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May 9th, 2026 Review by Jimmy Alvarez
The 5th day of any calendar is typically very normal. That is, unless you consider the month of May. In many parts, especially in Southern California, May 5th is referred to as Cinco de Mayo, and that day is very special. Consider the celebrations associated with that day and then throw in a larger-than-life band; mayhem is not far behind. For this Cinco de Mayo the center of an epic event was Social Distortion at the new mecca for kick-ass shows: The In-N-Out Burger Sound Space at The World Famous KROQ.
The first time I took in a Social D show was the early ’90s when Mike Ness and the boys opened for the Ramones at the Hollywood Palladium. What a show it was – the energy was unreal.
For decades this band has been the face of punk rock, and their fans come from many cultures, races, and all generations of people are part of their fanbase.
A few years ago, we received the devastating news that Ness was diagnosed with throat cancer. The band canceled shows and delayed the album they were working on, “Born to Kill.” Thankfully Ness has recovered, and the album was just dropped, and a new appreciation for this band – and Ness as well – has emerged.
The new partnership between two California icons – KROQ and In-N-Out – is already thrilling fans. A nice benefit to the merge? When I arrived, the classic In-N-Out truck was providing food to concertgoers, and the food was so good. Not because it was free, but because it was part of the story of SoCal and synonymous with all things SoCal. Punk rock is part of that vision.
The night was hosted by two of our favorite DJs, another legend – Kevin Ryder and the lovely Megan Holiday. The crowd was amped and ready for a quick sit-down chat with the incredible Mr. Ness. As he stepped onto the stage, the legendary punk rocker was greeted by the KROQ drive-time team. It was immediately obvious Ness was very happy to be there. The interview was very funny and sincere. Holiday asked Ness if it was true or false that he got arrested at his first gig; he confirmed, “True” and gave a brief and very funny explanation.
Ness was asked if the album was inspired by the battle he had just been through. He said it was not as the songs were already written and the album was already being worked on when he got the bad news.
He went on to explain he has a different perspective on life and is happy for every moment he has with us. He also discussed his antics as he was recovering and a few other incidents when he was not a good patient, which drew very loud laughs.
Ryder closed with a statement that for years there have been band we as fans have lifted, but Social Distortion was a band that always lifted us. That drew a roar from the crowd. Ness responded saying they didn’t start out with that in mind, but it was great to hear that. Truth is, I think everyone could have sat there for hours just listening to Ness talk about the early days of punk rock and the band.
In the end we were all there to see Social Distortion play at Sound Stage. After a very short break, Social D hit the stage. David Hildalgo took his spot behind the drum kit, then Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham, and Brent Harding grabbed their gear as Ness took his place behind the mic. They opened with the title track off the new album, “Born to Kill,” and the response was spectacular.
They immediately segued into the June Cash classic that her husband Johnny blew up, “Ring of Fire.” Ness did not hesitate as they dove into their set with new tunes “Tonight,” “No Way Out,” and “The Way Things Used to Be.” I have to say that for a moment, I closed my eyes and the energy they delivered that song reminded me of the love of music and life Ness had when the band first blew up; they were happy to be back on stage doing what they love.
Ness did as he always does and entertains with stories between songs telling us what the song was about or like Springsteen does, talks about what was happening in our lives at the time the song was written. They wrapped up the set with “Reach for the Sky,” but then played one of my favorite songs as an impromptu encore: “Off Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.” They also delivered a very electrified version of “Bad Luck.” The crowd went seriously nuts and gave them a very well-deserved roar to thank the band for what they meant over the years to all of us.
“Born to Kill” is now out and I highly recommend you check it out. As for touring, they will be in Europe for a bit before coming back home where they will play two nights at the Hollywood Palladium, the place where it all started for so many of us with this legendary band.
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SID 260511 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
