Current Social Distortion News

January 27, 2011 - First week's Chart Numbers
"Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes" has turned out to be Social Distortion's highest charting debut of their carreer. The new release has come in at #4 on Billboard's Top 200 list, #4 in Digital Album sales, #3 in rock albums, #2 in alternative and #1 on the Independent Album chart (source: billboard.com).

January 11, 2011 - SxDx on Conan
January 18 not only marks the release date of "Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes," but the band will also be appearing on CONAN performing live. CONAN airs in the US on TBS. Replays are also available online at TEAM COCO.

Comment on the ShOuTbOARD.

January 6, 2011 - Wanna be in a music video?
The band will be filming a video for "Machine Gun Blues" and need extras. If you live in SoCal, have 1930's era clothes, cars or props, send an email to video@epitaph.com with your name, age, location, a photo, your email & phone number and details about your 1930's swag. 18 and over.

Join the discussion on the ShOuTbOARD now!

October 19, 2010 - The Real Deal - HARD TIMES AND NURSERY RHYMES gets release date!!!
Tuesday, January 28, 2011 will see the release of Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes on Epitaph Records. Track listing is set as follows:
1 Road Zombie
2 California (Hustle and Flow)
3 Gimme The Sweet and Lowdown
4 Diamond In The Rough
5 Machine Gun Blues
6 Bakersfield
7 Far Side Of Nowhere
8 Alone and Forsaken
9 Writing On The Wall
10 Can't Take It With You
11 Still Alive

HARD TIMES AND NURSERY RHYMES will be available on cd, vinyl and iTunes. Bonus tracks on vinyl are "I Won't Run No More" and "Take Care Of Yourself." ITunes also includes the bonus songs, with the addition of a new arrangement of "Down Here (w/ the Rest of Us). According to Epitaph Records, the first release will be "Machine Gun Blues," available for iTunes download on Tuesday, November 9.

Join the discussion on the ShOuTbOARD now!

October 3, 2010 - Fall Tour, Australian Dates and THE NEW ALBUM
The Fall 2010 tour begins October 14 in Salt Lake City with Lucero and Frank Turner as the opening acts. In February, Social Distortion heads out for their first ever Australian tour with the Soundwave Festival and select headlining shows.

Finally, it's been a long time coming...THE NEW ALBUM. Titled Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes, the recording is set to be released on Epitaph. Rolling Stone magazine currently has the release date set for November 23, although some user-edited websites have posted unconfirmed reports that it has been delayed until early 2011. Possible songs include "Still Alive," "Bakersfield," "California (Hustle and Flow)," "Machine Gun Blues" and "Diamond In The Rough." Keep checking SxDx.com for a confirmed release date, cover art, track listing and a pre-order link!

July 12, 2010 - Summer/Fall 2010 Tour and the drummer is...
Dave Hidalgo, Jr! After two weeks of rehearsals, Dave will be joining the band onstage this weekend in Quebec. After a brief pause from the road, the band will be out touring again through October and November. News on the new studio album coming soon!

March 10, 2010 - Drummer found for South American dates
It has been announced that Scott Reeder from Fu Manchu is set to play drums for Social Distortion for the South American tour dates in April. We'll keep you posted as word comes in regarding the new album.

March 8, 2010 - New Album, New Lineup
The band has been writing, rehearsing and recording for the new album since early last month. An annoucement today on socialdistortion.com reports that Atom has left the band. The post states "Due to many foreseeable scheduling conflicts with his band Angels And Airwaves, we regret to announce that Atom Willard will no longer be able to continue on drums for Social Distortion. We know this was not an easy decision for him, but Atom is an incredible individual and we’re all better people for having him on board while we did. Atom will be sorely missed, but we wish him the very best." Expect another announcement soon regarding who will be behind the drums for the South American tour in April.

May 26, 2009 - North American Tour Dates Lining Up
Tour dates for North America are being scheduled, beginning with a Canadian run in July, then hitting the United States. For updated 2009 shows, see the TOuR portion of SxDx.com.

