Mammoth WVH and Dirty Honey Shake Up The Senate

One of the hottest new hard-rock bands around has got to be Mammoth WVH and when I found out they would be playing just a short drive south of Charlotte at The Senate in Columbia, South Carolina, I knew this was a show I couldn’t miss. It was a one-night-only event as Mammoth was on tour with Guns ‘N Roses at the time and co-headlining the evening would be the one and only Dirty Honey, fresh off their tour with The Black Crowes. Indeed, it seemed an incredible evening was going to go down and I was beyond excited to check it out. Editor’s Note: Since the show, both bands have announced a co-headlining tour coming soon. Details can be found below the article.

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Mammoth WVH was founded by Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of the legendary guitarist, the late Eddie Van Halen. He released the first single “Distance” after his father’s death as a tribute and the song took off. What started as a solo project while Wolfgang was performing with Van Halen and rock band Tremonti has since morphed into a full-blown rock band. The band released their debut album this past summer to much critical acclaim and I was more than eager to see them perform live.

Since this was my first time at The Senate, I arrived early enough to get a feel for the venue and score a parking spot close by. In the heart of downtown Columbia, the venue is a very cool place with a large outdoor patio area and access to a parking deck across the street that could accommodate even a sell-out crowd. Located right behind Tin Roof which not only serves up great food and drinks but also offers live music on certain evenings, it made for a one-stop entertainment spot for the night.

The crowd began to filter in and before I knew it, it was time for the show to begin. The band quietly took their spots on a very dark stage with Wolfgang last holding up his fist. Getting started quickly, the band launched into “Don’t Back Down” and the crowd roared its delight. The band sounded tight with Wolfgang on lead vocals and guitar. Later, he would also take on keyboard duties when the song required it. It was obvious that everyone in the band was an excellent musician and they sounded as if they had been performing together for decades. Along with Wolfie, the touring lineup of Mammoth WVH consists of Frank Sidoris and Jon Jourdan on guitars, Ronnie Ficaro on bass guitar, and Garrett Whitlock on drums.

At first, Wolfie seemed a bit shy and reserved on stage but by the middle of the set, he had opened up, chatting with the crowd and working the fans into a frenzy. When he pointed out the film crew that had been spotted around the crowd, Wolfie announced that they would be shooting some live video that night exciting the fans even more. It was an exhilarating set and by the time it was over, it seemed as though it had just begun. Not to worry though, Mammoth WVH, returned for an encore with the highlight being “Distance,” bringing the entire Senate through emotional highs and lows as we all thought about the loved ones we have personally lost as well as the loss of Eddie Van Halen to the music world. It was most definitely one of those “moments” and one that doesn’t happen at just every show as the love and emotions came pouring out of Wolfgang and washing over all of us. It was an impressive performance and I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of Mammoth WVH in the future.

After a short break, it was time to get down and dirty with Dirty Honey, another hot band to put on your must-see list. Dirty Honey plays rock and roll the way it was meant to be played, loud, bluesy, and dirty and I can’t get enough of them. The band has impressed me since the first time I saw them opening up for Red Sun Rising a few years ago with a cool seventies rock vibe with more than their share of rock and roll swagger. I’m a huge Aerosmith fan from way, way back in the day and these guys hit me the same way. It also helps that they include an awesome cover of “Last Child” in their setlist. Plus, when Dirty Honey takes the stage, you are guaranteed a good time.

When they came out and kicked things off with “Gypsy,” I knew we were in for a great time. This is a band that not only sounds great but has a ton of fun on stage and they show it. Lead vocalist Marc Labelle has a great voice, gritty at times, smooth as silk at others, and loves to play to the crowd, holding out his mic stand and encouraging everyone to get moving and sing along. Guitarist John Notto and bass guitarist Justin Smolian are not only technically great but they are turning into outstanding entertainers, posing with their guitars and hamming it up for the audience. Keeping everyone in check is drummer Corey Coverstone who drives it on home from behind the kit each and every time.

The crowd was singing, dancing, and having a great time as Dirty Honey rocked us, rolled us, and had their way with us. Another thing I love about their set is the inclusion of old-school solos with a guitar solo, bass solo, and drum solo, allowing each musician a time and place to show off their stuff and shine. I wish more bands would go back to this. I know some people don’t care for it and think of it as a great time to get another beer, but I absolutely love this part of a rock show and I hope they never get rid of it. By the end of the set, Dirty Honey had us all “California Dreamin’” and for “Rolling 7’s.”

What more can I say. This was a fantastic night of rock and roll by two phenomenal new bands at a really cool venue. It just doesn’t get any better than that.