Social Distortion Close Out Their Tour at Fox Theatre in Pomona

Joseph Baura

As natives of Orange County,  Fullerton to be exact, and one of the most prolific punk bands in existence, Social Distortion is not hesitant to return to the soil that sprouted their music career several decades ago. Despite several bumps in the road during their storied career, Social Distortion has never failed to find their way back and continue to bring the same sound that has kept die-hard fans and newcomers packing their shows for decades. It has been several years since their last studio album, “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes,” was released to critical acclaim; however, there has been continued buzz that the band will be looking to release a new album shortly. Despite the hiatus from the studio, Social Distortion continues to push the punk train along and give fans plenty of opportunities to catch them on the road. With an overwhelming demand, Social Distortion made their way to the famed Fox Theater in Pomona after a stellar outing in March for another sold-out show.

With a crowd full of die-hard fans in attendance, the packed Fox Theater in Pomona was ready for Social Distortion to hit the stage once again for their second showing in the area in two months. With the entire band dressed in black, lead singer Mike Ness and company stepped onto the stage with the song “I Put A Spell On You” playing in the background. Right off the bat, the crowd was entranced, fists and horns pumping in the air to the explosive opening of hit songs like “So Far Away,” “Bad Luck,” and “Don’t Drag Me Down.”

Throughout the performance, Mike Ness never let his energy falter and put his all into the performance. Interacting with the crowd as he wailed away on the guitar, Mike Ness made sure to get up close and personal with those in the front row to give them an experience they wouldn’t forget. Social Distortion made sure to touch on all fan favorites throughout their 16-track setlist, performing songs like “Ball and Chain,” “Sick Boys,” and “Gotta Know the Rules.” With rumors of a new album coming soon, Social Distortion made sure to give their fans a taste of some new tunes in performing “When I Lay My Burden Down” and “Scars.”

Before closing the show for the night, the band ended with their cover of the famed Johnny Cash song, “Ring of Fire” which easily received the most amount of applause leaving fans asking for more. With another show in Pomona in the books to a sold out crowd, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Social Distortion comes back again very soon.

Social Distortion brought their classic brand of punk to the Fox Theater Pomona on April 7.