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Live at The Ritz Raleigh
October 24, 2024 by Jed Gammon
It was a very cool night by the time doors opened for the capacity crowd already in line outside The Ritz in Raleigh. The demographics of the crowd ready to take in this legendary punk rock band from Orange County, California ran the gambit. All ages were present and accounted for. Everyone was excited to see Mike Ness and Social Distortion.
The energy from concertgoers was palpable, the tour had been supported by The Bellrays. This is another cool band from Southern California, Riverside to be exact and they were primed and ready to entertain.
The Bellrays remain solid with their core of founding members, vocalist Lisa Kekaula and guitarist Bob Vennum, with current members, bassist Justin Andres and drummer Stefan Litrownik.
With their collective soul intact, they started their set to a full venue with the fast paced electrified BPM version of “On Top.” The tempo really got the crowd going.
Playing for 45 minutes, their infectious energy was much appreciated by the crowd that grew by the second. They played a few favorites, “I Fall Down,” “Down on My Knees,” and “Voodoo Train.”
Kekaula hyped up the early birds who took their place at the front of the stage barricade, reminding them that this was a rock show. The crowd emphatically agreed and responded with a roar as The Bellrays ended their set with “Black Lightning.”
Then, there was a short break as the stage and band crew got the stage ready for the headliner, Social D.
Truth is, when you think punk rock, and bands that are embedded in the legacy of the genre, anyone who loves music, should check this band out so you can say you saw history.
Formed in Fullerton California in 1978, this band has some of the most prolific hits to ever come out of the genre. While Raleigh might not be the first place you think of for a punk scene, the crowd was well aware of the significance of Social D coming to town.
I think it’s safe to say that when Social D blew up in the late 70’s, their music may have appealed to a narrower audience but in the here and now, their music appeals to all ages and all walks of life; after all – their signature sound has lasted over 40 years. That is an accomplishment not every band on the planet can say they have accomplished.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted, it was as-if we were transported into some vortex and we were part of an old-school MTV music video at CBGB’s. It was that surreal to see Mike Ness (lead vocals and guitar), Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham (rhythm guitar), Brent Harding (bass), and David Hidalgo Jr (drums) step out onto the stage.
Under the banner of their infamous cigarette smoking, martini drinking skeleton, Social D started their set with “Through These Eyes.” Immediately, everyone in the house knew we were at a punk rock show!
The elephant in the room was how would Ness sound due to his not long ago battle with throat cancer. Iam happy to report he sounded great! The band launched into a few fan favorites, “I Was Wrong,” and “Mommy’ s Little Monster,” as the punkers at The Ritz let themselves be known.
After the initial hit parade, Ness reminisced about starting out and cruising through the back roads with your girl in your hotrod. While he didn’t have his girl or hotrod with him, he did tell the crowd that he was able to enjoy a drive through the area and a beautiful NC day; the crowd appreciated the comment.
Ness threw us back into the fray with “Machine Gun Blues,” and local favorite “Sick Boys,” before giving everyone a moment we would not forget, with “Ball and Chain.”
What the locals could appreciate even more was having Bob Vennum come out on acoustic next to Jonny 2 Bags. We didn’t have to think twice to feel the country blues sound and slower melody. Very similar to tunes off Cheating at Solitaire.
As songs kept coming, the crowd kept wanting more. With kids on shoulders and an older generation using canes, this show was proof punk rock was alive and well in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The final round of kick-ass songs featured “Reach for the Sky,” “Story of My Life,” and Bad Luck.” Crowd response was just as epic as anywhere on the planet.
That’s how much these songs and band mean to the fans who attend a Social D show.
If that wasn’t enough to make the crowd go ballistic, they ended with a June Carter Cash cover that was made popular by her husband, Johnny.
That’s right, all hail the man in black as Social Distortion closed out a fantastic night of music with “Ring of Fire.” For that moment, that stage really was Mike Ness’s world; and we were lucky enough to be part of it.
The tour continues and heads back to their home in Southern California where they have shows in Los Angeles, The House of Blues Anaheim and San Diego.
Then, they play a crazy night on New Year’s Eve at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. If you’re in SoCal, go out and see this band!
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Jed Gammon Photography
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