April 23, 2009 - Goodbye and good luck, Charlie
Social Disstortion announced today that Charlie Quintana has decided to leave the band. From Social D's website:

After ten amazing years behind the drum kit for Social Distortion, Charlie “Chalo” Quintana has announced he’s moving on to explore other musical opportunities. Charlie had this to say about his departure, “Playing with Social D for ten years was a good time in my life. I was lucky to play on two Social D records and the second solo album, and I am proud to have been part of the band. We hit some spectacular heights which I will never forget – adios amigos!”

Filling Charlie’s big shoes is none other than Atom Willard. You’ve probably seen Atom wailing on the skins with Rocket From The Crypt, The Offspring, or his most recent band Angels & Airwaves. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome such a great talent and individual into the band. Atom’s first show with Social D will be the Jay Thomas benefit on May 18 at the House Of Blues Anaheim.

Click HERE to see the discussion on the ShoutBoard.

April 20, 2009 - Where in the world is Chuck Biscuits?
As Social D. gets ready for their European tour this summer, one of Crawdaddy! magazine's columnists, James Greene, Jr., just wrote an “open letter” to Chuck Biscuits, the M.I.A. former drummer for Social Distortion. Check it out HERE.

Mike Ness also joined Bruce Springsten on Thursday, April 16 on stage at the LA Memorial Sports Arena. A pro-shot, edited clip can be seen HERE while you can watch a fan-shot full-length version HERE.

The last piece of news for today: Monday, May 18th is the Rock To Recovery - A Benefit For Jay Thomas and his Battle with Spinal Cord Injury at the House Of Blues Anahem. SxDx will be performing with The Vandals, The Black Tibetans and Japanese Motors.

December 26, 2008 - Musink cancelled
The Musink tour has been cancelled. Also, theShoutboard has been relocated. Click HERE to go to the new location.

November 28, 2008 - 30 Anniversary Begins!
Social Distortion is beginning their 30th anniversary in 2009 by headlining the Musink Music & Tattoo Festival with 25 dates beginning January 30 in Denver. Motorhead and other artists are also scheduled to appear. Tour dates are up on SxDx.com - click HERE to see where SxDx will be in '09! Info on the Musink Festival can be found here, or join the discussion on the Shoutboard.

March 4, 2007 - Spring '07 Tour & Brent Liles Benefit
SxDx is hitting the road this spring! Canadian dates have already been announced - more shows to follow.

In other news, a Brent Liles benefit show will take place at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, CA on March 8. Scheduled performers include Agent Orange, JFA, The Last Gang and others. For info, check the Brent Liles memorial page on MySpace.

January 22, 2007 - Goodbye, Brent Liles
Brent Liles, former bass guitarist in Social Distortion, died Thursday, January 11 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. He was 43 years old. According to the Orange County Register, "Liles, wearing casual clothing, was riding a small dirt bicycle westbound on Orangethorpe Avenue just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday, California Highway Patrol officials said.

As he entered the crosswalk at the Orange (57) Freeway, a big rig carrying a trailer turned right onto the on-ramp and accelerated, hitting Liles. He was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said."

Brent played on SxDx's debut album, Mommy's Little Monster and was featured in Another State Of Mind. After leaving Social D, Brent also played in Agent Orange. Liles also reteamed with Ness briefly in the band Easter.

July 26, 2006 - Mike Ness - producer
The Hangmen recently finished recording their new E.P. with none other than Mike Ness producing. The E.P. will be available from Acetate Records. Some of you may have caught The Hangmen's singer/guitarist Bryan Small filling in on guitar while Mike's broken wrist healed.

March 3, 2006 - Would you buy a used car from Mike Ness?
If the answer is yes, then check out this link to eBay, where Mike's '58 Cadillac coupe DeVille is up for grabs. Auction ends May 8...

February 9, 2006 - Broken bone, last month of shows still on
It's been reported that Mike Ness broke his wrist yesterday while skateboarding. The remaining tour dates are set to feature Ron Emory of T.S.O.L. filling in on guitar, with Bryan Small of The Hangmen playing on the Feb 23, 25 and 26 dates.

