The Honeytones celebrate 40 years of rock 'n' roll

The long-running Grand Rapids band marks four decades with a special anniversary show

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:19am

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The Honeytones, a popular Grand Rapids pop/rock band, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special show at SpeakEZ Lounge on March 27. Formed in 1986 by guitarist Charley Honey and bassist Ron Hovingh, the band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the years but has remained a fixture in the local music scene, playing the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 15 years in a row and hosting numerous Feedback benefit concerts. Despite encountering various challenges and mishaps throughout their 40-year journey, the band continues to create new music and entertain audiences.

Why it matters

The Honeytones' 40-year run as one of the longest continuously operating rock bands in the Grand Rapids area is a testament to their resilience and dedication to their craft. Their longevity and continued involvement in the local music scene highlight the importance of community-based, mission-driven music groups that can withstand the test of time and provide a sense of continuity and tradition for music lovers in the region.

The details

The Honeytones were formed in 1986 by guitarist Charley Honey and bassist Ron Hovingh. Over the years, the band has gone through more than 20 different musicians and singers, but the current lineup includes bassist Matt Fouts and drummer Tom Taylor, who have been with the band longer than any other bandmates. The band has recorded two albums and a goofy studio session preserved on cassette tapes, and they have played the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 15 years in a row, as well as hosting more than two dozen Feedback benefit concerts for charity. The band is now preparing to release a vinyl 45 to commemorate their 40th anniversary, which they will celebrate with a special show at SpeakEZ Lounge on March 27.

  • The Honeytones formed in 1986.
  • The band is celebrating its 40th anniversary on March 27, 2026.
  • The band will head into the studio in April 2026 to record two songs and release a vinyl 45.

The players

The Honeytones

A popular Grand Rapids pop/rock band that has been performing for 40 years.

Charley Honey

One of the founding members of The Honeytones, serving as the band's guitarist.

Ron Hovingh

One of the founding members of The Honeytones, serving as the band's bassist.

Matt Fouts

The current bassist for The Honeytones, who has been with the band longer than any other bandmate.

Tom Taylor

The current drummer for The Honeytones, who has been with the band longer than any other bandmate.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes, the disastrous gigs as a band make the best stories.”

— Charley Honey, Guitarist, The Honeytones

“It felt like we were performing in front of an oil painting.”

— Ron Hovingh, Bassist, The Honeytones

What’s next

The Honeytones will head back into the studio in April 2026 to record two songs and release a vinyl 45 to commemorate their 40th anniversary.

The takeaway

The Honeytones' 40-year journey as one of the longest continuously operating rock bands in the Grand Rapids area is a testament to the power of community-driven, mission-focused music groups that can withstand the test of time and provide a sense of continuity and tradition for local music lovers.