Social Distortion celebrates 1990 (and 25 years) at Festival Pier

Social Distortion | Photo by Hope Helmuth | hopehelmuth.com

Last night, San Diego punk icons Social Distortion celebrated their 25th anniversary with a show at Festival Pier. The eclectic bill brought together both punk rock enthusiasts as well as honkey-tonk lovers, and opened with Colorado’s Drag The River delivering Americana with a metal twist.  Next to hit the stage was country rebel Nikki Lane.  Lane and her band began with new song “700,000 Rednecks” and ripped through their nostalgic country set.  Lucero made their presence known and did not disappoint the crowd with infectious chants; their country-punk ballads prepared the venue for the night’s headliner.  Social Distortion hit the stage with roaring classics like “Ball and Chain” from their 1990 album.  Mike Ness fulfilled the eager crowd’s expectations with an energetic set that spanned their entire career, working in covers of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Check out photos and fan videos from the concert below.