January 26, 2006 - What's in store for '06?
The band will wrap up their sold-out "Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll" tour in February. At recent shows, they've been playing yet another new song, "(Stranded Here In) Bakersfield." In a recent interview, Mike stated that the band has been in the studio and recorded "Diamond In The Rough" for a greatest hits album they hope to have out soon. According to Mike, "We wanted to have a few new tracks on it and that's going to be one of them." When asked about plans for 2006, Mike said "We hope to have a new Social Distortion record out, apart from the Greatest Hits."

October 25, 2005 - New Album?
The website ultimate-guitar.com recently posted a report that the follow-up to "Sex, Love & Rock n' Roll" would be released in 2006. During Social D's recent appearance on Fuse's "Steven's Untitled Rock Show," Mike stated that the band would likely begin work on the new record around the end of '06. Crush Music Magazine recently interviewed Mike Ness. In the interview, Mike said "I feel like we've got a great start on a new album, we'd like to do a new album soon but I doubt it will be that soon. I figure I will use my time off next year to do the writing and maybe start it toward the end of 2006 recording. It'll be soon but I don't know if it'll be quite that soon. It won't be eight years." Read the entire interview here.

October 12, 2005 - Social D on the TV
According to Fuse.tv, Social Distortion will be making an appearance on "Steven's Untitled Rock Show." The episode is set to air on Friday, October 21.

August 30, 2005
RUMOR - According to Utimate-Guitar.com, the band will be heading bck into the studio before the end of the year to begin work on the follow-up to "Sex, Love and Rock N' Roll," set for a 2006 release on Time Bomb Recordings. Comment on the Shoutboard HERE.

April 25, 2005
News on European tour dates coming soon!

April 21, 2005 - Covering The Clash
The band has recorded a cover of The Clash's "Death Or Glory" which will be realeased on the soundtrack to the movie "Lords Of Dogtown." The album will be released on May 24, and can be purchased at Amazon.com by clicking here..

March 8, 2005 - New Song
Hopefully you've been able to catch a live show on this leg of the tour, as the band is playing a newly written song, "Diamond In The Rough." This leg of the tour is currently scheduled through March 23.

February 1, 2005 - New Bass Player
Matt (Rancid) Freeman recently became a first-time father and has stepped down from his spot on tour to spend time with his family. The new bass player is Brent Harding, who toured with Mike Ness in 1999 to support "Cheating At Solitaire" and played on "Under The Influences.".

November 20, 2004 - Acoustic "Story Of My Life"
Mike and Jonny recently did an on-air performance in Seattle with 107.7 The End. For the time being, you can listen to their acoustic performance of "Story Of My Life" by clicking HERE. Thanks to SocialFUKIND for posting the link on the ShOuT bOARD.
And don't forget, the SxDx.com CONTEST ends on November 30th - register HERE to win if you haven't already!

November 16, 2004 - new stuff in the store!
A new section in the SxDx.com STORe - "Featured items and bestsellers." This section is updated with non-Social D items that have been purchased by visitors to the site. Click here to see!

November 2, 2004 - we've got a contest! So you want the free bonus DVD but you don't want to have to buy the album again? Well, we're here to help you out. Our very first SxDx.com contest! Click here for details!

October 27, 2004 - BONUS DVD AVAILABLE
The initial release of "Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll" was issued at independent retailers with a bonus dvd, "Fullerton City Limits." The dvd contains a brief tour of the band's rehearsal studio, The Casbah, as well as a live performance of "Reach For The Sky." Many fans have noted the difficulty in finding this dvd in their area, but it is now available for a limited time if you purchase the cd online from Looney Tunes, located in West Babylon, New York. Visit their online store here to have the bonus dvd shipped right to your house with the purchase of "Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll."
Thanks to Looney Tunes for making this bonus dvd easier to find!

August 5, 2004 - JOHN MAURER EXITS SOCIAL DISTORTION
An excerpt from Socialdistortion.com:
"For the better part of twenty years I would finish making a record and then leave my home and family for long periods of time", Maurer said. "It was a blast and I have great memories but the hiatus between records in the past six years has given me a chance to develop other interests at home and hang with my family. I just don't want to leave." Mike Ness commented, "I have known John since junior high. I respect what he is doing but we will sure miss him a lot."
Matt Freeman, one of the premier bass players in punk rock, has come aboard for this record cycle. "Rancid is always going to be my priority," Matt said. "But Tim has the Transplants and Lars has the Bastards. I like to think I have a pretty cool side band now too."

View the entire press release at socialdistortion.com.

Comment on this story at the SxDx.com ShOuTbOARD by clicking here.

August 4, 2004 - THE NEW ALBUM!!!
It's really happening! The new Social Distortion studio album, "Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll" is set for release on Tuesday, September 28th! Pre-order your copy through Amazon.com here. KROQ is beginning to play what appears to be the first single, "Reach For The Sky."

Comment on this story at the SxDx.com ShOuTbOARD by clicking here.

June 16, 2004 - STATUS OF NEW ALBUM!
From the socialdistortion.com newsletter: Cameron Webb and Mike Ness are currently in a Los Angeles studio mixing the songs recorded for the new record. Below is a list of song names that will be on the album. They're not in the final sequence, but we wanted to give you first glance at the songs you've been waiting for. A title for the record is still in the works, but we will be sure to let you in on what it is as soon as we get word from Mr. Ness.

Songs: Reach For The Sky, Shake Ass, Don’t Take Me For Granted, Footprints On My Ceiling, Nickels & Dimes, I Wasn’t Born To Follow, Winners & Losers, Faithless, Live Before You Die and Angels Wings.

Comment on this story on the SxDx.com ShOuTbOARD here.

June 9, 2004 - 20th Anniversary screening of ANOTHER STATE OF MIND
posted by gotXyourXcancer: That's right, it's been 20 years since Another State of Mind debuted in the theater. Thanks in part to the Los Angeles Film Festival you have a chance to see it on the silver screen once again. Another State of Mind will be playing at 10:00pm on Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatres in Los Angeles, CA. To purchase tickets, or to get more information on the Los Angeles Film Festival you can click on this link: LA FILMFEST. Hope to see you there!
Comment on this story on the SxDx.com ShOuTbOARD here.

March 22, 2004 - Black Kat Kustoms unveiled and Road Zombie Preview
Black Kat Kustoms is up and running...Mike Ness has teamed up with Don Nemarnik to open a shop based around hot rods, customs, bikes and choppers (and merchendise). For more info, visit www.BlackKatKustoms.com. The music on the main page is a studio version of the infamous "Road Zombie," the new Social Distortion insturmental which has opened the sporadic live show.
Comment on this story on the SxDx.com ShOuTbOARD here.
In other SxDx news, socialdistortion.com reports that "Phase Two" of the recording is complete, and recording should wrap up by April 1. Hopefully it's not an April Fool's joke...

February 23, 2004
John Maurer and Jonny "Twobags" Wickersham will participate in the 91X Punk Rock Pro-Am on Friday, February 27th along with members of Green Day, Lit, Long Beach Dub All-Stars and more. For more info, visit www.91x.com. Also, word has it that the dvd filmed last year, tentatively titled "LIVE IN ORANGE COUNTY" will be released in May through Time Bomb Filmworks. View the proposed cover art here.

January 28, 2004
At the January 11th surprise concert in Orlando, Mike Ness revealed that the new album is 3/4 of the way completed and should be available around June! A couple of site updates at SxDx.com - more stuff in the STORe, including the SxDx throw rug and a new hat design. There are also more additions to the faN phOTOS - keep 'em comin'! If you've got a Social Distortion photograph that you took, feel free to send it to photos@sxdx.com.

Past Social Distortion News

December 20, 2003
The STORe has been remodeled and restocked. Now available are shirts, jewelery, posters and the rare VANS shoes. Grab 'em while you can.

