The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

Bobby Mahoney releases "Smoke and Drive"

Backed with Social Distortion Cover "Machine Gun Blues"

originally published: 11/22/2025

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Bobby Mahoney returns with a new single, "Smoke and Drive," paired with a cover of Social Distortion's "Machine Gun Blues." The release finds the Asbury Park songwriter and his band channeling nostalgia, grit, and heart through a rock-and-roll lens that's both timeless and unmistakably Jersey.

“‘Smoke and Drive’ was the title of a demo recording that [producer/songwriter] Matty Carlock sent me last year,” says Mahoney. “It was drums and guitars, and he had me write a melody and lyrics to the track. The song just screamed nostalgia to me — driving around with friends in high school or college on highways and single-lane back roads. We had a great time ironing the song and production out with Matty and with Geoff Sanoff in NYC. Mark Masefield (Dave Hause, Will Hoge, Outside The Box) plays keys on the track and adds a beautiful dimension. We hope it reminds you of that time when…”

On the B-side, Mahoney and his band tackle Social Distortion’s “Machine Gun Blues,” a fan-favorite live cover that finally found its way into the studio.

“We love Social Distortion and have had fun covering ‘Machine Gun Blues’ live for a few years now,” Mahoney explains. “I think I first saw them play it on Conan a few years ago. It felt like the right time to ‘pull the trigger’ on it, along with ‘Smoke and Drive.’ Shout out to Social D!”

The recordings feature Mahoney’s core lineup — James McIntosh (drums), Andrew Saul (guitars, backing vocals), Jon Chang-Soon (bass, backing vocals), and Mark Masefield (keys) — with Matty Carlock and Geoff Sanoff contributing backing vocals. Mahoney adds, “Brian Legentil (LKFCT) is our new live bass player and will be on the rest of the record. Nothing but love for Jon Chang-Soon (JC Soon).”




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



Carlock, who co-produced the single, is a New Jersey native working between LA and NYC with artists across pop, hip-hop, punk, and hardcore. Masefield, whose keys can also be heard on both new tracks, is a veteran player known for his work with Dave Hause, Will Hoge, and Outside The Box.

A fixture in the Asbury Park, NJ music scene, Bobby Mahoney has made a name for himself with high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting. He’s shared stages with Frank Turner, Against Me!, Steve Earle, and Dave Hause, opened for Bon Jovi, and even jammed with Bruce Springsteen during multiple Light of Day Music Festivals, benefiting Parkinson’s, ALS, and PSP research. This past summer, Mahoney wrapped a solo acoustic European tour, bringing his Jersey-bred storytelling overseas for the second time.

Upcoming shows:

11.23 @jacksmusicshop Red Bank, NJ *solo

12.6 @thevogelnj @the_real_labamba Holiday Party




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Cassville Lights" by Jackson Pines

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Cassville Lights," the latest single from Jackson Pines' forthcoming album, "Wheel."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/4/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 2-8, 2025




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Big Trucks Win" by Chris Vincent





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.


Wicked Cool Records releases "It's A Wicked Cool Christmas" - All-star Holiday Compilation




Sean Marshall Returns to his Roots with "Golden" - His Fourth Studio Album




Blue Hawk Records to Release 26th Compilation




WXPN Counts Down The 885 Greatest Cover Songs As Voted By Thousands of Listeners






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.


Irish Trio Socks in the Frying Pan Plays Holiday Concert at Roy’s Hall on December 12




The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Michael Gabriele and Spook Handy on December 12th




The Landis Theater presents Mysterious Ways - The U2 Christmas Experience






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2025 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates