Country-rock band Haywire reuniting for concert in Butler
The five original members from the 1980s country-rock band Haywire will reunite for a show Friday, April 26.
Hutch Hockenberger, a Seneca Valley High School alumnus who grew up in Zelienople, is looking forward to making the return to the region he called home.
“We had a very large following in the Butler County area,” Hockenberger said. “We’ve played many venues in Butler county and the crowd, while older, they are vivacious. They’re energetic.”
The event is tagged as “an evening of tunes and tales” and will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Tanglewood Center, 10 Austin Ave., Butler Township. Tickets are $20 at the door or online at Eventbrite by searching for Haywire’s event.
Hockenberger said fans will be able to hear some of their classic original hits such as “Special Lady,” “Silver Wings,” “Bathtub Gin” and of course, “Dangerous Man.”
“Those are the ones that I think people will remember from the ’80s,” Hockenberger said.
Throughout the 1980s, Haywire opened for national touring acts like Kenny Loggins, Hank Williams Jr., the Charlie Daniels Band and others. They performed at venues throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.
The Zelienople native said returning to Butler, which the band has not done since 2021, is a testament to the band’s love of performing for their fans.
“The unique thing about us getting back together again — and it is the original five guys together again — is that we are still healthy enough to get up and make music together,” said the vocalist and banjo player. “That’s the blessing in our lives.”
Doors for the event open at 6 p.m., and fans have an opportunity to hang out with the band before they go on stage.
“It’s going to be fun to get together again and hear the old songs,” Hockenberger said. “It makes us feel young again playing, and I think it makes people feel young again by hearing it.”
The event is bring your own beverage.
