Modern Rock with Classic Soul
Rock music has always thrived on authenticity, feel, and raw energy — and Dirty Honey taps into all three with ease. Gritty, loud, blues-soaked, and unapologetically rock ‘n’ roll, Dirty Honey feels like a band pulled straight out of the classic rock era and dropped into the modern world without losing its soul.
To me, Dirty Honey feels like a perfect combination of Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith — with the vocals leaning more toward Guns N’ Roses and the music rooted firmly in Aerosmith’s blues-based swagger. Marc LaBelle’s vocal delivery has that raw edge, bite, and attitude that recalls classic GNR, while the band’s grooves, riffs, and feel channel the loose, blues-soaked foundation that made Aerosmith timeless. If you love either of those bands, Dirty Honey will feel instantly familiar — but never like a copy. It’s classic influence, filtered through a modern voice.
Another great example of Dirty Honey’s classic rock roots is their cover of Last Child by Aerosmith. Rather than reinventing the song, Dirty Honey leans into its groove, swagger, and bluesy feel — the same elements that define their own music. It feels less like a tribute and more like a band paying respect to an influence that’s clearly in their DNA, reinforcing just how naturally Aerosmith’s spirit runs through their sound.
They’re not trying to reinvent rock — they’re reviving it.
And they’re doing it with swagger, substance, and serious musicianship.
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Who Is Dirty Honey?
Dirty Honey formed in Los Angeles in 2017 and quickly built a reputation the old-school way — through touring, live shows, and word of mouth, not viral trends.
Members:
Marc LaBelle – Vocals
John Notto – Guitar
Justin Smolian – Bass
Corey Coverstone – Drums
From the beginning, they positioned themselves as a band, not a brand — a group built on chemistry, performance, and connection rather than image-first marketing.
Their breakout came in 2019 with “When I’m Gone,” which made history as the first unsigned artist to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart — a rare and powerful moment in modern rock.
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Their Sound: Old Soul, Modern Fire
Dirty Honey lives in that perfect space between classic and contemporary.
Influences you can hear:
- Guns N’ Roses
- Aerosmith
- The Black Crowes
- Led Zeppelin
- Bad Company
But they don’t feel like a tribute band. They feel like a continuation of that lineage.
Their music is:
- Blues-based
- Riff-driven
- Groove-heavy
- Vocally powerful
- Emotionally raw
Big guitars. Big hooks. Big choruses. Real drums. Real amps. Real energy.
No gimmicks. No trends. Just rock music that feels alive.
Breakout Tracks & Essential Songs
If someone’s new to Dirty Honey, these are the gateway tracks:
- When I’m Gone – The breakout hit. Blues riff, massive chorus, instant classic feel
- Rolling 7s – Dirty groove, swagger, and pure rock attitude
- California Dreamin’ – West Coast soul meets hard rock grit
- Heartbreaker – Bluesy, emotional, slow-burn rock
- Another Last Time – Raw, emotional, and powerful
- Won’t Take Me Alive – Heavy riffing with classic structure
One moment that really stands out is the guitar work on Another Last Time. Guitar-wise, it instantly brings to mind Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam — it taps into that same loose, expressive, blues-drenched feel. It’s all about tone, phrasing, and emotion rather than flashy technique, letting the guitar breathe and speak for itself. That kind of playing feels rooted in feel over perfection, and it fits Dirty Honey’s identity perfectly.
Each song feels like it belongs on a record collection next to Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and The Black Crowes — not because it copies them, but because it shares the same DNA.
Albums & Releases
Dirty Honey (EP, 2019)
Raw, bluesy, and straight to the point.
This EP introduced the band’s core identity — swagger, grit, groove, and no-frills rock ’n’ roll. Songs like “When I’m Gone” and “Rolling 7s” immediately put Dirty Honey on the map.
Dirty Honey (Full-Length Album, 2021)
This was Dirty Honey’s first full-length album.
It expanded their sound without losing bite — bigger hooks, stronger songwriting, and a clear statement that they were built for albums, not just singles.
Can’t Find the Brakes (Album, 2023)
A confident step forward.
More polished but still dangerous, Can’t Find the Brakes leans into dynamics, emotional range, and classic rock ambition. It proves Dirty Honey isn’t just a throwback band — they’re evolving.
Mayhem & Revelry Live (Live Album, 2025)
The band in their natural environment.
This live release captures the energy, looseness, and power that define Dirty Honey on stage — the kind of record that reminds you why rock bands are meant to be seen live.
Why Dirty Honey Matters
Dirty Honey represents something rare in modern music:
They prove that:
- Rock still works
- Bands still matter
- Musicianship still matters
- Live performance still matters
- Albums still matter
They’re part of a new wave of rock artists bringing back:
- Real guitar heroes
- Real frontmen
- Real rhythm sections
- Real live energy
They don’t chase pop charts — they build fans.
A True Live Band
Dirty Honey’s biggest strength is the stage.
They’re not a “better in the studio” band — they’re better live.
Tight rhythm section. Explosive guitar work. Charismatic frontman. Big sound. Big presence.
They’ve earned slots opening for:
- The Who
- Guns N’ Roses
- KISS
- The Black Crowes
Not because of hype — because they belong there.
If you get a chance to see this band live, I highly suggest you do.
Dirty Honey Tour Dates & Tickets
Final Thoughts
Dirty Honey isn’t trying to save rock music.
They’re just making great modern rock music with a classic rock feel.
They represent a bridge between generations:
- Old-school rock fans hear familiarity
- New listeners hear something fresh
- Musicians hear authenticity
Dirty Honey feels built to last.
Related Reads
Mama Kin – Aerosmith Song Review
Best of You – Foo Fighters Song Review
It’s Okay to Like Whatever Music You Like
Pearl Jam – Vs. (1993) Album Review #1
Mike McCready Is the Most Underrated Guitarist of All Time
Artist Spotlight #1: The Glorious Sons
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