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In 2017, Dirty Honey became the first unsigned band to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart with their hit single “When I’m Gone.” The quartet began their journey when guitarist John Notto and vocalist Marc LaBelle joined forces, eventually recruiting bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Corey Coverstone to complete the lineup. Originally performing as “The Shags,” the band officially adopted the name Dirty Honey after LaBelle drew inspiration from Robert Plant’s mention of The Honeydrippers during a Howard Stern interview.
Dirty Honey’s musical journey has been marked by significant achievements and collaborations with rock giants. They released their self-titled extended play in March 2019, which was recorded in Australia with producer Nick DiDia. Their career trajectory accelerated when longtime friend and music industry veteran Mark DiDia became their manager, arranging opening gigs for legendary acts like Slash, The Who, Guns N’ Roses, and The Black Crowes. The band released their self-titled debut album in April 2021, which was elected by Loudwire as the 30th best rock/metal album of that year. Their sophomore album, “Can’t Find the Brakes,” was released on November 3, 2023, followed by “Mayhem and Revelry” in 2025.
Throughout their career, Dirty Honey has embarked on several successful tours, including their California Dreamin’ tour, the Young Guns Tour co-headlined with Mammoth WVH, and their first European tour in 2022. The band experienced a significant lineup change in early 2023 when drummer Corey Coverstone left the group citing his dislike of extensive touring, with Jaydon Bean stepping in as his replacement. Dirty Honey has received industry recognition as an iHeartRadio On the Verge Artist and was nominated for “Best New Rock/Alternative Artist” for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards, cementing their place in the contemporary rock landscape.
Marc LaBelle
Marc LaBelle is the dynamic lead vocalist of Dirty Honey, having been with the band since its formation in 2017. Before Dirty Honey officially came together, LaBelle was performing with his group Ground Zero, playing a mix of covers and original songs he had written. LaBelle’s musical vision began to take shape when he met guitarist John Notto, who joined Ground Zero before they decided to form a new project together. LaBelle came up with the band’s name after hearing Robert Plant mention his band The Honeydrippers during a Howard Stern interview, thinking it sounded like a fitting “dirty” rock and roll name.
As the frontman of Dirty Honey, LaBelle has been instrumental in the band’s success, contributing his powerful vocals to all of their releases, including their self-titled EP (2019), self-titled debut album (2021), “Can’t Find the Brakes” (2023), and “Mayhem and Revelry” (2025). His vocal performance on “When I’m Gone” helped the song become the first track by an unsigned band to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart. LaBelle has been the face of the band during their various tours, including opening for established acts like Slash, The Who, Guns N’ Roses, and The Black Crowes.
Outside of Dirty Honey, LaBelle’s journey in the music industry has been one of perseverance. According to an interview referenced in the source material, LaBelle experienced a period of homelessness before finding success with Dirty Honey. His dedication to his craft eventually led to performing at 2,500-capacity venues and supporting major acts like Guns N’ Roses. LaBelle has also represented the band in various interviews and media appearances, helping to establish Dirty Honey’s presence in the rock scene and share their story with a wider audience.
John Notto
John Notto is the talented guitarist of Dirty Honey who has been with the band since its inception in 2017. His journey with the band began after he moved to Los Angeles in an attempt to emulate the success of Guns N’ Roses. In Los Angeles, Notto met vocalist Marc LaBelle while playing various gigs with his then group, Ground Zero, which Notto subsequently joined. Ground Zero performed both cover songs and original material written by LaBelle. The musical chemistry between Notto and LaBelle led to their decision to form their own band, which would eventually become Dirty Honey.
As a founding member, Notto has been integral to shaping Dirty Honey’s sound across all their releases, including their self-titled EP (2019), debut album “Dirty Honey” (2021), sophomore album “Can’t Find the Brakes” (2023), and “Mayhem and Revelry” (2025). His guitar work has been a defining characteristic of the band’s rock sound, helping them achieve milestone successes such as being the first unsigned band to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart with “When I’m Gone.” Notto has performed with the band on their various tours, including opening for major acts like Slash, The Who, Guns N’ Roses, and The Black Crowes.
In an October 2021 interview with Guitar World, Notto expressed his unwavering confidence in his musical journey, stating that “there was no doubt I was going to succeed as a guitarist… failure just wasn’t an option.” This determination has been evident throughout his career with Dirty Honey, as the band has continued to rise in prominence within the rock scene. Beyond his work with Dirty Honey, Notto’s technical skill and rock sensibilities have made him a respected guitarist in the contemporary rock landscape, contributing to the resurgence of classic rock-influenced music in the modern era.