December 1, 2003
Just a brief reminder with the holiday season upon us - although there isn't a string of dates lined up for the House of Blues, you can still pick up some merch in the STORe section of SxDx.com. Most of the cds are now under $15 each, and the Another State Of Mind video is available for under twenty bucks.

November 25, 2003
More pix in the faN phOTOS. Also, the band completed the new demos and headed into an L.A. studio earlier this month to begin recording THE NEW ALBUM. More info as it comes in...

August 16, 2003
Another couple of additions made to the faN phOTOS. Enough so that there's now a THIRD section in faN phOTOS - including some from the Hootenanny appearance with Mike's son Julian! Keep 'em coming...

July 16, 2003
"Odelay, kiddies." That may ring a bell for a few - for the rest of you, a brief Social D online history: during the White Light, White Heat, White Trash tour, John Maurer provided a tour diary on the official site. John's entries have now been reproduced and reposted for your viewing pleasure - just jump on over to the "TOuR" section and enjoy!

July 13, 2003
And a hearty "Fuck You" to those who've been complaining about Social D playing the same set list in recent years! At last week's Hootenanny, not only did the band debut a new original ("Private Hell"), they also performed rarely and never-before-heard songs such as The Rolling Stones' "Play With Fire," "Long Black Veil," and a couple of reggae tunes ("The Harder They Come" and The Clash's "Guns Of Brixton"), the latter featuring Mike's son Julian on vocals. Also in the set were the new songs "Road Zombie," "Footprints On My Ceiling" and "Don't Take Me For Granted," along with several other songs which haven't been played live recently. More sporadic tour dates on the way.

Also, keep the name "Black Kat Kustoms" in mind...

May 12, 2003
One more for Social Dbay - a 1975 Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top - used by Mike Ness in the studio and on the road. It's on eBay now, and it could be yours...just click here to go right to the auction - bidding ends May 22! Only a couple more trips to the plasma center...

February 22, 2003

The SxDx.com "STORe" is now fully stocked wil all of Social Distortion's commercially available cds, the "Live At The Roxy" guitar tab book, and "Another State Of Mind" on VHS!

February 10, 2003

Mike Ness has been added to the "Exposed!" list of Metal-Sludge. Also, thanks to Rat Fink from the ShOuT bOARD for pointing this out: "Mike Ness selling his 1956 Les Paul Special on E-Bay." The auction ends tomorrow, so hurry and make your tax return count!

February 6, 2003
How's The New Album Sound?
The Jauary 2003 issue of German magazine "Visions" features an interview with Mike Ness. On what to expect on the new record, Mike says "Definitely more glam and seventies influences and less country since I'm able to realize this part of me better by the Mike Ness Band. And certainly more hope and light than on White Light, White Heat, White Trash. You can't forever tell yourself and others that life's all bad. Apart from other things, punk rock also is about fun and loud guitars. Before doing the last album I went through a really hard time, and even if not all is great in my life, I'm much better now than at that time."

February 5, 2003
Social D sees Euopean Distribution / New Album Progress
Kung Fu Records (owned by Joe Escalante of The Vandals) will be releasing much of Social D's catalog in Europe: Mainliner, Mommy's Little Monster, Prison Bound and Live At The Roxy, as well as Mike Ness' solo albums Cheating At Solitaire and Under The Influences. Also, up to TWENTY new songs have been demoed/recorded for the NEW album - if things go right, look for a late spring release.

January 12, 2003
The Big Takeover #51
The latest issue of The Big Takeover is out now (with Paul Westerberg on the cover), and features the second part of and interview with Mike Ness which began in issue #50. Click HERE to read an excerpt from the new issue and for info on how you can get The Big Takeover yourself!

January 11, 2003
Daddy Needs A New Pair Of Shoes / Live DVD
Vans and Social Distortion have teamed up for a couple of limited edition shoes...the "Old Skools" and "Sk8-Hi's." According to the press release, these are web exclusives, so hop over to Vans.com to place your order.
Also, amidst recording the new album, Social Distortion has been filming some of their recent House Of Blues shows for future release on DVD! Looks like 2003 is shaping up to be a big year...

