Social Distortion

The band played really hard and tight and Mike sang every song as usual like his life depended on it. Loved the way they opened with, “Road Zombie.” The crowd was extremely energenic with aot of action going on in the pit. It was very refreshing to see the young people crowd surfing and having a good time. Mike mixed up the set list with the usual staple Social D songs and ended the set with the single, “Still Alive” off their new album which is an incredibly powerful tune about survival. They proceeded to play encores rapping the show up with Ring of Fire.

Great show, best one that I have seen for Social Distorn. Best band out there

NO STORY OF MY LIFE..WTF!!!

As usual, Mike & the boss rocked the roof off at Starland Ballroom. Opened with the instrumental Road Zombie and careened right into a raucous version of Bye Bye Baby. Set list also included:
Under My Thumb
Bad Luck
Don’t Drag Me Down
Creeps
Another State of Mind
Mommy’s Little Monster
Reach for the Sky
Ball & Chain
Highway 101
Sometimes I Do
Still Alive
Making Believe
Prison Bound
Nickels & Dimes
Ring of Fire

Great show as always!

Every time I see Mike & the boys they never fail to deliver. The new drummer Dave is a rock solid presence behind the kit, and a great addition. Can’t wait to see them again in November at the Roseladn in NYC.

After going to evry Social D show in the past 20 years (including Mike Ness Solo) This show as every one I’ve seen was no let down by far. Just a great set and a good vibe. Classic Social D! They touched on every album and mixed it up nice. Again…GREAT SHOW!

Sunday Nighters, keeping the weekend going…

This was my tenth Social D show since I started seeing them in 2002, I guess you can say I’m part of the “new school” or at least somewhere in between, nevertheless a faithful follower and appreciative fan of their music and Mike’s career.

I had never been to the Starland Ballroom before, as I usually ventured into NYC to venues like Roseland Ballroom and Irving Plaza to watch Mike and the boys light it up. The November 4th date at Roseland was not announced when I bought my tickets months earlier. I emphatically remember my first Social D show in the city, front row up against the rail, anxiously waiting to see my rock ‘n’ roll hero up close for the first time…and the moment Mike emerged out of the darkness on stage, sporting a five-o’clock shadow and gun-sliggin’ his ‘Orange County’ Les Paul Deluxe around his back with this possessed, rabid, wolf-like grin in his navy Dickies work shirt and half-brim beret. He didn’t say one word before opening up with ‘Ring of Fire’ and setting the place ablaze from there… unforgettable.

Now August 1st, 2010, a Sunday night in blue collar Sayreville, NJ. I think highly of the Starland for bands like Social D. Although the stage could be a little higher, it provided an intimate club scene with the ambiance of a punk rock show, supporting the acoustics with modern technology. Mike was wearing a green t-shirt, with “Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office” emblazoned in cream lettering, supporting the Jersey crowd with a souvenir he most likely picked-up earlier that day at the Englishtown Flea Market. He also mentioned bad eats at a Mexican joint in Red Bank…at least he’s gaining local knowledge.

Highlights from the show included; the opening number, an aggressive, adrenaline-pumping instrumental (minus the infamous warning sirens from previous tours) of ‘Road Zombie’, with Mike’s guitar roaring in a deep, dirty sweet tone as he stared down the crowd of sick boys and girls amongst the Sunday nighters; the second track, ‘Bye Bye Baby’ was a treat off the ‘Somewhere Between’ album with Mike’s compassionate growling coming across very smooth and monitoring the chord progression; I think Danny McGough’s intro on the keys for ‘Under My Thumb’ is the best part of the song – and would love to just single out the piano and hear that version, but the intro was more “electric” than in previous live shows as it was overshadowed by the buzzing guitars; ‘Bad Luck’ was very good and got really quiet when Mike sang the third verse, but I would have loved to see Mike pull out the solo he did with Bruce Springsteen when the E Street band covered it at a show in LA circa April ’09; my first time ever seeing ‘Don’t Drag Me Down’ live was memorable with Mike adding a few more tweaks in that killer solo (I can’t believe they never played that song live in the ten shows I’ve seen); ‘Reach for the Sky’ had a nice, new brief intro that set the tone for the hit track off their latest (yet 6 years old) studio album ‘Sex, Love’; ‘Highway 101’ is one of my all-time favorite Social D songs and did not let down at all – second verse has some great lyrics and the Hammond B-3 provided great texture in the fills; I’ve seen plenty of ‘Still Alive’ videos on YouTube and admire the new song so much more after seeing it performed live – if this song is any indication of the what new album (Mike says coming out in November…won’t hold my breathe on it) will sound like, then I’m even more excited…if that’s even possible.

