Hair Force One is a band that may interest Penn State students who obsessively watch VH1's I Love The '80s and couldn't part with the brightly colored clothing, huge accessories and hairspray that were popular 20 years ago.

Hair Force One, a strictly '80s cover band based out of Altoona, will play at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., tonight.

The band's lead vocalist, Victor Synn, is a 2002 Penn State graduate.

"I'm always excited to come back and see what's going on and what campus life is like," Synn said.

This is Hair Force One's fourth time playing Crowbar, but the first time during the school year.

Synn said performing alone is an experience within itself. He said he takes a lot of pride in doing the '80s look and having the '80s swagger.

"We want to go beyond the expectations," he said. "We want to be known as the best '80s cover band."

Jimi Hatt, the band's guitarist, said Hair Force One has many influences, which is a challenge for the cover musicians.

"You almost have to fight your influences," Hatt said. "You're trying to be someone else."

Phillip Dapussee, the band's guitarist/keyboardist, said to prepare for their performances, the band watches old MTV videos to study the wardrobe and makeup of the specific artist.

Dapussee said performing in the band is like reliving the '80s. The band has a repertoire of several hundred songs and plays approximately 30 to 35 songs per show, he said. He said he enjoys hearing songs he hasn't heard since that decade and playing the songs for enthusiastic crowds.

"Our following is growing," Dapussee said. "It's more than just a group of guys playing a song. We're authentic as possible."

Hair Force One bassist Iva Biggin said the band's live shows are very entertaining and the crowd reacts to the energy given off by the band.

Hatt, whose trademark performance outfit is a kilt agreed.

"We are what we are," Hatt said. "We're a bunch of guys dressed in outrageous outfits, [but] we take music seriously and approach it with respect."

The band is looking forward to performing at Crowbar for students.

"I find '80s music is very popular with college students," Dapussee said. "It's made a comeback -- they actually know the words, it's refreshing."

The band appreciates its fan base, and Synn said he enjoys meeting fans at various performances. Synn said he likes to go out and talk to people. He wants to make sure they're having the best time possible.

Biggin said he goes into every performance expecting to play hard, heavy and strong. "Hair Force One is a band that's been around for three years," Biggin said. "A lot of bands come and go, but we're not going anywhere. We love what we do. We play for the people."

Biggin said even though someday the band might want to pursue writing original music, for now they enjoy playing some of their personal favorites for enthusiastic crowds.

"If you want to experience the '80s era of music in all its glory, Hair Force One is definitely the band to come out and see," Synn said.