Formed in 1978 out of Orange County, California, Social Distortion has endured the ups and downs of rock and roll life. Struggling through drug problems, jail time and a revolving door of band members, Mike Ness and Dennis Danell remained the only constant through the 80’s and 90’s. Ness’ other-side-of-the-tracks lyrics along with Danell’s power-chord guitar playing carved out a niche in the rising punk movement. As their popularity grew, Social D suffered a huge loss. In 2000, Danell died from an apparent brain aneurysm.

The band all but crumbled until late 2001 when Mike joined up with Jonny Wickersham. After the release of their sixth studio album, Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll, they reclaimed their popularity and have been going strong since.

Ness and the boys kicked off their most recent tour at the HoB on Friday for the first of a three-night stint. Along with them were opening bands Blackpool Lights and The Supersuckers. The combination brought a good mix of a rockabilly and punk crowd. Pomade and tattoos as far as the eye could see. Kick started by the openers, Social D took the stage around 9:30. Everyone jumped right in with Mike to sing all of the old favorites like “Mommy’s Little Monster”, “Sick Boy and Bad Luck". Closing out the night with an encore of “Story of My Life” and of course the Johnny Cash masterpiece, “Ring of Fire”.

I have to say that I have seen these guys play many times and every time I leave with a great feeling of nostalgia and excitement. Looking around at the crowd I could tell that I was not alone in this feeling. The energy flowed in the room from the younglings just discovering the band to the old guys breaking out their leathers from back in the day. I can assure you that as long as Mike Ness puts on the eyeliner and slings the Les Paul around his neck, Social Distortion will continue to rock for years to come.

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