Social Distortion, The Bronx @The Enmore, Sydney (1/3/11)

Wed 2nd Mar, 2011 in Gig Reviews

This last summer has seen many older bands returning to Australia (or visiting us for the first time) Iron Maiden, Primus, Arrested Development and even Gang of Four and the motherfucking Descendents. Tonight was the first time we got to witness a headline show from Social Distortion in Australia, and they’ certainly didn’t let us down.

First on were The Bronx, with their groove filled hardcore. Reminding us that their set will be short, they pulled no punches and got the floor jumping. Even singer Matt Caughthran got in on the fun and jumped in for a slam dance. Mixing old with the new (including a brand new one) they wet the whistle while we waited for Social D.

Social Distortion’s Mike Ness has the voice of a man who has lived a hard life and he has. But he’s also a success story returning from the lows of addiction and jail time to lead an iconic punk band. He is blue collar cool (hell, he’s mates with Bruce Springsteen and owns a custom car shop – it doesn’t get more ‘blue collar cool’ than that!)

With a blend of punk, country and Americana rock n’ roll, Social D described having a shitty day in a shitty town ( Bakersfield ) and dedicated Story Of My Life to the Social Distortion fans who grew up on the band. It was a pleasure to see them play and after canceling on us a few times, fans left contented. Hell, even the Murderdolls turned up to watch them play!

Set list:
Road Zombies
So Far Away
King Of Fools
Bad Luck
Mummy’s Little Monster
Sick Boy
Machine Gun Blues
Ball & Chain
Through These Eyes
Bakersfield
Sweet Lowdown
Don’t Drag Me Down
Cold Feelings
Make Believe
Prison Bound
Ring Of Fire
Story Of My Life