Rock 'n' Roll Heart with a Storyteller’s Soul Dion Palumbo’s musical odyssey spans continents, decades, and genres, with a spirit rooted in rock ‘n’ roll and a passion for storytelling. After cutting his teeth in Perth with 1st band "Lunacy", his journey began in Sydney with the band “Wizard” at Hard Rock Sydney, where he ignited the stage with a mix of raw energy and sharp musicianship. In 2003, he traded Australian shores for the UK, diving into the beating heart of Liverpool and Manchester’s music scenes, creating a working band in every port. Over twelve years in London, Palumbo fronted his own contemporary rock project, collaborating with acclaimed artists like British Bangladeshi folk star Shapla Salique and immersing himself in London’s fierce creative pulse. In 2009, Palumbo pursued production and arranging at LCCM in London, sparking the formation of “Palumbo and the Funk”—a nine-piece ensemble that brought his rock vision to life with horns, backing vocals, and infectious energy. Their releases, Rock the Funk and All The Rage We Are, brought his signature sound to global airwaves and critical acclaim. By 2017, Palumbo distilled his band into a tighter five-piece, embracing a raw, rock ‘n’ roll essence. His latest album, Tales From the Big Smoke, captures the spirit of the COVID lockdowns in London, with production from Simon Willey (Bryan Ferry’s engineer) layering grit and heart into each track.
Palumbo’s sound, which he calls “New School based on the Old School,” is a tribute to the rock legends that inspire him—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and countless classic rock icons who define his gritty yet soulful approach to music. His music has been featured on BBC Introducing, and his singles have received global airplay and praise. Now based in the Blue Mountains of Australia, he continues to bring his full-band punch and stripped-back acoustic sets to audiences, whether it’s with his blues harp, stompbox, and acoustic guitar or leading his band with pure spirited energy.
Singles like “Sweetie Song” and “Winners Grinners,” recorded in London and Berlin, reflect his journey and musical evolution, culminating in the launch of his album at The Joan in Penrith in 2023. Off the stage, Palumbo shares his passion through therapeutic music workshops, connecting with individuals facing life’s tougher challenges. With an evolving discography, a rock ‘n’ roll heart, and an unflagging commitment to connecting through song, Dion Palumbo is an artist who invites you along for the ride, leaving his mark on every stage and every story he tells.
PRESS QUOTES
- “A musical powerhouse” - Gary Crowley BBC Introducing
**"Palumbo" knows how to entertain a crowd, pumping out original songs full of old skool influenced soul grooves with hints of reggae and rock . An added treat with this band is a real horn section" - Discovery Talent (OFFICIAL)
*** Dion Palumbo will be Ross M Fear’s studio guest on Alive 90.5 fm Australian Spectrum Show 9 pm Tuesday 17 January previewing his soon to be released, in Australia & the UK, his new single and album.
"Dion Palumbo is a singer, song writer and guitarist originally from Perth, then Sydney and now based in London, UK, performing around the English and European music scene with visits back home in Australia for some select performances. He has performed with his mother, Ann Palumbo’s groups Urban Excentrics and RAPT as well with various rock groups including Wizard. Dion is Winner of the 'Jazz/Funk/Fusion EP' section at the 13th Independent Music Awards (THE IMAS) 2014.
Dion will be performing live on radio as well we will feature tracks from his new album and past releases." ***
**** Winner of the “Jazz / Fusion EP” section of the 13th Independent Music Awards with debut EP “ROCK THE FUNK” (2014) ****
Andy Cavendish (Promoter - An Alternative Gathering)
Got to know Dion about 5 years ago, so I put on a funk night at T.Chances and invited them to play, they were still known as Palumbo and the Funk at the time. The evening was pretty quiet and then out of nowhere about 50 - 60 people turned up to see them, a full 9-piece with horns and backing singers, they put on the most amazing set. They've now slimmed down and have moved towards more classic rock but still keep a funky undertone. This is my favourite song of theirs, an absolute classic in my opinion that somehow takes me back to mid-70s New York, have a listen. SINGLE FROM "ALL THE RAGE WE ARE" GET IT RIGHT - PALUMBO