November 9, 2002
No band news today - just a few site updates. Now in the "ALbumS" section you will find a link to purchase Another State Of Mind on VHS and the Self Titled and Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell cds with extra bonus tracks - all just in time for holiday shopping. We're also working on getting caught up on out-of-date and broken links, plus putting up some new sites in the "lINkS" section.

November 9, 2002
The band has been working and recording demos throughout the month of October, and are currently playing a handful of dates with Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huckjam. Hopes are to have the new album ready for release in spring of 2003.

September 18, 2002
SocialDbay is at it again! This one's for you drummers out there. Bob Stubbs (Social Distortion, Glass Heroes, Flipper, etc) is selling his Ludwig green Vistalite drumset. The auction ends September 28th. You can take a look and make a bid here.

September 3, 2002
FOR SALE!!! A 1969 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Standard...owned by Jonny "Twobags"! It's on eBay now, and the auction ends September 6. It could be yours...just click here to go right to the auction.

August 21, 2002
Social Distortion is heading to the East Coast once again, this time as part of Tony Hawk's BoomBoom HuckJam. The dates of Social D's appearances are available in the TOuR section of this site. For more info on the BoomBoom HuckJam, visit the site here.

June 29, 2002
The best interview with Mike Ness from the last five years can be found in the latest issue of The Big Takeover. Visit their website at http://www.bigtakeover.com to order your copy. For a sneak peek, check this out.

June 17, 2002
Another Mike Ness auction on eBay...this time it's for a 1940's leather motorcycle jacket. The auction is set to close on June 21, so click here if you've got some spare change. Otherwise, you'll just have to settle with a recent interview in the Cleveland Scene. You can read it here.

June 16, 2002
Social D's been rolling through the midwest for the first time in five years. This leg of the tour started in Dallas with a surprise guest appearance by the Reverend Horton Heat on "Ring Of Fire." Opening the first half of this leg is San Diego's The Hangmen. They've got a new live album on the way next month...you can find out more about them by stopping by their record label's site, www.acetate.com. Lost City Angels start opening in Chicago.

April 28, 2002
Social Distortion was one of the musical guests at "Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huckjam," held April 27th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Social D performed a 30 minute set, cosisting mostly of "Mommy's Little Monster" era songs. At the end of the evening, Mike Ness joined The Offspring on stage for a performance of The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop."

Social D tours through June! Details in the "TOuR" section!

April 4, 2002
Just a few things: Billboard.com has featured Social Distortion as the "Artist Of The Day." In the article, Mike Ness discusses turning 40 and the status of the new album. Click here for the article.

Social Distortion is heavily featured in a VH1 documentary titled "Orange County: American Hip Factory." The program is scheduled to air Friday, April 12 at 2pm EST. HERE is VH1's webpage about the show.

And finally, be sure to check the "TOuR" page for another concert date.

January 29, 2002
Your chance to own a piece of Social D history!!! Start digging under those sofa cushions for spare change - the guitar featured on the cover of Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell can be yours! Mike's 1975 Les Paul Deluxe Tobacco Burst is available on eBay. Bidding ends February 7. It's the same guitar that's provided Social D's signiture sound on several recordings and tours. Here's the quick link to go right to the auction.

January 25, 2002
Beck and Eddie Vedder will be performing February 26 at the Wiltern Theatre in L.A. at the Concert For Artist Rights. Special guest performer: Mike Ness!

January 22, 2002
An inside source says Social Distortion is planning on heading into the studio in March to begin work on their first studio album since 1996's "White Light, White Heat, White Trash." We'll keep you posted on any updates...

December 26, 2001
The soundtrack for the new movie "Orange County" features a live version of Social D's "Story Of My Life." It was recorded during the string of 1998 shows that brought us "Live At The Roxy," but appears to be different a different version. Word has it the original studio version is featured in the flick, though. Go figure. Here's the Amazon link for the Orange County Soundtrack.

