By Marisa Dawson

Omaha-area rock fans welcomed 2026 with a bang as Hairball, the nation’s premier ’80s arena-rock tribute band, delivered an electrifying New Year’s Eve performance at The Astro in La Vista.

The 21+ event, titled “Encore: Into the New Year,” kicked off with DJ Chaos spinning tracks starting at 9 p.m., building anticipation for the main act. Oversized beach balls could be seen bouncing across the top of the crowd throughout the set. Hairball took the stage at 10 p.m. and powered through a high-octane set that lasted past the stroke of midnight, providing the perfect soundtracks to ring in the new year.

Known for their bombastic recreations of classic rock icons, Hairball was incredibly energetic and deeply engaging, drawing in a multigenerational crowd with vibrant performances spanning decades of hits. Spot-on tributes included blistering renditions from KISS, Alice Cooper, Twisted Sister, Rush, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Journey, Prince, Queen, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, and more. They consistently delivered the larger-than-life essence of arena rock in an intimate venue setting.

What elevated the show were the meticulously crafted costumes that transformed the performers into uncanny likenesses of the original stars, paired with perfectly timed pyrotechnics that lit up the stage in bursts of fire and light. The combination created an all-around immersive experience, complete with smoke, massive lighting rigs, and unrelenting energy that had fans of all ages on their feet, singing along and air-guitaring into the early hours.

The Astro, a state-of-the-art venue known for its excellent acoustics and sightlines, proved the ideal spot for such a spectacle.

Hairball continues to tour nationally, celebrating over 25 years of keeping arena rock alive. What a way to ring in the new year!

Photos By Marisa Dawson