Live at the Roxy (2-LP)

Formed in 1979, the Southern California band have come to be known for their distinctive brand of hard rockabilly and punk that’s cut with Ness’ melodic lyrics, chronicling hard-luck tales of love, loss and lessons learned. The band first erupted onto the scene with their debut, 1983’s Mommy’s Little Monster, but it was their third album, 1990’s Social Distortion, which broke them into mainstream success, garnering the rockers their first Gold Record with hits like “Ball and Chain” and “Story of My Life” (live versions of which are featured on this reissue). The set captured on Social Distortion’s first and only live album includes such favorites as “Bad Luck,” “Mommy’s Little Monster” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Typical of Social Distortion’s reputation, the band performs with a fierce energy onstage and Live at the Roxy captures this intensity.