The music of the 1980s is remarkably distinctive and memorable. For those who loved it and those who derided it, it can never be forgotten. Its stature largely comes from the advent of music videos and the appearance in 1981 of MTV, which made the visual aspect of the music as important, perhaps even more important, than the music itself. Radio was still an important part of the equation, but now there had to be a look that could not be resisted. The explosion of hard rock bands in that era made use of both mediums, providing just enough pop edge to the songs to stay radio friendly, but providing even more glitz and glam than even many of their 1970s predecessors had. The clothes, the makeup, the preening and strutting … and, God almighty, the hair. The advent of mousse and styling sprays, not to mention good old-fashioned Aqua Net, played no small role in the era of music known fondly as “the hair bands.”

Given the popularity of that music and those good old days of glam rock, it’s no small surprise that a band could really catch hold of public attention and affection by paying homage to that era. And in one universe, a Fort Wayne cover band has done just that. Cougar Hunter, a band that plays the music of that bygone era quite well and captures the look perfectly, has become hugely popular in just a few short years by combining their talents and paying tribute while humorously satirizing the form. Having won multiple Whammy Awards at the last couple of presentations, Cougar Hunter have claimed the evening’s top prize, Performer of the Year, two years running now and show no sign of slowing down.

But, as already noted, that reality exists in one universe. In another parallel and slightly warped universe, Cougar Hunter isn’t a cover band at all but the originators and sole practitioners of 1980s music, setting the stage for the musical wannabes (slackers like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi) to rip off for the last 30-plus years. In that universe, band members Ripp, Denim Dan, Le Tigre, Diamond Drake and Big Bone Malone hold court regularly and create a form of mayhem that can make life confusing. The uninitiated may balk or just find themselves bewildered, but the best way to enjoy the band is to live in their universe. In other words, it’s Cougar Hunter’s world. The rest of us are just visitors.

The mayhem is evident as they take the stage at the Whammy 2014 extravaganza. Winning early on for Best Rock Cover Performer (bad universe!), they later picked up an award for Best Live Band before claiming their ultimate prize. Each time they took the stage seemed crazier than the time before (good universe!) and featured everything from a prominently displayed can of hairspray to a young child with a cup for donations. Their general philosophy was repeatedly expressed, that good things happen if “you work hard, you play hard, and you are hard.”

Backstage after their award, as they posed for pictures (they’re anything but shy in front of the camera), the universes collide as members begin to talk simultaneously, dropping pearls of wisdom at warp speed.

“We’re a very humble band, and we love all of our awards.”

“We’ve made a deal with the devil, which is why we’re prettier than anyone here. We’re even prettier than the girls.”

“Be sure to tell the people that we’re pretty.”

“I already said that.”

“Well, say it again because we’re pretty.”

“Everything we do is amazing.”

“We’ve been God-blessed with immaculate hair.”

“Our favorite color is purple.”

“We have to commend our sound guy for playing the records because we really just lip sync everything.”

“We’re just trying to raise some beer money. Tell people to send money to us. Our address is 666 H-A-R-D.”

“Did you write down that our favorite color is purple? Because our favorite color is purple.”

It’s easy to see why those who live in the Cougar Hunter universe are so happy and so appreciate what they’ve brought to the local music scene. Even those who don’t seem amused despite their confusion. It’s pretty hard not to like guys who have such great hair. And are so passionate about sharing their love of purple.