Story and Photos: Spencer Fleming
Last week (10.23.24) L.A. rockers Dirty Honey made their first stop in Omaha, playing to several hundred rabid fans at The Admiral. I've been following Dirty Honey since their first E.P. and have had the pleasure of seeing them live several times at The Bourbon Theater in Lincoln. The band has a tight connection with Lincoln and 104.1 The Blaze as they were one of the very first radio stations in the country to play Dirty Honey's music, including the song "When I'm Gone". The song became a number one hit on the Billboard Rock Chart, making Dirty Honey the first ever unsigned band to reach the position.
After seeing Dirty Honey in Lincoln so many times I was super excited when they announced they would finally be coming to Omaha! I made sure to get there early to catch the opening act TheBandFeel. These guys were killer! They had a throwback southern rock sound almost like Lynyrd Skynard meets The Allman Brothers meets Steely Dan. They had shredding guitars for days and both the lead singer and guitarist had amazing vocals. The rhythm section was no joke either. Both the bass player and drummer were on fire playing an extended jam full of funky bass lines and breakneck drum beats. I would keep an eye on these guys, they were seriously good. I talked with the band after their set and they said they're putting together some headline dates. Being from St. Louis there's a good chance they'll be making their way to Omaha soon. Give them a look and a follow so you don't miss it!
Around 9:00 it was time for Dirty Honey and they came out with both guns blazing. They kicked into "Won't Take Me Alive", the lead single from their latest album Can't Find The Brakes! and the crowd lit up with excitement. Marc had that ultimate 70s swagger in a leather jacket, brimmed hat, and tight sparkly pants. John Freakin Notto and bass player Justin Smolian both had flowing velvet shirts that were barely buttoned and cool necklaces. Drummer Jaydon had a cool vest and was sporting a black bandana. This band has amazing style and brings the classic rock look to life every night on stage.
Dirty Honey played a great mix of old and new songs and even some wicked covers of "Honkey Tonk Woman" and their phenomonal cut of "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince. The audience was on their feet having the best time from start to finish and so was the band. The thing I love about Dirty Honey is they're absolutely incredible musicians but they don't take themselves too seriously. About two songs in bassist Justin started goofing around with a Burger King crown and guitarist John just busted up laughing. You can tell these guys love what they do and they get along really well. Towards the end of the set I saw singer Marc sneaking around and gathering all the set lists. He signed them and folded them up into paper airplanes. After an extended jam session and solos from each band member Dirty Honey closed with one of their biggest hits "Rolling 7s". With the crowd still going wild and begging for more Marc threw the paper airplanes and watched as everyone scrambled for a piece of rock history.
At the end of the night Marc asked the crowd if Dirty Honey should combe back to Omaha and everyone in the room cheered. Whether it's Lincoln or Omaha the next time Dirty Honey is in Nebraska you can bet I'll be there!
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