When I’m Gone

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious riffs of When I’m Gone by Dirty Honey, a track from their self-titled debut EP that sent shockwaves through the rock world. This bluesy, high-energy song became a historic milestone, rocketing to #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart in 2019, making Dirty Honey the first unsigned band to achieve this feat. The song’s raw power and catchy hooks, as noted by CGCM Rock Radio, evoke the swagger of classic rock with a modern edge, drawing comparisons to the Black Crowes’ early days. Its success wasn’t just chart-driven; it caught the ear of industry veteran Mark DiDia, who became their manager after hearing the track, quickly arranging opening slots for Slash in 2018 and 2019. A recent live rendition of When I’m Gone is featured on Dirty Honey’s upcoming Mayhem and Revelry live album, recorded during their 2023-24 Can’t Find the Brakes World Tour, capturing the band’s explosive stage energy for Zoo Freaks to vibe with.

Behind the song’s creation lies a story of serendipity and hustle. According to a Rolling Stone interview, the band traveled to Australia to record their debut EP with producer Nick DiDia, and just eight hours after its self-release in March 2019, friends and family were buzzing about hearing When I’m Gone on the radio. The track’s gritty, anthemic vibe also earned praise on X, where a 2019 post from TSNBobMcKenzie described Dirty Honey’s sound as “Zeppelin meets AC/DC in Aerosmith’s driveway,” perfectly encapsulating its retro-rock allure. The song’s universal appeal has even crossed into unexpected realms, with a special version featured in A Minecraft Movie, as noted on Apple Music, showcasing its versatility beyond the airwaves of THE ZOO.

Dirty Honey’s origin story is one of grit and ambition, rooted in Los Angeles’ vibrant music scene. Formed in 2017, the band—vocalist Marc LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Jaydon Bean (who replaced Corey Coverstone)—came together with a shared dream of reviving the raw energy of 70s and 80s rock. As detailed on Wikipedia, Not Eliminating the need for a drummer, the band faced challenges until Smolian recruited Coverstone, who eagerly joined. The name “Dirty Honey” was inspired by Marc La Belle’s love for a Robert Plant interview mentioning The Honeydrippers, which he thought sounded like a gritty, rock-and-roll moniker.

The band’s journey began when Notto, a Maine native with aspirations to emulate Guns N’ Roses, met La Belle at a Santa Monica bar where La Belle was performing covers with his group Ground Zero. Notto joined the band, and together with Smolian, they crafted a mix of originals and covers. Their chemistry was undeniable, and with Coverstone’s addition, Dirty Honey was born, ready to bring their bluesy, soulful sound to the world. Fans can connect with the band on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and new releases. Zoo Freaks can also join the Dirty Honey Fan Club on Facebook to trade stories, share concert photos, and celebrate the band’s rise with fellow rock enthusiasts.