The Honey Badgers are a powerhouse blues/soul/funk band from Adelaide, Australia. Driven by a hard-hitting horn section and irresistible grooves, our music is built to move you and make you feel good.
In 2023, we reached the top six of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. Our debut album, Shakin’ — which peaked at #1 on the ABARAC charts — captured our journey from South Australia’s southern vales favourites to an international stage. Recorded over three years, the record carries the spirit of Memphis, where we played on the hallowed ground of Stax Records, Sun Studios, and Beale Street.
Progressing all the way to the Grand Finale at the Memphis Orpheum Theatre, we became only the second Australian band ever to achieve this milestone — joining Melbourne legends Collard, Greens & Gravy. (In 2025, Melbourne act Nardia also reached the finals.)
Over the years, we’ve shared stages with some of Australia’s finest blues artists, including Frank Sultana, Nathan Beretta, Dan Sullivan, Ben Wicks, Adrian “Red” Herbert, and Chris Finnen.
This year is one of our biggest yet — with a new live album released in March 2025 and a highly anticipated second studio album coming later this year, we’re keeping the music rolling and the grooves tight.
🎶 Catch us live, stream our latest release, and join the ride as we bring Adelaide blues to the world.
Awards
Winner 2025 – Adelaide Roots and Blues Association Blues Album of the Year
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