Heart drummer engages fans before state fair concert

The Eastern Idaho State Fair is featuring a rock band that’s been releasing hits for decades.

“It’s exciting, it’s cool, it’s for me, a once in a lifetime (chance),” said fan Jose Naber, of one of his favorite bands, Heart, coming to our area.

“It’s been amazing,” said Becky Clapp, another fan.

Heart is the band behind the 1977 rock hit, “Barracuda.” They’ll also be the main event at the Eastern Idaho State Fair on Friday.

Ben Smith, the self-proclaimed “diva” of Heart, has been drumming for the band for 18 years.

“That’s what I love most (about eastern Idaho),” said Smith, a Seattle native. “When I get to do a gig here, I get to connect with really nice people.”

That’s exactly what he did before the show. Smith spent a few hours at Chesboro in Idaho Falls.

“I like to get out and see the places that I play a little bit,” Smith said.

He gave his fans some sound advice, telling them “less is more” when it comes to music, at times.

Of course, he also rocked out, including a little preview of what fans can expect at Friday’s show.

“The new record’s called “Fanatic,” Smith said. “It’s coming out on Sony Legacy the first week of October. And we will be performing four songs at the show from that record.”

Heart takes the stage for their performance at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $35.