I was hoping (and expecting) to hear more new material than ‘Still Alive’, but giving that the drummer had just joined weeks prior to the tour, and the new album hasn’t been release nor has a confirmed working title (some say ‘Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes’ others say ‘Pain, Death & Love Lost’), the setlist sufficed. Hopefully ‘Bakersfield’, ‘Can’t Take it With You’, and ‘Diamond In The Rough’ will be played at the November 4th show when they come back around to the NY Metropolitan area again.

All in all, Mike and Social D played a tight set and covered most of their material and albums, if not predictable at times, with the standards appearing in the meat of the setlist. The absence of ‘Story of my Life’ was tough to take and I would have really liked to have seen ‘Footprints on my Ceiling’ in the encore. Anyone call tell that they’re extremely focused and very much in synch with what they’re playing. The band has grown dramatically in quality and complexity of their musical arrangements from the now ten-year relationship between Mike & Johnny 2 Bags and addition of Danny McGough’s vintage Hammond B-3.

I guess I’ll have to go to one of the shows during their December run in Orange County to hear more of the “rare” tracks performed live…because I have seen them pop-up on youtube. One day, I’m sure I’ll see them play ‘Dear Lover’, ‘So Far Away’ & ‘Born to Lose’ live.

…and I did make it into work on Monday…dragging, but made it.

Social D never disapoints, they were incredible as always. The Ballroom is an awesome place for any show. The set was tight and an excellent combo of new and old. Looking forward to the new album.

It was also fantastic to see so many old fans with their kids now new social d fans, at least these kids are getting a chance to see and hear real musicians practicing their craft. My own son is now even further commited to his guitar and his band, Thanks Mike!!!!!!! Keep Rocking.

Action Design was a good opener – absolutely loved her voice. Dan Sartain was just different -not bad just different. Went to see Social D. The show was great but with a NEW cd coming out in the fall, it would have been nice for a little taste from the new cd. I guess the fall tour will showcase the new music. Mike and the boys did not disappoint – great show. Saw them last October with my son and this time my daughter. Maybe in the fall my wife will be a Sick Girl for the evening. See them if you get a chance – Social D LIVE is the best.

I have seen Social d at least 20 times I took my 2 boys to the show Sunday night. Not only was the playlist fantastic but he sounds better as he gets older, I am very happy to see Mike finally get some recognition as the unbelievable artist he truly is, my kids were floored plus I got a big kick out of seeing my 15 year old surf the crowd at a show I have been going to for 20 years.

Just amazing!

Starland Ballroom was ROCKING again! Show Sunday night was fantastic! Ness and the guys blew the doors off! Saw them last time for the 2nd @ Starland and the quality was just as good! Sold out show w/ stoked fans made the experience so awesome. 1st time my wife went w/ me and she had a great time as well. All the classics, I think 1 new song and it sounded perfect from the first string plunk! SD is just too good for everyone else!

Great set list. New drummer was solid. The new song “Still Alive” has me stoked for the new record. Where did Mike get the Passaic County Prosecuters Office shirt? I lived in that County for almost 9 years. Very cool. Outstanding show as always. My second boy is due this November. He kicked my wife the whole show!! Guess that’s why were naming him Cash Michael after two of my musical heroes. Thanks gentlemen. You never disappoint.

Mike and the boys never disappoint,the show was spectacular. The set include a solid mix of their collection and it proved to be a good time for all. I brought my 13 yo son, an aspiring rock guitarist, and he is now a fan of Social D. After the show he told me he’s reaching for the sky. Thanx guys for an all around awesome time and some first class motivation. LAter

