Black n' Blue

The song "Black n' Blue" by Dirty Penny from their debut album Take It Sleezy is a standout track that captures the raw, rebellious spirit of sleaze rock. In a 2007 interview with Sleaze Roxx, lead singer Binge Daniels described the song as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the band's wild lifestyle, with lyrics like "Just saddle up, get on top, and love me black 'n' blue" reflecting their unapologetic, party-driven ethos. The track’s bluesy undertones and harmonica infusion were a bold departure from the album’s heavier glam metal sound, which some reviewers, like Metal Express Radio, noted didn’t quite mesh with the band’s typical high-energy vibe but still showcased their versatility. A fun piece of trivia from a MySpace post by the band in 2008 revealed that the song was almost cut from the album due to its slower tempo, but guitarist Jonny Prynce insisted it stay, arguing it added a gritty, "bar fight" vibe to the record. Fans on the Gleeze Fans Facebook group have since praised the track for its sing-along chorus, with some sharing stories of blasting it during late-night road trips, embodying the Zoo Freaks’ free-spirited vibe.

Dirty Penny got their start in Santa Cruz, California, as a Poison cover band called Antidote, playing local bars and soaking up the influence of ‘80s glam metal giants like Mötley Crüe, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses. According to their bio on Last.fm, the band—consisting of Binge Daniels (vocals), Jonny Prynce (guitar), Tyno Vincent (bass), and Spanky Savage (drums)—decided to write original music after gaining a loyal local following. They adopted pseudonyms to embrace the theatrical flair of their influences, and by 2007, they released Take It Sleezy, produced by Johnny Lima at Suspect Studios in San Jose. The album’s raw, unpolished sound was a deliberate choice, as the band wanted to capture the gritty energy of their live shows. Their early gigs were chaotic, with Daniels once recalling in a Hard Rock Hideout interview that a show ended with the band dodging beer bottles thrown by an overzealous crowd, a moment that inspired their no-holds-barred approach to performing.

Fans can connect with Dirty Penny through their official MySpace page, which remains a nostalgic hub for their music and updates from their active years. Their Facebook page offers glimpses into their past tours and fan interactions, though it’s less active today. On Instagram, the hashtag #dirtypenny showcases fan posts and throwback photos, as the band doesn’t maintain an official account. Similarly, on X, searching for Dirty Penny yields fan discussions and occasional reposts of their music videos, like “Scream & Shout.” For Zoo Freaks looking to join fan communities, the Gleeze Fans Facebook group is a lively space where Dirty Penny’s music is celebrated alongside other sleaze rock bands, with members sharing rare live footage and album reviews. While no official website exists, CD Baby serves as a reliable platform for purchasing their music, keeping the band’s legacy alive for new and longtime fans.