Returning to Ace of Spades in Sacramento, California, Dirty Honey delivered a high-energy performance that invigorated the crowd like an end of summer storm. The intimate venue amplified the raw power of the band’s sound, making their special guest performance for The Struts’ sold-out show feel like a personal jam session between the band and their loyal audience. The setlist balanced crowd favorites with fresh tracks, proving once again why Dirty Honey continues to leave a lasting impression whenever they hit the stage.
Taking to the spotlight with their signature blend of bluesy hard rock riffs and raspy vocals, the band had fans on their feet. Feral and chaotically fun energy emitted from each band member. Zooming into pit photographers, there was not a lens in the house that wasn’t fed by lead vocalist Marc LaBelle’s mischievous charm. Opening with “Gypsy” and “California Dreamin’” from their 2021 album Dirty Honey, concertgoers were starry-eyed, their energy palpable throughout the venue. Marc dedicated their 2019 EP Heartbreaker to the beautiful women in the audience, infusing the music with a playful and seductive vibe that captivated the crowd. Lead guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Jaydon Bean kicked things into high gear with the song’s intro as each instrument blended seamlessly to highlight Marc’s alluring vocalization.
Concertgoers settled in as the band got up close and personal, performing a new track titled “Too Good at Being Bad.” This fresh song, with its chuggy and upbeat intro, was warmly welcomed by the audience. Toasted sunset orange and bejeweled like lighting danced through the band as they moved back and forth, gradually building the energy. As the quartet transitioned to “When I’m Gone,” recently featured in the box office success A Minecraft Movie, the audience erupted, raising their festive libations in the air. Marc connected with adoring fans, excitedly stepping into the sea of concertgoers. His portal like appearance seamless, as he entered the glimmering gateway from the stage to the venue floor. Proceeding to deliver his honey infused signature style, he later leaped on to the bar top as the band wrapped up their set with “Rolling 7s,” from their 2019 EP. Balancing the dusk hued mic stand above the audience, fans sang along to each lyric. The lasting guitar notes of the song’s outro rang against the venue walls, while the band invited concertgoers to meet them after the show. Truly setting the tone for the eagerly anticipated UK headliner. There’s no denying that this increasingly popular rock band will continue to shine brightly, like a star at first night.
As the last rays of day gave way to the sounds of a summer night, The Struts’ astounding set left fans seeing mirrored disco sparkle. Streams of glittered purple and gold was the headliner’s imagined aura that evening, cascading onto the streets of downtown Sacramento. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their debut album Everybody Wants The Struts, the band had the audience jumping, with hands raised to the sky, as they lively performed popular hits “Could Have Been Me” from their 2016 album Everybody Wants The Struts and “Primadonna Like Me” from their 2018 album Young&Dangerous. Concertgoers, who came for a taste of honey, left with a gold dusted strut. Lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies did not disappoint to li-li-light ‘em’ up as the rhythmic clapping of the audience echoed through the exuberantly joyous evening.
Join the celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Everybody Wants The Struts, with special guest Dirty Honey, as The Struts 2025 Northern American tour comes to a city near you: the struts.com / dirtyhoney.com
Words and photos by Andrea Garman