Social D keeps getting better with age. I saw them the first time in 1988 at City Gardens in Trenton where I was lucky enough to meet and hang out with Mike and Dennis(RIP) before the show. I was a 21 yr old punk then and now a 43 yr old punk who most enjoyed hearing The Creeps, Another State Of Mind, and Mommy’s Little Monster back to back to back. The begining was cool as always as the anticipation of what I knew would be a great show was starting. Who was that dude that sat behind the drum kit? Did anyone else think that was Charlie’s son? Mike wearing a Passaic County Corrections shirt was awesome. Hey Mike, did you get that from the guys in ASOM? Opening up with an instumental and then going into Bye Bye Baby was cool. Haven’t heard that song in awhile. Hearing that plus Bad Luck, Making Believe, and Sometimes I Do from Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell was awesome. Under My Thumb, Prison Bound, Ball And Chain, Ring Of Fire, Sick Boys, Don’t Drag Me Down, Highway 101, Reach For The Sky, Nickels And Dimes, and Still Alive(great song, love the lyrics that I could make out, I predict this song will be SD’s biggest radio hit ever)were also played and obviously played great by the boys. My only complaint is always the same complaint. You guys never play long enough. I guess I am a long time fan who just can’t get enough of the GREATEST ROCK AND ROLL BAND IN THE WORLD!(Sorry Supersuckers). Anyone else dying to hear 1945, Mass Hysteria, Telling Them, Hour Of Darkness,Backstreet Girl, On My Nerves, I Want What I Want, Lost Child, So Far Away, Let It Be Me, Story Of My Life, I Coulda Been Me, She’s A Knockout, A Place In My Heart, Cold Feelings, King Of Fools, I Was Wrong, When The Angels Sing, Through These Eyes, Don’t Take Me For Granted, Footprints On My Ceiling, Faithless, Live Before You Die, Angels Wings, Far Behind, etc., etc? Damn, I guess that would be about a five hr set! When I win the lottery I’ll pay you guys a million to play all those. Until then, keep rockin’ and I’ll see you in Atlantic City in October. SOCIAL DISTORTION RULE!

Mike, Johnny, thank you for signing my arm!!! I’m getting your ink done permanently this week! As always, outstanding show at the Starland!!!

The new drummer is no Atom, yet still totally respectable to be on stage with y’all!!! Cant wait to see you in Lancaster again tomorrow night!!!!

Long live Social D!!!!

The show was incredible. There was a great set list and an awesome energy from the crowd.

the show was great as always a mix of old, middle and new. best band out there

CHECK OUT THIS STORY POSTED ON 1019RXP.COM IN NYC:
(copy and paste the url if it won’t hyperlink)

EARTHQUAKE HITS STARLAND BALLROOM. SOCIAL D REGISTERS 8.8 ON RICHTER SCALE… Posted 8/2/2010 5:08:00 PM

“Some people go to church on Sundays/Some people go to see Social D!”

For the full story, go to:
http://www.1019rxp.com/blog/chris/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10129231

As always Mike ness and the boys put on an amazing show

SHOW WAS GREAT!!! EXCEPT THE USUALLY JERSEY JERK OFFS!! SEE YOU IN THE NYC!!!!!!

Social Distortion was great as usual. Social D, is punk rocks version of the Rolling Stones. If you have never seen Social Distortion live, do yourself a favor and go…they are a well oiled machine. David Hidalgo Jr., is a great fit on drums…he hits hard and is the best sounding drummer with the band since Chuck Biscuits. That is no disrespect to Charlie Q. who I love. Looking forward to seeing them atleast two more times this year, as they play in and around the New Jersey area.

F’n awsome show! and a great set and encore. Been there a bunch of times since ’90, and every show leaves me bruised and grinning. This old dog just takes a bit longer to recover now. Thanks again Mike. See you guys in October.

As I’ve gotten older and gained a few more responsibilities, I have to be a little more selective of the shows that I attend. Seeing Social Distortion live was one of those shows that I couldn’t miss. I had never been to the Starland before, so I was excited to check out a new venue that is relatively close to home for me. The Starland really impressed me. The staff was very professional and I saw no bad attitudes. Parking was a breeze as was accessability. The first opening act featured a female singer. From the beginning, they really didn’t fit the Social Distortion style of Punk/Rockabilly, but they really seemed to win over the crowd. The next opening act was more Rockabilly so things were off to a nice start. Finally at around 10:00, Social D hit the stage to Road Zombie. Their setlist was fantastic with ALMOST all of the hits. Mike only presented one new song, which was pretty catchy. As they closed with Ring of FIre, we were all left with one question…Why didn’t they play Story of My Life???? As a devoted fan, I left satisified with the venue and the performances. I hope to see them again at HOB in October.

I’m writing this review from work on Monday morning after only 4 hours sleep. I had to drive home from Sayreville to PA after the show but I’m not complaining one bit. Social D. was in fine form. I last saw them in 2005 and they were as good if not better last night. I can’t think of a favorite song they did not do, including Sick Boy, Mommy’s Little Monster, Bad Luck, Ball and Chain, Ring of Fire and many more! The mosh pit and crowd surfing were in full swing. I brought my 14 year old son (first concert) and his buddy and they were in awe of Mike Ness’s stage presence. Ness is truly a rock god!! Do yourself a favor and see these guys!!!!

ONCE AGAIN MIKE N DA BOYS WERE GREAT…GOTTA FUCKING LOVE PRISON BOUND N NICKELS N DIMES 4 THE ENCORE…ONE DAY MAN GOTTA CATH THEM OUT IN SOCAL