Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
October 14, 2006
(Photo Shigeo Kikuchi)

 On the heels of a week-long series of sold-out shows in New York, the legendary Social Distortion brought its traveling rock ‘n’ roll show to New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom. The venue, and all of its Road House (yes, the Patrick Swayze movie) glory was packed shoulder to shoulder with fans who, much like a parking lot full of Deadheads rocking Stealies and tie-dyes, felt no shame in wearing as many articles of clothing possible displaying the Social Distortion logo.

First to hit the stage was Blackpool Lights, a mainstream hardcore group which would have been more suited supplying the soundtrack to one of MTV’s trust-fund teen soap operas than opening for one of the hard rock scene’s most enduring bands. Although Blackpool Lights played with a lot of heart, they drew little attention from the crowd of devout Social Distortion fans who only seemed to notice there was a band playing during Blackpool Light’s attempt at covering Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” Next up were The Supersuckers, who delivered their brand of highway rock ‘n’ roll like ZZ Top on speed. With front man Eddie Spaghetti at the helm, The Supersuckers’ synchronized kicking and guitar wailing provided a Pabst drinking good time and they rounded out their set with a laid-back version of “Creepy Jackalope Eye” joined by Social Distortion pianist Danny McGough. One sure sign that the headlining act is about to come on is those initial few squirts of base fog coming up from the sides of the stage. One sure sign that Social Distortion is about to come on is one of their roadies frantically aligning, winding and lighting the assortment of toys, candles and ‘50s memorabilia that line the group’s amps like the shelves of kitschy antique store. Each band member came out individually and began jamming on the instrumental “Road Zombie.” Front man Mike Ness came out last, in all of his Brando-esque swagger, tossing roses to the audience before taking up his Les Paul to join in. Next came “Reach for the Sky” and “Highway 101” off the band’s last album, Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Then the fired-up audience got a chance to breathe as McGough laid down the honky-tonk piano intro to a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb.” Drummer Charlie Quintana rode his high-hat cymbals just a few moments longer then usual, making the crowd wait on edge for Ness and company to tear into the Stones’ classic, which over the years has become a staple of their live shows.

The band then switched gears to revisit its punk-rock past with “Mommy’s Little Monster” off its debut album of the same name. Ness began the song by introducing guitarist Jonny “Two Bags” Wickersham as his “esteemed colleague” before Wickersham cranked out the signature opening riff. The set proceeded to encompass all eras of Social Distortion, from their late ‘70s, early ‘80s punk roots to their particular brand of rockabilly/country blues. Eddie Spaghetti returned to the stage to join the band on backing vocals for “Sometimes I Do,” but the real crowd-pleasers proved to be “Sick Boy” and “Ball and Chain,” both of which had the audience singing along almost louder than the band. Another highlight was a cover of Eddie Bruce’s ‘50s classic, “King of Fools.” During the encore the lights dimmed for a reworked version of “Prison Bound,” lead by Ness singing the opening verses accompanied only by McGough’s subtle piano work. The song then faded into a blues jam with Ness giving an impromptu monologue on love and the convenience of “self love.” He then dedicated their final number to “all the romantics” in the audience and capped off the night with another one of Social Distortion’s signature covers: Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”

In the 25-plus years that Mike Ness has been playing under the Social Distortion banner, the band has been called many things: punk, rockabilly, alternative, blues; but their enduring quality is their ability to defy genres and labels and remain true to the roots of pure rock ‘n’ roll. Throughout its career, the band has unabashedly paid tribute to influences such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones and Neil Young, even when it was unpopular for a band initially considered “punk” to do so. Since Social Distortion’s inception in 1978, the band has gone through more than 15 different members; perhaps Ness has found his niche in the current lineup, whose backgrounds combine to create a new era of the Social Distortion sound. Pianist Danny McGough toured with Tom Waits and drummer Charlie Quintana with Dylan. Put them together with ex-Cadillac Tramp Jonny “Two Bags,” bassist Brent Harding and Mike Ness in the driver’s seat as the always-charismatic front man, and the band has the ability to take its music in any direction. Friday night’s show proved that no matter what they’re playing, if it’s Social D, it’s gonna be a barn burner.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!