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Dirty Honey

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Band Timeline

2017

Formation and Early Days of Dirty Honey

Dirty Honey was formed in 2017 in Los Angeles by guitarist John Notto and singer Marc LaBelle after meeting through the bands they were involved with. Originally called The Shags, the lineup was solidified with bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Corey Coverstone. Their early style was inspired by classic rock influences, aiming to replicate the success of legendary bands like Guns N' Roses. The band name Dirty Honey was inspired by Robert Plant's mention of The Honeydrippers, fitting their 'dirty' rock sound. Their official debut performance was on Sunset Boulevard before about 100 people, marking the start of their journey.
2018

Breakthrough with the Single 'When I'm Gone' and Growing Recognition

Dirty Honey began gaining industry attention with their single 'When I'm Gone,' which caught the ear of music veteran Mark DiDia who became their manager. This rapid rise led to opening performances for Slash, including shows alongside Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Remarkably, 'When I'm Gone' topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart, making Dirty Honey the first unsigned band ever to achieve this milestone. This breakthrough established their notable presence in the rock scene despite being independent.
2019

Release of Self-Titled EP and Extensive Touring

In March 2019, Dirty Honey self-released their self-titled extended play, produced by Nick DiDia in Australia. The release gained quick radio play within hours, signaling wide acceptance. Throughout 2019, the band built their fanbase through extensive touring, opening for Red Sun Rising, The Who on their Moving On! Tour, Skillet and Alter Bridge on the Victorious Sky Tour, and Guns N' Roses during the Not in This Lifetime Tour. Their rising profile earned a nomination for Best New Rock/Alternative Artist at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards, spotlighting them as an exciting new act in rock music.
2020

Challenges and Adjusted Plans Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Originally planning to record their debut full-length album in Australia, Dirty Honey had to change course due to international flight restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, they recorded at Henson Studios in Hollywood under the remote supervision of producer Nick DiDia. The pandemic also caused them to scrap a planned music video for their song 'Heartbreaker.' Despite these setbacks, the band adapted to the circumstances to complete the recording process amid global challenges.
2021

Debut Album Release and Touring Success

Dirty Honey released their self-titled debut album on April 23, 2021, receiving critical acclaim, with Loudwire naming it the 30th best rock/metal album of that year. To promote the album, they embarked on the California Dreamin' tour with opening act Joyous Wolf, and supported The Black Crowes on their Shake Your Money Maker tour. The band continued to build momentum and expand their fanbase in the competitive rock landscape, confirming their status as a major contemporary rock act.
2022

Continued Growth with New Tours and Noteworthy Performances

In 2022, Dirty Honey co-headlined the Young Guns Tour with Mammoth WVH and undertook their first European tour, opening for rock icons such as Guns N' Roses, Kiss, and Rival Sons. They also embarked on another North American run of the California Dreamin' Tour with supporting acts Dorothy and Mac Saturn. The band released a cover of Prince's 'Let's Go Crazy' performed at the 2022 NHL Winter Classic, demonstrating their versatility and appeal beyond traditional rock events.
2023

Reworking and Release of 'Heartbreaker' and Continued Activity

At the start of 2023, Dirty Honey announced and released a reworked version of their track 'Heartbreaker,' continuing to engage their audience with fresh material. The ongoing activity and releases underscore their commitment to evolving their sound and maintaining relevance in the rock genre. Their sustained creative output and touring promise to keep them as influential figures in contemporary rock music.

Albums

dirty-honey_1st_album
Dirty Honey
8 tracks
2021
dirty-honey_2nd_album
Can't Find the Brakes
11 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

John Notto

2017

Electric guitar

Jaydon Bean

2023

Drums (drum set)

Justin Smolian

2017

Bass

Marc LaBelle

2017

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Corey Coverstone

2017
2022

Drums (drum set)

Story of Dirty Honey

Dirty Honey: A Rock 'n' Roll Story

Dirty Honey, hailing from the heart of Los Angeles, emerged onto the scene in 2017, quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary rock landscape. This four-piece powerhouse comprises lead vocalist Marc LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Jaydon Bean (who replaced Corey Coverstone in 2021).

Their self-titled EP, released in March 2019, showcased their raw talent and ignited a buzz within the rock community. The band's breakout single, "When I'm Gone," stormed the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart, achieving a feat previously unmatched by any unsigned act. This success earned Dirty Honey the prestigious "On the Verge" Artist title from iHeartRadio, solidifying their status as a rising force in the music industry.

From Ground Zero to Dirty Honey:

The band's journey began when guitarist John Notto, aiming to capture the magic of Guns N' Roses, landed in Los Angeles. It was there that he crossed paths with vocalist Marc LaBelle, who was then performing with the group Ground Zero. Notto, impressed by LaBelle's talents, joined the band, adding his own distinct guitar flair to their repertoire.

LaBelle and Notto's shared vision soon led them to form their own band. They brought in Justin Smolian, who had joined Ground Zero as bassist. The trio's quest for a drummer proved challenging, but Smolian introduced Corey Coverstone, who eagerly joined their ranks. With Coverstone's addition, the band solidified their name as "Dirty Honey," leaving behind their former moniker, "The Shags."

Dirty Honey's story is one of passion, perseverance, and undeniable talent. Their self-made success and signature hard-hitting sound have catapulted them into the spotlight, solidifying their place as a major contender in the modern rock scene.

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