November 24, 2001
MTV2 recently had a feature of the top ten punk videos of all time - "Ball & Chain" came in at numer 3!!!

November 6, 2001
No big news. A few tour dates scattered around the country over the next couple of months though. However, be sure to stop by the official Social D site if you haven't already. Brand new makeover, and more info than a Social D fan could ask for.

September 5, 2001
Another exclusive interview!
We finally get some details on Social Distortion, circa 1984, courtesy of Bob Stubbs. Read his interview here.

July 29, 2001
More new album news
In a Los Angeles Times article, Mike Ness discussed the new album (set for spring 2002), changing over the last twenty years, and makes mention of an invitation from Johnny Cash to record together. View the article here

July 11, 2001
New songs debuted
Social D fans who are able to catch the band on this leg of the mini-tour may be fortunate enough to catch a few new songs - the instrumental "Road Zombie," "Winners And Losers" and "I Wasn't Born To Follow." Two other songs "Don't Take Me For Granted" (which was debuted at the When The Angels Sing benefit in 2000) and "Footprints On My Ceiling" (performed during shows earlier this year) have been finding their ways into current setlists as well. And as always, if you get some live photos, feel free to send them to SxDx.com and we'll get them up in the Fan Photos section!

May 24, 2001
Social D does X?
A tribute album is in the works honoring the legendary LA punk band X. MTV.com reports that Pennywise singer Jim Lindberg is trying to tap No Doubt, Everclear, Blondie, and Social Distortion to contribute to the disc. Lindberg is confident the project will get off the ground, saying "I have trouble thinking anyone's going to turn us down." He says he has some songs in mind for various bands to cover. For example, he says he'd like to hear No Doubt perform "Your Phone's Off The Hook (But You're Not)" and Social Distortion put its spin on "White Girl." Lindberg says the ultimate goal is to come up with a good album that everyone, including the members of X, enjoy. He says he's hoping to have the project completed for release next year.

May 9, 2001
Hootenanny
The lineup for the Hootenanny 2001 concert is official...Social D is headlining. The date is July 7 at Hidden Valley in Irvine, Ca. Check the "TOUR" section for a list of other artists performing.

May 2, 2001
The New Album
When asked last month how the new album was coming along, Mike Ness said "slow." His wife elaborated that Mike is in "home mode" currently, working on restoring a house in Floral Park. The band is expected to begin recording in June or July.

February, 2001
Foxy News
John Maurer's band Foxy is hard at work. They've just signed with Loud Energy, the label John works for. Recording of the new Foxy record begins in March with John producing alongside Rob Stevens (John Lennon, RHCP, John Lydon), with a projected release date of July, 2001. The band then heads to Eurpope for a string of shows during June and July. Keep up with current Foxy happenings at www.stayfoxy.com (Thanks, LP!)

January 17, 2001
EXCLUSIVE DEREK O'BRIEN INTERVIEW
Derek O'Brien was the drummer in Social Distoriton between 1981 and 1984, recording the Mommy's Little Monster lp and songs which later appeared on Mainliner: Wreckage From The Past. Derek covered his musical history with SxDx.com in this exclusive interview. Read it here.

November 2, 2000
SOCIAL DISTORTION BACK ON TOUR!!! Check out "The Road" section and click on 2001!!!

August 22, 2000
Mike Ness has another cameo in an upcoming film.  "Too Tough To Die" also features cameos from Iggy Pop, Joe Strummer, and Ice-T.  The big news on the film is that The Ramones are reuniting to record a new song for the movie, as well as considering a cameo themselves.  Mike's first acting appearance was in an independent film called "Frezno Smooth" in 1999.  A still from the movie can be seen here.

June 24, 2000
Social Distortion guitarist Dennis Danell started a new band while Social D was on hiatus called Strung Gurus. Of course, he passed away just as things were starting to happen for them. Nevertheless, you can hear a song at either farmclub or mp3.com. The track is called "Sun Eyed Girl", and for you SoCal people, it was twice Jed the Fish's Catch of the Day at KROQ. Strung Gurus also featured Michael Knott of the Aunt Bettys.

