Social Distortion

The enduring L.A. punk band Social Distortion has overcome numerous personnel shifts, the demise of the Los Angeles hardcore scene that spawned them and the heroin addiction of bandleader Mike Ness to achieve a measure mainstream acceptance for their rootsy, hard-hitting punk. Inspired by both early New York punk bands and the fertile L.A. scene, Ness formed the group in 1978 with drummer Casey Royer and brothers Frank and Rikk Agnew, who would later leave to join the Adolescents.

Despite a few years of revolving-door membership, the uncompromising band built a solid local following. When the group finally recorded its 1983 debut 'Mommy's Little Monster,' their gritty brand of tuneful punk was embraced by a wider audience as "Another State of Mind" became one of the few punk videos to air on MTV. Unfortunately, Ness descended into heroin addiction and self-consciously rebellious behavior, effectively derailing the band until he pulled out of his tailspin and regrouped Social D in '88.

Their next release, Prison Bound, reflected a more mature outlook that broadening Social Distortion's roots-rock influences with a country feel. Their self-titled 1990 effort included a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and returned the group to MTV with the song "Ball and Chain." The band's longevity and their now-established blend of punk, blues, country, and rockabilly has made them favorites despite their less than prolific productivity. The band will deliver classic songs and tunes from their most recent effort -- 2010s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes -- when they come to town. Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls and Sharks open these three Bay Area shows.

Social Distortion

Thursday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m. $35
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 10-11, 9 p.m. $32.50-$35 (sold out)
The Fox Theater