Kicking the night off was Orange County’s, Lovecrimes, bringing a heavy dose of old rockabilly, old-school blues rock vibes to the gig that was perfect for an opening up a Social Distortion show. Filled with deep, rich classic rock energy and influence, Lovecrimes delivers a mixture of ‘80s punk with ‘60s blues and a splash of punk-rock swagger that honestly felt like a good change of pace for newer acts coming out within the genre. Even more interesting, Julian James Ness, the son of Mike Ness of Social Distortion, is the band’s frontman and writer, showing that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Heavily inspired by his father’s work in Social Distortion, but by many of the same artists as his father, Julian James may have the same roots as his dad but is forging his own unique path crafting interesting, intimate, confessional, and honest music.
Two titans and pioneers of punk after more than 40 years finally decided to tour together sharing the stage each night for a massive N. America co-headlining tour filled with guitar solos, mosh pits, and a heavy (emphasis on heavy) dose of nostalgia. This isn’t the first time, Bad Religion and Social Distortion have played together. In fact, Bad Religion’s very first show ever was at a warehouse in Fullerton with Social Distortion in 1980. Now so many years later, they’ve both formally shared the stage for an official tour, so I guess it’s better late than never! Whether you think this tour is just boomer punk nostalgia, the holy grail of punk music, a night of Green Day-type music, but “real punk”, or you’re just excited to see two juggernauts of their respective genres, a sold-out Salt Shed (with an extra day added the following Monday due to popular demand) is a sight to behold for two bands that technically should be on their last legs. With honest, truthful, and rebellious lyrics, raw vocals, and iconic punk anthems, both these bands shaped and changed the face of punk music decades ago so to see them still crushing it is a feat in itself even as the world and they themselves have changed so much since they first started out demonstrating the timelessness of not only their music, but them as artists.
A band as timeless as they are important and influential, Bad Religion are staples in the punk rock genre. If someone said they should be on the Mount Rushmore of punk, I wouldn’t disagree at all. Considered one of the foundation acts for punk, Bad Religion helped pioneer the punk rock movement in the ‘80s and ‘90s eventually being one of the biggest inspirations for the following decades pop-punk, skate punk, post-hardcore, and everything in between. Not only that but the history and lore of Bad Religion is equally as vital to understanding their placement within music history as is their music itself.
Consisting of (rotating) members of the Circle Jerks, the founder of Epitaph Records, Minor Threat, and Suicidal Tendencies to name a few, everyone that has been involved with Bad Religion would eventually go on to do more incredible things. It’s almost as if their time in a punk band taught them valuable life lessons whether it’s self-management, running a business, or grinding out a dream…all important life skills that continue to this day for people involved in punk and hardcore music. A self-made genre for self-made made people.
A packed night to cap off an incredible tour Bad Religion was ready to do what they do best as the venue filled up to its max capacity filled with eager fans both young and old, whether they’re old school fans, young fans, or parents bringing their kids with to their first concert, everyone was ready to rock out for the next hour and half. Consisting of a nearly 30-song setlist, Bad Religion covers their entire 40+ year career hitting every era of the band from the very beginning to the most current. Most famously known for their usage of 3-part harmonies (which isn’t common in punk), Bad Religion replicates the in-studio sound and chemistry of this dynamic perfectly live, but it does also help when you have a sold-out venue singing right alongside you the entire night. That crowd energy is what Bad Religion loves to feed off. Whether it was a small, punk basement in the ‘80s or Chicago’s newest premiere music venue, Bad Religion’s main goal each night is to get the crowd moving and having a good time. Whether its hits like “21st Century (Digital Boy)”, “New Dark Ages”, “Man with a Mission”, and “American Jesus” or newer tracks, Bad Religion keeps the energy high and the set flowing making sure to give the people what they want without overextending their welcome.
Emerging out of the late ‘70s alongside acts like Agent Orange and Adolescents, Social Distortion are as mainstay and iconic as they come. Often credited as “The Rolling Stones of hardcore”, Social Distortion are one of the most influential and best-selling punk rock bands ever. With the core theme of overcoming hardships and struggle at the root of their writing, all influenced by Mike Ness’s personal life, it’s no surprise that almost 50 years later, people are still resonating with their music. While they went through many lineup changes and even some sound changes, Social Distortion would eventually find their perfect niche of more of a melodic style of punk truly finding their stride as a band.
Fast forward to 2024, Social Distortion is touring with longtime punk pioneers and friends Bad Religion while also playing a special anniversary set for their iconic, debut album, Mommy’s Little Monster, in full in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The record that effectively put them on the map within the punk circuit, Mommy’s Little Monster was heralded as the “epitome of early-‘80s suburban California Punk” … “supplying plenty of attitude and aggression”. Additionally, this record really showcased Ness’s songwriting abilities demonstrating Social Distortion’s ability to craft distinctive vocals and harmonies, infectious guitars, and catchy melodies. After so many years, Social Distortion still brings their A-game even though they aren’t the hot, new, young kids on the block anymore…they still bring that same level of intensity and high level of musicianship and performance. Having the whole crowd in the palm of their hands from start to finish, Social Distortion showed everyone why they’re considered pioneers in punk as they ripped through their extensive catalog demonstrating that while they may be the old dogs now, they still have plenty of bite left in them.
Bad Religion
Social Distortion
Lovecrimes
