A band forged in Adelaide Australia, The Honey Badgers feature an incredible line up playing mainly original music that makes people feel good. Rooted in the blues with sprinkles of soul and funk, this band made the top six at the International Blues Challenge in the USA in 2023.
The debut album, Shakin’ (peaked at #1 on the ABARAC charts) was recorded over a three year period and showcases the band’s development from SA southern vales favorites to an international level powerhouse that wowed the judges in the home of Stax Records, Sun Studios and the hallowed ground of the Beale Street clubs.
Progressing all the way to the Grand Finale at the Orpheum Theatre, this band did what only one other Australian band in the history of the IBC challenge, the legendary “Collard, Greens and Gravy”from Melbourne, had achieved at that time. (In 2025, the band Nardia also made the IBC final.)
The Honey Badgers have shared stages with nationally acclaimed blues artists including Frank Sultana, Nathan Beretta, Dan Sullivan, Ben Wicks, Adrian “Red” Herbert, Chris Finnen and more. With a new live Album released in March 2025 and a hotly awaited second studio album in late 2025, we are keeping busy this year!
Awards
Winner 2024 – SA Music Awards Most Popular Blues and Roots Artist
Winner 2024 – Adelaide Roots and Blues Association Blues Album of the Year
Grand Finalist (top 6) – 2023 International Blues Challenge – Memphis, TN, USA
Winners – 2022 Adelaide Roots and Blues Association – Memphis Blues Challenge
Finalist – 2019 Adelaide Roots and Blues Association – Memphis Blues Challenge
“Truly an enjoyable experience, could listen to them all night long, wow!”
“Blistering guitar work good lyrical content, rhythm section drove it as it should“
“Great ensemble sound, smart transitions and arrangements that swing hard, good variety tight rhythm section, harmonica solos were a nice surprise“
– Judges feedback, 2023 International Blues Challenge
Festivals and Other Appearances
Way Out West Roots and Blues Music Club – 2025
Echuca & Moama Winter Blues Festival – 2024
Blues in the Vines 2024
Adelaide Blues Festival, Wonderland Spiegeltent – 2024
Port Noarlunga Blues Festival – 2019, 21,23, 24
(also performed as Frank Sultana’s backing band)
Tour Down Under Fringe Festival – 2020
Prospect Twilight Sessions – 2023, 24
Concerts in the Park – 2022, 2024