Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
Social Distortion, (from left to right) Dennis Dannell, Chuck Biscuits, John Maurer and Mike Ness, played Ziggy's to support their album White Light, White Heat, White Trash.
Old Gold and Black Reviewer
It is rare for a band to be so intimidating, yet so talented, and Mike Ness, the frontman for Social Distortion, is just downright scary. However, behind the black eyeliner and tattoo is a religious, gifted musician who has become one of the legendary figures in punk music.
In the 1990s, tattoos and punk music are as accepted by the mainstream as flannel shirts and grunge music. However, back in the 1970s, when Social Distortion began speaking for a disgruntled, alienated generation, punk was about rebellion and tattoos were about non-conformity. Social Distortion's latest release White Light, White Heat, White Trash is the band's most accessible record. It also takes punk rock back to its roots.
On Feb. 13, Winston-Salem had the pleasure of a visit from this California punk band, one of the most influential ever. For those who braved the inclement weather, the $12 ticket was well worth the reward of seeing the band which inspired much of the current punk revival.
Without question, the heart and soul of the band is the 34-year old Ness. While many bands play angry music for a tough image, it is obvious that Ness' angry words go much deeper.
His life has been one of pain and alienation, scarred by jail time, alcoholism and heroin addiction (all of which he gave up a decade ago). His heartfelt pain gives his words purpose, something that most of today's punk music lacks.
Social Distortion's raw, no-frills rock came off even better live than on any of their studio recordings. Ness' gruff vocals and energetic guitar solos took the forefront, while guitarist Dennis Dannell, bassist John Maurer, and new drummer Chuck Biscuits provided a powerful foundation.
Social Distortion played a blistering 90 minute set, encompassing all six of their unique records. They opened with a heavy remake of the Rolling Stones' classic "Under My Thumb."
They then launched into material from their latest release, including "Gotta Know the Rules" and "Don't Drag Me Down," which condemned racism, narrow-mindedness and hate.
Ness introduced "Another State of Mind" by telling the crowd, "This song comes from before MTV, and before whatever this is that they are calling alternative music." The band then played two more classics: "1945," which confronts governmental mistakes, and "Mommy's Little Monster," which has been hailed as the finest anthem of youth alienation ever.
In addition to their in-your-face punk rock, Social Distortion played some country-tinged rock songs, inspired by Ness' love for the dark, rockabilly unknowns of the 1950's. "Prison Bound" was dedicated to all those unable to attend rock concerts because they are locked up.
"Ball and Chain," one of the best songs of the night, was an autobiographical account of Ness' own life: "I'll wake there in the morning, or maybe in the county jail / Times are hard getting harder, I'm born to lose and destined to fail."
The highlight of the night was "When the Angels Sing," a beautiful power ballad about sin and redemption: "When the angel of death comes looking for me, I hope I was everything I was supposed to be, There's gotta be a heaven, cause I've already done my time in hell." The band brought the show to a close with a stirring cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire."
Another California punk band, Swingin' Utters, opened the show with raw punk music discussing societal problems and working class issues. Similar to Social Distortion, they sounded even better live than on record. With such catchy numbers as "Catastrophe" and "No Eager Men," Swingin' Utters provided an energetic introduction.
Though on the outside Social Distortion appears to be just another punk band with a tough guy image, the band was good, and best of all, brutally honest. Ness sang about hardship and personal turmoil, and as I looked into his darkened eyes, I could feel his pain. The show provided for a memorable night, and the best punk rock show Winston-Salem has seen in years.