Justin Smolian
Justin Smolian is the skilled bassist of Dirty Honey who joined the band in 2017 as a founding member. Smolian’s entry into what would become Dirty Honey came when he was recruited by John Notto as the new bassist for Ground Zero, where Notto was playing alongside vocalist Marc LaBelle. When LaBelle and Notto decided to form their own band, Smolian was naturally included in the new project. Interestingly, Smolian played a crucial role in completing the band’s lineup by introducing drummer Corey Coverstone to LaBelle and Notto, thus finalizing the quartet that would officially adopt the name “Dirty Honey.”
As the band’s bassist, Smolian has contributed his talents to all of Dirty Honey’s releases, including their self-titled EP (2019), self-titled debut album (2021), “Can’t Find the Brakes” (2023), and “Mayhem and Revelry” (2025). His solid bass lines have helped establish the band’s groove-oriented rock sound that has drawn comparisons to classic rock acts while maintaining a contemporary edge. Smolian has been present throughout Dirty Honey’s rise to prominence, from their early days performing on Sunset Boulevard to opening for major acts and headlining their own tours.
Smolian has been an active participant in all of Dirty Honey’s touring endeavors, including their California Dreamin’ tours, the Young Guns Tour co-headlined with Mammoth WVH, and their European tours where they opened for iconic acts like Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, and Rival Sons. As one of the original members still with the band, Smolian represents continuity in Dirty Honey’s evolution from an unsigned act to a recognized force in modern rock, maintaining the musical foundation that has allowed them to build their distinctive sound and fanbase.
Jaydon Bean
Jaydon Bean is the current drummer of Dirty Honey, having joined the band in January 2023. His first performance with the group was on January 21, 2023, in Norwich, UK, marking the beginning of Dirty Honey’s first European and UK headlining tour. Bean stepped into the role following the departure of original drummer Corey Coverstone, who left the band citing his dislike of extensive touring, a significant factor for a group that had been steadily building their reputation through live performances across the globe.
Since joining Dirty Honey, Bean has contributed his drumming talents to the band’s live performances and has been featured on their 2025 album “Mayhem and Revelry.” His addition to the lineup came after the release of the band’s sophomore album “Can’t Find the Brakes” in November 2023, and he has since become an integral part of Dirty Honey’s sound and stage presence. Bean faced the challenge of integrating into a band that had already established a strong musical identity and fanbase, but has successfully maintained the energetic rhythm section that Dirty Honey is known for.
While specific information about Bean’s musical background prior to joining Dirty Honey is not detailed in the provided source, he has evidently proven himself capable of handling the demanding tour schedule that led to his predecessor’s departure. As the newest member of the band, Bean represents the next chapter in Dirty Honey’s evolution as they continue to tour and create music that draws from classic rock influences while carving out their own space in the contemporary rock landscape.
Corey Coverstone
Corey Coverstone served as the original drummer of Dirty Honey from the band’s formation in 2017 until his departure in early 2023. Coverstone’s journey with Dirty Honey began when bassist Justin Smolian introduced him to Marc LaBelle and John Notto. According to the source material, Coverstone enthusiastically asked to join the group, and after his addition, the quartet officially adopted the name “Dirty Honey.” His energetic drumming style helped establish the band’s sound from their early performances, including their second show on the sidewalk of Sunset Boulevard in front of approximately 100 people, which marked the group’s official beginning.
During his tenure with Dirty Honey, Coverstone’s drumming was featured on all of the band’s early releases, including their self-titled EP (2019), self-titled debut album (2021), and likely contributed to the recording of “Can’t Find the Brakes” (2023), though the exact timeline of the album’s recording relative to his departure is not specified in the source. Coverstone was an integral part of the band during their rise to prominence, participating in milestone achievements such as being the first unsigned band to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart with “When I’m Gone” and receiving a nomination for “Best New Rock/Alternative Artist” for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Coverstone’s departure from Dirty Honey in early 2023 was attributed to his dislike of extensive touring, according to a podcast reference from March 20, 2023, mentioned in the source material. The demands of constant touring had become a significant factor for the band, which had been building their reputation through live performances opening for major acts like Slash, The Who, and Guns N’ Roses, as well as headlining their own tours. Following Coverstone’s exit, Jaydon Bean took over drumming duties for Dirty Honey, making his debut with the band during their first European and UK headlining tour that began in January 2023.
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