Social Distortion

Social Distortion (also known as Social D and Sx Dx) is punk royalty. Singer and guitarist Mike Ness is, however, the only remaining member of the original 1978 line-up. The others have only joined this century. The group from Orange County, California, ranks among the trailblazers of American hardcore. Along with Bad Brains, Black Flag and Dead Kennedys. Social Distortion started well but came to grief in 1985. Ness' drug addiction necessitated a sabbatical year, which led to a change in direction. From then on, they mixed The Clash's punk with Hank Williams' country and blues influences. Their new sound is dubbed cowpunk or country punk. Today, Social Distortion is a reference. Well-known offspring and admirers include blink-182, The Offspring, Pennywise and Sum 41.