Show: Social Distortion
Date: January 29, 2010
Venue: Hollywood Palladium
City: Hollywood, CA
Social Distortion
Photos by Nicolas Bates
Written by Michelle Oberg
In 1978 a band was born. Since then, 17 members have come and gone, but the final four remain. With 546 shows since 1982, they have 48 more dates in 2011. Epitaph released their most recent album, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes in May 2010 – totaling 7 studio albums, 2 compilations, one live album and two DVDs. But 3 is the number for this story, representing the total sold out shows that took place in Los Angeles. This band is Social Distortion.
Patrons flocked to see the “dysfunctional society” performance which had a stage design reflecting the artist’s views on their band name’s premise; complete with street lights, life-sized, cardboard people and cemetery themes. The two-tiered venue was rendered immobile due to packed fans of all demographics. With that being said, it was surprising at how contained the audience was amidst the crowd surfing and mosh pits.
Emblematic to the band’s native state, they opened with “California Love” by Dr. Dre and 2Pac. The buzz began and with that entered Mike Ness, Jonny Wickersham, Brent Harding, and David Hidalgo Jr. Flashing spotlights from the stage danced to the beat of all the hits, starting with their long instrumental intro leading into “Road Zombie.” Their clear chemistry together as a true, united force relays into their sound to create heavy guitar riffs with raw and aggressive drumming and vocals that would make a child cry.
Continuing with “So Far Away” and “King of Fools” (which Mike Ness expressed to the crowd its original penning had been completed at the Palladium circa 1983), they debuted their first song of the evening off Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes with “I Won’t Run No More.” Viewers shuffled around on the floor holding their fists to the sky. Mike Ness and his counterparts have great energy on stage, gingerly moving amongst each other between jump kicks. Hidalgo appears to use the most energy controlling the bands tempo with the consistently beating of his bass drum. Behind him was the regularly displayed mascot the band has used throughout their career – the all too recognizable dancing skeleton with a cigarette and martini.
As the girls “woo” synchronically to their favorite tunes, guitar solos by Jonny “2 Bags” blows the rest of the less vocalized away. Mike Ness declared his love for “Machine Gun Blues,” calling it his favorite track. We agree the ending is nostalgic to the 80s with heavy drumbeats and trebly guitar riffs that just screams metal over punk. The attraction to Social D comes from their interactive crowd and artistry. A band that plays for their audience is one that is appreciated more than the ones who just play. The direct connection Mike Ness makes with each person he can lay eyes on is ever-present.
As the hits kept coming with songs like “Ball and Chain,” “Sweet and Lowdown” and the encored “Story of My Life,” venue lights turned from the stage to the crowd highlighting their karaoke attempts. With gibber gabber kept to a minimum, Mike Ness talked of the debauchery of ‘the good ol’ days’ and Hollywood as his stomping ground. Their message and delivery of live vocals are uplifting and positive – perfect for the self-contained madness of fans that thankfully remained un-bloody and functional
With the encore lasting 30 minutes, the evening eventually began its final descent. The debut of the new tune “California” with the addition of two “soul sisters” on back-up vocals was beyond words. This night was a memorable finale to their Hollywood performances; also noted as the best of the three by the band. Be sure to check their website, www.socialdistortion.com, for upcoming tour dates. Because punk rock is alive and kicking.