Social Distortion Returns After 15 Years
Iconic punk rockers Social Distortion announced their first new album in 15 years, titled *Born To Kill*. The band released the gritty title track, staying true to their hard-driving punk roots after their last full-length in 2011. The announcement marks a highly anticipated return that's set to reinvigorate their fanbase and reassert their influence in punk and alt-rock scenes.
The upcoming album breaks a 15-year silence, the longest gap between studio releases in the band's nearly five-decade history. Their previous full-length, *Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes*, was released in January 2011. That album was a significant success for the band, debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and marking their highest chart position to date. *Born To Kill* was co-produced by frontman Mike Ness and Dave Sardy, known for his work with artists like The Who and Fall Out Boy. The 11-song album features guest appearances from Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. The album's cover art is a collaboration between Ness and artist Shepard Fairey. The road to the new album included a significant personal battle for founder Mike Ness. In June 2023, Ness announced he had been diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer, which postponed work on the album. His recovery and return to the studio mark a new chapter for the band. The title track, which has already been incorporated into the band's live sets, features lyrical nods to influences like Lou Reed, Iggy and the Stooges, and David Bowie. The current lineup, which has been stable since 2010, features Ness, guitarist Jonny Wickersham, bassist Brent Harding, and drummer David Hidalgo Jr. Social Distortion will support the new record with an extensive North American tour alongside fellow punk veterans Descendents and Australian band The Chats. The tour is scheduled to run from August to October 2026. The band is also slated for several festival appearances, including Hellfest in France.