John Maurer's "day job":  Aside from the new Social Distortion album, John's been keeping busy as the VP of artist relations at loudENERGY.  Check it out...there's mp3s of "2000 A.D." and "Sick Inside" from John's "Foxy" ep.

June 6, 2000
Despite previous rumors, there are NO plans to release any video footage from the "When The Angels Sing" benefit.

June 5, 2000
"Live At The Hootenanny (Vol. 1)" features a live version of Mike Ness' "I'm In Love w/my Car." It is scheduled to be released on June 20. You can order the cd by clicking here.

May 15, 2000
Rumor has it that the 'When The Angels Sing' benefit concert will be released on cd and videotape...keep your fingers crossed!!!

May 10, 2000
The release date for the next Social Distortion album is still set for the autumn of 2000. Time Bomb Recordings is releasing a "Live At The Hootenanny (Vol. 1)" album on June 20. Considering the amount of times Social D & Mike Ness have played this festival, expect a track or two on this compilation.

April 25, 2000
Time Bomb Recordings is reportedly going to begin sending Mike Ness' "Ball & Chain (Honky Tonk)" to country radio stations to "see how it flies."

March 31, 2000
A benefit concert for Dennis Danell's family is scheduled to take place May 6 at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre.  The proceeds will go into a trust fund set up for Dennis's  children.

Johnny "Two Bags" Wickersham (US Bombs, Cadillac Tramps), is rumored to be filling in for Danell.

More info can be found at the KROQ.com website.

March 7, 2000
Dennis Danell, founding member of Social Distortion died suddenly on February 29, 2000.  For a biography of Dennis, visit the official Social Distortion site at www.socialdistortion.com.

A guestbook for fans to leave their thoughts about Dennis has been set up.  It was printed and presented to Christy Danell following the funeral services.
view Dennis Danell memorial guestbook
sign Dennis Danell memorial guestbook

The staff at Time Bomb Recordings stated the following:
"The Danell family sincerely appreciates the support of all the fans, and in lieu of flowers, they have requested that donations be made in Dennis' name to Orangewood Children's Home."

Orangewood Children's Home
401 The City Drive South
Orange CA  92868
(714) 935-7584
 

The New Album
In November 1999, Mike had this to say about Social Distortion's next album:  "I'd like to get one out next fall (2000).  But it might be longer than that.  I want to do it right.  I don't want to just do it for the sake of doing it, you know?  I've got to make sure all the songs are right."  He also mentioned that Social D MIGHT go out on a brief tour during the summer of 2000.

It's official...Chuck Biscuits is no longer in the band.  Jim Guerinot, manger of Social Distortion and president of Time Bomb Recordings had this to say on February 15th, 1999:  "Biscuits, being one of the best rock drummers in the business, simply decided not to continue waiting.  I go back 20 years with Chuck and I am sure he will continue to do amazing things."  Expect Charlie Quintana, who played drums on "Under The Influences" and on Mike's solo tours to fill in.   As for Social D's next album, Guerinot stated "I saw Mike last night and he has 8 songs done and wants to have a Social D record out this summer."

"Daddy, who's that scary man with
the Backstreet Boys?"
The "news" section at www.timebombrecordings.com mentions a commercial that aired during the Grammies and had many people asking themselves "Did I see what I thought I saw?"  Mike Ness appears along with Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, and Shaq in a commercial promoting Mickey Mouse.
 

Mike's Solo Career
"Under The Influences" may be the first of several solo albums focusing on specific genres of music.  "I'd at least like to do one more with a bunch of old black songs," Mike said.  "Leadbelly was real alternative.  But it's not something that's coming up right away.  Maybe a little further down the road."

And for those who aren't aware, Time Bomb Recordings re-issued "Cheating At Solitaire" on vinyl in November.  The double LP features a previously unreleased song, "Company C."

John's Solo Career
The ep from John Maurer's band Foxy, on John's own label Slip Records, is now available at cdnow.com for under $9!!!