Last Child

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Last Child" by Dirty Honey from their album Can't Find the Brakes. This track, a cover of Aerosmith’s 1976 classic, was performed by Dirty Honey’s frontman Marc LaBelle during a January 2020 show at Nashville’s Basement East, where he donned a vintage Aerosmith T-shirt, leaning into the band’s unapologetic love for their influences. According to a Rolling Stone feature, La Belle’s performance was a nod to the song’s raw, bluesy energy, embodying Dirty Honey’s mission to revive classic rock with a modern edge. The band’s choice to cover "Last Child" showcases their knack for blending reverence for rock’s past with their own gritty flair, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vibe.

Digging into the trivia, "Last Child" isn’t just a cover for Dirty Honey—it’s a statement. In a 2023 interview with The Big Takeover, guitarist John Notto explained that the band selects covers that resonate with their identity, and Aerosmith’s influence looms large. The song’s inclusion on Can’t Find the Brakes was a deliberate move to bridge their high-energy rockers with slower, soulful moments, as Notto noted the album’s ballads faced pushback but were defended by citing Aerosmith’s Get a Grip as proof that ballads can be hits. Fans on Dirty Honey’s Facebook have echoed this, with posts praising the cover for capturing the “sleazy, swaggering vibe” of the original while adding La Belle’s distinctive vocal growl. The Zoo Crew likely picked this track for its ability to get Zoo Freaks moving, with its infectious riffs and La Belle’s larger-than-life delivery.

Now, let’s rewind to how Dirty Honey got their start. Formed in Los Angeles in 2017, the band—Marc La Belle (vocals), John Notto (guitar), Justin Smolian (bass), and Jaydon Bean (drums)—came together with a shared obsession for classic rock. According to their Wikipedia bio, Notto, a Maine native, moved to LA dreaming of emulating Guns N’ Roses. He met La Belle, a New Yorker, at a Santa Monica bar where La Belle was gigging with his cover band, Ground Zero. Notto joined the group, which mixed originals and covers, but the duo soon broke off to form their own project. Smolian, a bassist from Ground Zero, came on board, and after struggling to find a drummer, they recruited Corey Coverstone (later replaced by Jaydon Bean). La Belle coined the name “Dirty Honey” after hearing Robert Plant mention The Honeydrippers on a Howard Stern interview, thinking it had a gritty, rock ‘n’ roll edge.

The band hit the ground running, self-releasing their debut EP in March 2019. Their single “When I’m Gone” made history as the first by an unsigned band to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart, a feat celebrated in posts on Dirty Honey’s X account. Managed by industry veteran Mark DiDia, they landed opening slots for Slash and The Who, building a fanbase that’s still buzzing on platforms like Instagram. Their grassroots approach—eschewing major labels for independence—has resonated with fans, as seen in comments on the Dirty Honey Fan Club Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing tour stories and vinyl hauls. For more fan-driven content, check out Rock & Blues Muse, a site covering Dirty Honey’s latest releases and live shows.

Stay connected with Dirty Honey through their Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and new music. The Dirty Honey Fan Club on Facebook is a great spot for Zookins to join the conversation, swap setlists, and keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive. So, crank up “Last Child,” let the Zoo Crew guide your vibe, and keep it dirty, Zoo Freaks!