It is a fact, Social Distortion in Greece.
A long time dream for their fans in Greece and a long time dream for the Rockwave Festival itself will finally take place on July 22nd at Terra Vibe.
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In a changing world, in a wave of uncertainties, in a fluid and complex reality, no one can predict tomorrow. The only certainty is that it will be very different from what we already know.
But what remains a precious constant, a hospitable refuge in our changeable lives is nothing but art and especially music, the most social and mass form of art. The art of fellowship, of coexistence and the sharing of experiences and feelings. The art that brings people closer together, that generously shares emotions that last in time and indelible moments that are remembered forever.
Thus, Rockwave returns to remind us of the redemptive qualities of music and of authentic, good music. Pure, simple, true to its values, with its own terms and rules, it honours its musical roots, paying homage to the beginnings of an era that influenced the entire musical path.
Besides, as a pioneering artistic institution, the festival itself sealed the concert culture in Greece without compromises and concessions.
So, a festival for the true music lovers, for the passionate music lovers is back. A festival that wants to speak to your soul, to give you pure, simple, pure joy. To remind you of the origin and genesis of rock music. To not let us forget the true pioneers, those who first blazed new trails and paved the way for those who came after.
In the beginning was the music!
social distortion
«Ness is one of the most underrated pure songwriters in rock» - Los Angeles Times
That's how you know you've made it in the music scene:
You have remained in the spotlight for four decades on your own terms, your own time, your own rules, and all the while you have managed to expand your influence. Each album is better than the last. You've been invited on stage by Bruce Springsteen himself, because he wants to play one of your songs with you.
You've had good and bad times, beautiful and tragic days, but every night you give your 100% of yourself and every morning you wake up in a good mood, ready to get back on stage and give it your all.
This is the short version of the Social Distortion story - in its full version it would be a 10-episode TV miniseries that you would watch with bated breath.
For the last 40 years, the godfathers of punk from Orange County, California have created their own distinctive sound, a kind of hard rockabilly/punk framed by the experiential lyrics of Mike Ness. Their distinctive fiery sound from their guitars, their unique melodies and Ness’ unsurpassed huskiness are elements that have remained unchanged from 1982 to the present day. Ness« stories of unrequited love, loss and other experiences retain the same timelessness. «I hear people quite often say, »Man, your music helped me get through the tough times,« and I respond, »Me too,»" says Ness.
Social Distortion managed to win several firsts from the first steps of their career. Another State of Mind from their first album, «Mommy's Little Monster» was one of the few punk songs played on MTV. But the acclaim came through their now classic third album of the same name, which included the big hits Story of my life, Ball & Chain, and the classic cover of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. The follow-up album «Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell» was similar with the singles Bad Luck and When She Begins standing out. And of course the hits continued with their next two albums, «White Light, White Heat, White Trash» and ‘Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Tracks such as I Was Wrong, Don't Drag Me Down, Reach for the Sky, Don't Take Me for Granted as well as the amazing cover of The Rolling Stones' Under my thumb, being some of the fan favourites.
Once released, «Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes» (which Ness produced for the first time) reached #4 on Billboard's «Top 200» list, a position that no other album had reached up to that point. In the week of its release, the album peaked at #1 in the «Independent Album» category and at number two #2 in the «Rock/Alternative Album» category. It contains all of Social D's trademark elements, their signature mix of punk, blues, rock ‘n roll and country but at the same time pushes the boundaries of their familiar sound. That's why their music appeals to a wide audience of all ages which is constantly expanding. «I see people following us from Mommy's Little Monster bringing their kids to our shows and young kids bringing their parents to them,» Ness points out.
Social Distortion and Ness are now in their fourth decade of existence having achieved something unthinkable for the punk scene. Not to «burn out».
This is purely due to their authenticity as a band. Their fans know that the band and Ness have always relied on it - original sound, original vision, original outlaw stories, cars and guitars, things that endure and over time become more valuable. These days you'll find Ness in two places: on stage going all out with Social Distortion or roaming the streets, flea markets and second hand shops looking for vintage items like guitars, amps, radios and machines from a time when authenticity and lasting through time were priceless values.
On the other hand, their influence on newer bands like Green Day, Pearl Jam, The Offspring and Volbeat is obvious. It's no redundancy that many describe them as the Rolling Stones of hardcore/punk.
«Life goes by so fast
You only wanna do what you think is right
Close your eyes and it's past
Story of my life»
