Mike Ness of Social Distortion

Mike Ness joins Scott Lipps for a revealing conversation about nearly 50 years of Social Distortion, surviving the early Los Angeles punk scene and the experiences that shaped one of punk rock’s most recognizable voices. Mike looks back on his formative years, his complicated childhood and the formation of Social Distortion. He shares incredible stories involving The Clash, the Ramones and Sid Vicious, recalls the notorious “Black Hole” apartment and opens up about the reckless period when he nearly lost his life. Ness also discusses Social Distortion’s breakthrough, the country music that has always influenced his songwriting and the making of the band’s eighth studio album, Born to Kill—their first new studio record in 15 years. In one of the episode’s most personal moments, Mike talks about his battle with tonsil cancer, the fear that he might never sing again and how the experience changed his perspective on life and music. Stick around as Mike reveals the five songs that shaped him and names five newer punk bands carrying the music forward. Subscribe to Lipps Service for more conversations with the biggest names in music. Presented by SPIN Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices