Photos + Words by Baylee Avery
We’re living in a time where livestream concerts are a thing that’s happening during the pandemic, and it’s the closest we’ll get to going to a concert this year. Last month, it was announced that The Viper Room was going to be hosting their first livestream concert from the legendary Los Angeles nightclub - and that band performing was going to be Dirty Honey, in which the show was appropriately titled, “Dirty Honey Lockdown Live From The Viper Room”. It was also in conjunction with Los Angeles based rock radio station, KLOS-FM.
This past year, Dirty Honey has experienced a great deal of success. Even being the first unsigned band to land Number One on the Billboard Rock Chart.
“We are Dirty Honey!” Lead singer, Marc LaBelle says into the microphone, as the show starts. Right before they hit the stage, the livestream kicks off with all four members (drummer, Corey Coverstone being the only member to be wearing a mask on stage) proposing a toast.
We’re off to a great start. The band starts off with Scars. Bringing in an amazing impression, this first song in the performance is an excellent start and is already bringing in the impression that we’re in for a great show.
Next, we have a brand new song titled Gypsy. Just from listening to this song, it’s very promising. Maybe it could possibly be a future single? The vocals Marc brings to the song, as always, is nothing short of amazing. As well as the guitar riffs from guitarist, John Notto. Overall, this song has a neat hard rock vibe, with a mix of blues.
The third song they perform is Break You. At one point during the performance of this song, Marc shouts out, “Oh shit!” Which is possibly an accurate way to respond to this performance, as John does this pretty damn good guitar solo, using an IPA beer bottle. If that’s not a badass guitar solo, I don’t know what is. WHAT. A. SOLO. That won’t be the only time we see an incredible guitar solo from this incredible guitarist.
The next two songs we hear are Fire Away and The Wire. Both songs have such an incredible and enjoyable sound, of which they have performed at other shows, and both really stand out.
Heartbreaker - That tune itself is always a catchy track to listen to, it’s especially enjoyable to hear when performed, as proven during this livestream. Marc’s vocals and John’s guitar riffs are nothing short of amazing, but during this performance, what really stood out was Corey’s five minute drum solo - Yes, five MINUTES of a truly fantastic drum solo. In which, John and bassist, Justin Smolian also join in towards the end of the solo, which also adds some flavor.
We then hear a performance of Down The Road. That song is an excellent example of a great blues rock song, and to hear this song being performed is surely pleasurable. Also very soothing to a rock music lover’s ears.
This next song is an entirely new song, Rebel Son. When I said that John’s solo during Break You was not going to be the only time we see a fantastic guitar solo from him, I meant that. John just shredded on that guitar during this song and it was such a joy to see. Ladies and Gentlemen, John Notto just may be a future guitar legend.
The guys close out the show with two more songs, which are probably their biggest hits to date, When I’m Gone and Rolling 7’s.
Overall, this livestream was amazing and what made it especially enjoyable to watch was the way they showed how grateful they were to be playing for their fans. This livestream would also make anyone look forward to going to watch them play live in person one day."
