By snoadmin
The motors of Vintage cars purred like kittens as they rolled into the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with eager fans coming to see the classic Orange County band Social Distortion on Saturday night.
The first few songs of the performance were accompanied by two sexy backup singers for tracks off the O.C. band’s latest album, “Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes.” A massive banner of Skelly, Social Distortion’s mascot, driving a 1940s Ford coupe hung in the background and a vintage crucifix glowed amongst the florescent lights on top of an amp.
It’s always a hyped up ordeal when Bruce Springsteen plays for his fans in his home state of New Jersey. The Boss has been known to sell out three consecutive back to back shows and locals go wild making it a priority to see the show. It’s a similar case for Social Distortion when they play in their home of Orange County.
Ness asked fans traveling from San Diego and L.A. County to make themselves known by yelling during an instrumental lull in middle of “Story of My Life.” The roar was enthusiastic, yet faint.
Ness then asked for everyone from Orange County to make themselves known. The response was a piercing roar lasting for several seconds.
Ness smiled in approval and said, “We are home motherf—kers!”
The highlight of the evening was when Ness sang “Prison Bound” and his college-aged son took the stage and played his dad’s guitar. Ness said the song used to be his hard luck story and now he’s giving it to his son.
Ness spoke about emotional pain and how it’s an inevitable part of life. Ness’ son is proving to be a chip of the old block as his hair was done up just like his dad and tattoos spread across his arm and neck. Ness kissed his son on the cheek as the song concluded.
Guitar player Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham, also of the Cadillac Tramps and U.S. Bombs, moved about the stage with a stylish swagger and sang backing vocals with Brent Harding (bass). The backing vocals on “Bakersfield” were pristine and reflected the quality of “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes.”
Although “Bakersfield” is obscure and slightly out of character for the band, it was intriguing to hear. Ness dramatized the vocal arrangements, which were a little awkward.
Nevertheless the song was unique and showed Ness has progressed as a musician since the early days of “Mainliner.” The song also gives insight to a more mature sound that Social Distortion seems to be developing.
Social Distortion has proven to be one of the greatest musical products of Orange County. Their image and sound permeate the Southern California lifestyle, and they serve as a punk rock icon.
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