DIRTY HONEY & MAMMOTH WVH -THE YOUNG GUNS TOUR
The night was cold and dank with a little falling snow. Yet you could feel the excitement in the air. Dirty Honey and Mammoth WVH were bringing their co-headlining “Young Guns” tour to the renowned Toads Place in New Haven. Reaching the venue, I was amazed at the size of the line to enter. Easily a two block stretch. I haven’t seen Toads like this in quite a while. It seemed as if every music aficionado in Ct. was attending this sold out show. As I walked down the freezing corridor, I said hello to countless faces and friends. My good buddy Anthony Mastromarino took pity on me and spared me a trip all the way to the back.
All this hullabaloo was to be expected. Dirty Honey is one of the most promising young bands around and their live shows are legendary. Mammoth WVH is Wolfgang Van Halen’s new project and his self titled debut album, Mammoth WVH, is killer. Inside the venue, the buzz was strong. Everyone was anticipating an amazing night of dynamic music and neither band disappointed.
Tonight, Mammoth WVH opened the festivities. As soon as the lights went down, a roar erupted from the audience. The band tore right into their massive hit “Mammoth”. Wolfgang’s voice was strong and full of unbridled energy. His guitar playing was impressive and his touring band was flawless. Jon Jourdan (To Whom It May) on guitar was a perfect fit. Ronnie Ficarro on bass was extraordinary and drummer Garrett Whitlock (Tremonti) provided a divine propulsion. Mammoth WVH were intensely melodic while still being sonically propulsive.
Mammoth WVH continued their onslaught of driving compositions. The room ate up every note. “Mr. Ed” was followed by “Epiphany”, and “Horribly Right”. Wolfgang appeared very comfortable and at ease on stage effortlessly building a solid bond with his fans. He truly seemed astounded by the size of the crowd and their excitement. He definitely enjoyed the vibe. The band continued with “You’ll Be The One”, “Stone”, “I Don’t Know At All”, “Think It Over” and “You’re To Blame”.
When Mammoth WVH began “Distance”, Wolfgang’s first single and an ode to his father Eddie Van Halen, the congregation was full of empathic emotion. Then he went directly into his homage to Taylor Hawkins, playing the Foo Fighters’ cover “My Hero”. Everyone sang along. It was another impassioned moment. Wolfgang ended the set with a rousing “Don’t Back Down”
After a short intermission, Dirty Honey emerged. The band has a well deserved reputation of delivering monstrous live shows. And true to form, Dirty Honey came out swinging. The band is comprised of Marc LaBelle (Vocals), John Notto (Guitar), Justin Smollan (Bass) and Corey Coverstone (Drums). Their sound is a sublime mixture of hard rock and southern backwater boogie.
Dirty Honey‘s first song, “California Dreamin” set the night’s tone with its monstrous groove. La Belle’s voice was full of audacious resiliency. He captured the venue’s attention from the start. The band’s musicianship was brazen with an avalanche of aural depth. These boys were cooking with high end ferocity and rocket fuel.
Next up came “Break You”, “Heartbreaker” and the all-devouring “The Wire”. By now, the room is really appreciating the stellar music. Notto’s guitar was pummelling Toads with savage guitar licks and supersized solos. Smollen laid down some adventurous basslines and Coverstones’ drums were hammering bullet-sized projectiles.The night was just getting better and better. Dirty Honey followed up with “Scars”, “Tied Up” and “Down The Road”.
The aggressive “Gypsy” ran into the fun Prince cover, “Let’s Go Crazy” which was a huge fan favorite. All the while, Dirty Honey were transporting the audience into the musical stratosphere. Every song escorted us closer to concert heaven. After “Another Last Time” the band commenced a series of instrumental solos which once again showcased the excellent musicianship of band. Dirty Honey finished with a rampaging “When I’m Gone” and a memorable “Rolling 7’s”.
What a night. One that won’t be replicated any time soon. Mammoth WVH and Dirty Honey absolutely slayed. I’m glad I caught this show (even with my partially collapsed lung). These two artists won’t be performing in such intimate settings like Toads for long. They’re on the way to arenas and music festivals. Everyone who attended should count their blessings and remember this night with fondness.
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To learn more about Dirty Honey, Check out the Website!
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Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud
To learn more about Mammoth WVH, Check out the Website!
Follow on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud
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What a terrific double bill. Sounds like it was a great show, and that’s terrible you’ve got a partial collapsed lung! Hope you’re feeling better Ralph.