While 2022 has been a very good year for many bands, Dirty Honey is one that made this year count. The L.A.-based rockers are touring throughout the country, and they are rolling through town on their 2022 California Dreamin’ Tour.
On this leg of the tour, Dirty Honey will have fellow L.A. sensation Dorothy on stage, and from Detroit, they will feature the sounds of Mac Saturn. For OC Music News, we will cover their descent into mayhem at WOLLY’S in Des Moines this Wednesday, September 14th.
DIRTY HONEY
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ TOUR
WOOLY’S
September 14th, 2022
Dirty Honey was formed in Los Angeles in 2017, and like many electrifying acts, they received sonic inspiration from some of their musical heroes, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, among a few other legends. The band is legit and pulsating on the live stage. Often compared to other bona fide rock stars, the band holds their own onstage and have created their own path with their signature sound. The band consists of crooner extraordinaire, Marc LaBelle, John Notto (guitar), Justin Smolian (basst), and Corey Coverstone (drums).
If Dirty Honey is not on your radar just yet, they released their first EP in 2019 and their single “When I’m Gone” caused them to become the first unsigned band to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart.
“Rolling 7s” also appeared on the same chart at number three. That is quite the accomplishment for any newcomer! Since then, Dirty Honey has shared the stage with titans of the music industry, The Who, Slash, Red Sun Rising, Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, and Alter Bridge. Now they have their own openers like Joyous Wolf, The Amazons, Dorothy, and Mac Saturn.
Once the self-titled EP was out, they created their 2021 studio album, “Dirty Honey” (yes, it’s the same name as their extended play and why not, Dirty Honey is a sexy name). This album includes the hit songs “California Dreamin,’” “Another Last Time,” and “The Wire.” They’ve even created a covers of Aerosmith’s “Last Child” and Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.”
If you’re a Dirty Honey fan, you know they came up with their band name after LaBelle heard Robert Plant on Howard Stern’s show talking about the Honeydrippers. You’ll also know that they pride themselves on quality and not quantity. The attention that Notto puts into his riffs making sure they are as memorable as any chorus is admirable. LaBelle is amazing at changing the vocal tempos. His vocal range abilities are showcased throughout the band’s various songs.
DIRTY HONEY LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
There is a lot of attitude in their music and a touch of rawness, which is what makes it so great. Likely the reason they were nominated for Best New Rock/Alternative Artist at the 2020 iHeart Radio Music Awards.
Once they leave Des Moines, they will make 15 more tour stops until they end up in Sacramento on October 9th for the Aftershock Festival.
Do yourself favor and check out their site to get tickets to a concert near you and buy some sick looking merchandise with their Dirty Honey lips logo.
