Social Distortion!

Social D...how I love thee!

I got to see Social D at The Fillmore on Tuesday night. For those of you who have never seen a show there, it's one of the best venues around. There is so much history in that place, you can walk in and feel all the greats that have played there.

Let me preface this by saying I've wanted to see Social D for YEARS! I heart these guys and always have, but somehow have never managed to catch a show. They played Friday night and were supposed to play on Saturday and Sunday as well. However, Mike got sick and canceled the Sat and Sun shows. I was really nervous about them having to cancel ours on Tuesday as well, but he pulled through.

After a fabulous dinner of Ethiopian Food at the Sheba Lounge with Jason, Jules and Rick, we headed on over to The Fillmore. The opening band, Tumble Down, was pretty good. They have a good sound and are a somewhat appropriate band to open. It seemed like a long break between the opening act and when Social D came out. We had made our way toward the front so we could have a great view. Plus, Rick secretly wanted to hit the mosh pit. Once that was discussed, Jason went and checked out coats so we wouldn't have anything hindering our moves.

What an entrance! Mike Ness rolls out in his black pants, black t-shirt with a black leather jacket, holding a bunch of red roses. He casually strolled along the front of the stage throwing handfuls of them into the audience. Fucking rock star! They started with a couple acoustic, slight slower versions of Story of My Life and Ball and Chain. It only got better from there. They went through all the decades, starting with the most recent, to the 90s, the 80s and then even a few from the 70s. I heard songs I hadn't heard in years and some that were probably older than most of the people in the audience. Watching Mike rock was awesome. He'd move up front, be playing his guitar and head banging and other than a slightly larger neck, it would have been the same as watching him 20 years ago.

The mosh pit was in full swing. After getting hit on my already tweaked shoulder, I had to tap out. At one point they played a "Social Distortion Country Song" as Mike so eloquently stated. I looked at both my buddies and asked which one of them knew how to two-step. Unfortunately, neither of them did. How cool would it have been to two-step in the middle of a (now quiet) mosh pit? Yes, I really am that sick and wrong. Alas, an unfulfilled dream.

After a solid set, they came back for an encore. They ended with a fabulous rendition of Ring of Fire. It blows me away how these guys have been rocking for 30 years and are still amazing live. They are coming back the end of Jan/beg of Feb and I may just go see them again.

I've been singing Ball and Chain ever since. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a swing dance lesson when Ball and Chain is in your head? Muahahhahahahhaha.

This moment of Social D joy was brought to you by the letters M and N and the number 30.