, hair metal bands ruled the airwaves with booming drums, screaming guitars and shrieking vocals.

Musicians were clad in zebra spandex, studded leather collars, and towering hair held in place by a wall of hairspray. Eyeliner was their war paint. Their weapons: big, soaring choruses, pyrotechnics and guitar riffs so hot they’d cut through your soul.

If you are of a certain age and think music will never be so good again, all is not lost. Hair Force 1, an Ottawa band describing their music as “the future of ‘80s Hair Metal,” is alive and well, performing the biggest and best hits from that decade, including classics from Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe and more.

Their show is wildly entertaining and highly interactive. The band members all have stage names that suggest they don’t take themselves too seriously. And the first few notes will provoke the question: “Is it live, or is it Memorex?”

Guests are expected to be on their feet, dancing and singing along – come on, we all know the words. Their onstage banter pokes fun at what it’s like to be an ‘80s throwback trying to make it big in 2015. There’s also live karaoke, “Name that Tune” contests, lots of photo-ops, and more.

And if you want to experience (or relive) some of that wild ‘80s abandon, Hair Force 1 will perform at the Canada Space and Aviation Museum on Oct. 30. It’s a one-night event with a significant charity component. The band is hoping to donate over $5,000 to the CHEO Foundation.

So you get to remember what it was like to be carefree, the band rocks the house, and CHEO Foundation walks away with a big cheque. Win-win-win!

Guests are invited to come decked out in their ‘80s best — not that they would ever discourage their fans from attending with their biggest, baddest hair and spandex.

In addition to savouring the sweet nostalgia of Don’t Stop Believin’ and Living on a Prayer, Canada’s two-time magic champion Eric Leclerc will open the show. If you’ve never seen Leclerc perform, you’re in for a mind-bending experience.

Leclerc travels the world performing feel-good magic. His popular YouTube videos have gathered over 10 million views worldwide. He also currently co-hosts the game show AU DÉFI on TFO

Networks and he is a regular guest on National Geographic’s top-rated show, Brain Games.

The event will feature many other surprises, including trick-or-treat bags filled with goodies, Hair Force 1 merchandise, prizes for best costume, a photo booth, and more.

Tickets are $50 in advance. Visit www.HairForce1 Rocks.com.

*This is a licensed, adults-only event. Rock on!