Social Distortion
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Band Timeline
1978
Formation of Social Distortion in Fullerton, California
Social Distortion was formed in 1978 by Mike Ness in Fullerton, California. The band emerged from the Orange County hardcore punk scene along with bands like Agent Orange and the Adolescents. Early lineup changes included Casey Royer on drums and Rikk Agnew on bass. The band name was inspired by Royer's distortion pedal. Their early sound was raw punk, influenced by the Sex Pistols and Rolling Stones, with Ness as the lead guitarist and remaining a constant member throughout the band's history.
1981
Release of First Single 'Mainliner' / Early Lineup Changes
In 1981, Social Distortion released their first single, 'Mainliner' b/w 'Playpen', marking their initial step into recorded music. At this time, the lineup featured Mike Ness on guitar and vocals, Dennis Danell on bass, and a drummer known as Carrot. Shortly afterward, Dennis Danell switched to guitar, a significant adjustment that led to other early members departing. This period was marked by instability but laid the foundation for the band's evolving sound.
1983
Debut Studio Album 'Mommy's Little Monster' Released
Social Distortion released their first full-length studio album titled 'Mommy's Little Monster' in 1983. This album captured the band's hardcore punk roots and was influential within the Southern California punk scene. It helped establish their reputation but the band faced challenges including internal struggles and limited mainstream success at this early stage.
Mid-1980s
Hiatus Due to Mike Ness's Drug Addiction and Legal Troubles
In the mid-1980s, Social Distortion went on a temporary hiatus as Mike Ness dealt with drug addiction and legal problems that resulted in extended stays in rehabilitation centers. This period was crucial for Ness's personal recovery and marked a turning point for the band. The hiatus delayed further releases and impacted the band's momentum but set the stage for their later transformation.
1988
Release of Second Album 'Prison Bound' and Style Evolution
After reforming, Social Distortion released 'Prison Bound' in 1988, their second full-length album. This album demonstrated a shift away from pure hardcore punk into a blend incorporating country, blues, and early rock and roll influences. This stylistic change broadened their appeal and gained critical praise, attracting attention from major record labels and paving the way for a larger audience.
1989
Signing with Major Label Epic Records
Social Distortion signed a major three-album contract with Epic Records in 1989. This was a key milestone providing greater resources and distribution for the band. With Epic's support, Social Distortion prepared for their major breakthrough period, setting the stage for widespread commercial success and more polished, accessible recordings while maintaining their punk roots.
1990
Breakthrough with Self-Titled Album 'Social Distortion'
The band's 1990 self-titled third album marked their rise to fame. It produced well-known singles such as 'Ball and Chain', 'Story of My Life', and a cover of Johnny Cash's 'Ring of Fire'. The album was certified gold by the RIAA and became crucial in expanding their fanbase. This era affirmed their status as enduring figures in punk rock, blending punk energy with melodic rock and roots influences, leading to their broader recognition.
1992
Release of Fourth Album 'Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell'
In 1992, Social Distortion released 'Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell', their fourth studio album. It reached number 76 on the Billboard 200 charts and featured their highest charting single 'Bad Luck', which peaked at number 2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. This album reinforced the band's commercial viability and critical acclaim, highlighting their matured sound that combined punk, rock and country elements distinctively.
1996
Release of 'White Light, White Heat, White Trash' and Chart Success
The 1996 album 'White Light, White Heat, White Trash' marked Social Distortion's highest position on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 27. The album produced the band's only Billboard Hot 100 single 'I Was Wrong'. This period solidified their reputation as veteran punk veterans with mainstream crossover appeal. Shortly after, Social Distortion parted ways with Epic Records and focused on independent labels.
2000
Death of Guitarist Dennis Danell and Lineup Changes
On February 29, 2000, longtime guitarist Dennis Danell died from an apparent brain aneurysm. This tragic loss led the band to contemplate disbanding but ultimately they continued by recruiting new guitarist Jonny Wickersham and new drummer Charlie Quintana. These changes ensured the band's continuity and allowed them to resume touring and recording, maintaining their presence in punk rock.
2004
Release of Sixth Album 'Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll'
Social Distortion released their sixth studio album 'Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll' in September 2004. The album peaked at number 31 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single 'Reach for the Sky'. This album showcased the band's consistency and ability to remain relevant in the evolving music landscape. Also notable was bassist John Maurer's departure after two decades, with Brent Harding eventually joining to assume bass duties.
2011
Release of Seventh Studio Album 'Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes'
On January 18, 2011, Social Distortion released 'Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes', their seventh studio album. This album further demonstrated the band's seasoned musicianship blending punk with rockabilly, country, and blues influences. After its release, the band continued touring actively and maintained a loyal fanbase, highlighting their longevity and enduring influence within punk rock and alternative music scenes.
2022
Preparation for Eighth Studio Album
During their set at Hellfest 2022, Mike Ness announced that Social Distortion planned to enter the studio in September 2022 to start recording their eighth studio album. They also debuted a new song from the forthcoming album during the festival. This marked the continuation of their active recording career after more than four decades, demonstrating the band's ongoing creative output and relevance in contemporary music.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Mike Ness
1978
Guitar
Lead vocals
Jonny "2 Bags" Wickersham
2000
Guitar
Background vocals
Brent Harding
2004
Bass guitar
Background vocals
David Hidalgo Jr.
2010
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Dennis Danell
1979
2000
Guitar
Bass guitar
John “Carrot” Stevenson
1979
1981
Drums (drum set)
John Maurer
1984
2004
Bass guitar
Frank Agnew
1978
1979
Guitar
Chuck Biscuits
1996
2000
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Deen Castronovo
1995
1996
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Atom
2009
2010
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Randy Carr
1994
1995
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Rikk Agnew
1978
1979
Guitar
Matt Freeman
2004
2005
Bass guitar
Brent Liles
1981
1984
Bass guitar
Eddie Livingston
1995
1996
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Christopher Reece
1984
1994
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Casey Royer
1978
1979
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Timothy Maag
1979
1979
Bass guitar
Derek O'Brien
1981
1984
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Charlie Quintana
2000
2009
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Bob Stubbs
1983
1985
Drums (drum set)
Story of Social Distortion
Social Distortion, the iconic Fullerton, California punk rock band, exploded onto the scene in 1978. Originally forged in the crucible of Orange County`s hardcore scene alongside acts like Agent Orange and The Adolescents, their journey has been anything but straightforward. The band, fronted by Mike Ness (vocals, guitar), has seen numerous lineup changes over the decades, with Ness the sole constant member. Past key members include guitarists Jonny Wickersham and the legendary Dennis Danell, bassists Brent Harding and John Maurer, and drummers David Hidalgo Jr., Christopher Reece, and Charlie Quintana.
A mid-1980s hiatus, fueled by Ness`s struggles with drug addiction and legal troubles, including extended stays in rehab, threatened to derail the band. However, their return saw a stylistic evolution, incorporating country, blues, and early rock and roll influences into their punk foundation. This blend became their signature sound.
Over their nearly 50-year career, Social Distortion have built a formidable discography: seven studio albums, two compilations, a live album, and two DVDs. Their early work, including Mommy`s Little Monster (1983) and Prison Bound (1988), laid the groundwork for their signing with Epic Records in 1989, a deal that yielded three more influential albums. Despite the challenges, Social Distortion continues to tour and record, cementing their legacy as punk rock pioneers and enduring legends.
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