Social Distortion

Biography

Formed part of the original Orange County punk scene back in 1979. The original line up was Mike Ness, Casey Royer, Rikk and Frank Agnew but this didn't last long as the lineup was set to change many, many times. Mike Ness met Dennis Danell and made him a bass player, Rikk and Frank left to form The Adolescents. But in 1981 their first single was released 'Mainliner/Playpen' on Poshboy label. Their live shows and the whole 'scene' at that time caught the interest of some film makers and the documentary 'Another State of Mind' followed LA's Youth Brigade, DC's Minor Threat and Social Distortion on a turbulent tour across the country.
In 1983 work began on an album with the line up Mike Ness, Danell (now on lead guitar), Brent Liles (bass) and Derek O'Brien on drums. 'Mommy's Little Monster' was released through 13th Floor. But mid-gig on new year's eve 1983 Brent and Derek bailed on the band. John Maurer and Christopher Reece were brought in and another album followed in 1984. A single released off this album was one of the first punk videos to be shown on MTV.
A break followed from 1985 as Mike Ness realised he had to enter drug rehab after a several hospitilisations and jailings caused by his addiction to heroin.
Social Distortion returned in 1988 with 'Prison Bound'. In 1990 they signed to Epic and released 'Social Distortion', their first album that was not actually financed by the band. A succession of albums were then released over the years. A new drummer, Chuck Biscuits formerly of DOA and Black Flag joined in 1996. 1997 sees them join onto the Vans Warped Tour with Pennywise and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
Mike Ness releases his own solo effort in 1999 'Cheating at Solitaire' just before the devastating news on February 29th the following year of the death due to a brain aneurysm of 38 year old guitarist Dennis Danell. The band continues though with Johnny '2 bags' Wickersham on guitar and Charlie Quintana on drums as Chuck was often too busy for the band. 2003 'Sex, Love and Rock'n'Roll' is released then John Maurer quits. Matt Freeman from Rancid is currently filling in for him. read less

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