DEAR DIRTY HONEY, THANK YOU FOR PROVING CLASSIC ROCK IS ALIVE AND WELL!
If I were to write an open letter to the band Dirty Honey (which I’m weirdly kind of doing here), it would begin with an emphatic THANK YOU.
In your newer, blossoming career … thank you for proving that classic, bona fide, original rock music is relevant, embraced, and necessary. Thank you for satisfying so many fans who are literally starving for genuine rock bands to continue the legacy of the iconic artists who came before you. And most importantly, thank you for bringing that musical magic to stages all over the world and enchanting crowds with your charisma, insanely-sick talent, and passion.
I was thinking all of this (and feeling it too) as Dirty Honey shredded the stage at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ last Sunday. I couldn’t help but remember and compare that night’s performance to their show at Starland Ballroom just last year. Although I’ll admit that I was blown away in 2022 … the band I saw at The Lanes was different. Yeah … the Dirty Honey I saw a few days ago is headed for superstardom.
They began their career in 2019 with debut single “When I’m Gone” making history by rocketing to #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Hard Rock Charts … the ONLY unsigned artist to ever achieve that! Relentlessly touring nationally and internationally, they’ve supported the likes of The Who, Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, Kiss, and Rival Sons. Throughout it all, Dirty Honey has released two killer albums (with many singles charting) grabbing millions of streams and selling a boatload of merchandise to fans who just can’t get enough of them.
The show at Asbury Lanes was no different. With unwavering confidence and an obvious love for what they are doing, Marc LaBelle (vocals), John Notto (guitar), Justin Smolian (bass), and newest member, Jaydon Bean (drums) electrified the packed audience who lined up outside well before doors opened in order to get coveted front row spots. Dressed in classic rock garb and exuding endearing-as-hell personalities, Dirty Honey hammered home music from their latest album Can’t Find The Brakes. New singles such as “Dirty Mind,” “Won’t Take Me Alive,” “Can’t Find The Brakes,” “Don’t Put Out The Fire,” and “Coming Home (Battle of the Shire)” were intermingled with favorites “California Dreamin’,” “The Wire,” and “Rolling 7s” to name a few. It didn’t matter if the singles were newer or past favorites. The audience sang to literally everything. And a surprise appearance by rockstar photographer Danny Clinch who played harmonica with the band for a rendition of The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women” was a definite highlight of the evening.
Dirty Honey continues their jaunt across the U.S. through December, and has already begun leaking a few 2024 show dates. Follow the band on social media and through their mailing list to receive the latest show announcements.
