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15 Years of Silence, Then a Sign of Life
Social Distortion Since "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes" (2011), Social Distortion went quiet – the longest gap in over 40 years of band history. The reason: frontman Mike Ness was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2023. After surgery, he had to relearn eating, swallowing, and eventually singing. His own assessment today: "My voice is stronger than it's ever been. I'm singing like there's no tomorrow."
"Born To Kill" – 11 Songs of Defiant Joy
On May 8, 2026, "Born To Kill" drops on Epitaph Records – co-produced by Ness and Dave Sardy, featuring guest appearances from Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Lucinda Williams. The cover art was created in collaboration with street art legend Shepard Fairey (OBEY). The first single, title track "Born To Kill," is already out.
Ox-Fanzine, who got to hear the album early, says: "It's good! Very good, even!" The label describes 11 songs of "aggressive optimism" with nods to Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie.
Twice in NRW This Summer
The European tour brings Social Distortion to the region twice:
Plus Rock im Park (June 6), Berlin Columbiahalle (June 9), and Hamburg Docks (June 30). For the North American leg: the fall tour runs with Descendents and The Chats as support.
