Social Distortion Rock SoCal

Photos and words by Alex Matthews

Southern California punk rock legends Social Distortion brought their unique brand of vintage rock and roll to the Observatory North Park in San Diego for a thrilling run of six shows on December 5th and 6th, 2022 and January 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th, 2023.  Due to an illness, two of the band's original four shows in November had to be rescheduled, and due to popular demand the band ended up playing a six show run in San Diego across the end of 2022 and the beginning of the 2023 new year.  Every single night of the tour in San Diego was a sell out, with tons of loyal fans eagerly packing the Observatory to the rafters each night.

Social D's lineup for these San Diego shows included founding lead guitarist/vocalist Mike Ness, bassist Brent Harding, drummer David Hidalgo Jr., touring keyboardist David Kalsih, and filling in for original member Jonny "Two Bags" Wickersham was talented replacement guitarist Josh Jové (Eagles of Death Metal).  The band seemed totally in step with each other, with both guitarists trading solos back and forth, powered by a driving rhythm section and Ness's signature growling vocals.  Despite turning sixty this year the enigmatic frontman seems as ferocious as ever, stalking the stage and commanding the audience every night.  Social Distortion played dozens of songs throughout their six nights in San Diego including some rarities like "Ghost Town Blues," "When The Angels Sing," and the band's very first single from 1981 "Playpen."  They of course included all of their fan favorite singles as well with "Ball and Chain," "Ring of Fire," and "Story of My Life" garnering huge singalongs from the entire crowd each night.

Another highlight of the band's performances was the debut of several new tracks from a forthcoming album teased by Ness. New songs like "Over You" and "Tonight" featured catchy riffs and choruses with aggressive punk guitars.  The band's new music is heavily inspired by the beginnings of punk music from 1976-1979 including bands like the New York Dolls, Iggy Pop, and The Ramones.

For his part Mike Ness seemed to genuinely enjoy his time performing in San Diego.  He spoke frequently about loving the weeklong residency, giving him a chance to find a favorite coffee shop, record store, and breakfast spot without immediately leaving for his next concert in a new city.  San Diego's Social D fans were happy as well to have so many chances to see the band in a fantastic venue, performing some truly unique and memorable shows to start off the new year.