Since their inception in 1978, Social Distortion has been “one of those bands you have to see” when they roll into town. This year has been more of a treat for Social D fans than in the past – the band will play over 30 West Coast dates, the majority of them in West Hollywood and Anaheim, well into January.

Fans flocked to the opening night of the tour and got exactly what they would expect from a Social D show: great tunes and great banter from frontman Mike Ness. One of the great things about Social D is their ability to put a great twist on a cover. This was evident in Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” (performed acoustic then electric in the encore) and the Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb.”

One disappointment, though, was the absence of “Story of My Life, “Ball and Chain” and “Bad Luck,” from their set. At least they were able to pull off “Prison Bound,” an acoustic rendition of “Reach for the Sky” and “Far Behind” to keep the crowd happy.