Bad Religion and Social Distortion live in Sydney

February 27, 2023

We sent photographer Adam Davis-Powell and reviewer Chloe Davis-Powell along to catch the co-headline tour:

The announcement of Social Distortion’s co-headlining tour with Bad Religion in Australia has been a long-awaited moment for fans, with the two bands having never toured together until now. The momentous occasion saw thousands flock to the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, for a wild night of true music history.

In the 70s, when both bands were forming, punk emerged as a cultural and musical movement that challenged the norms of the time by delivering a sound that was raw and stripped down. It was highly political, with a nihilistic and anti-authoritarian ethos that reflected the prevailing pessimism and social upheaval of the period. The two bands share a distinctly similar history, coming up through the American west coast hardcore explosion of the 1980’s. They have spent over four decades challenging the definition of punk and alternative rock, while also exposing the dire state of the world in their lyrics. And their music has remained deeply relevant, influencing generations of punk rockers and alternative music fans globally.

Social Distortion’s founder and frontman Mike Ness has been the only constant member throughout the band’s 46-year history. They are known for their high-energy live performances, and fans were clearly in awe to see them in all their glory rocking once more, playing popular songs including “Ball and Chain,” “Story of My Life,” and “Bad Luck.” Ness’ voice is still melodic and unapologetic, shouting lyrics that speak to the frustrations and anxieties of generations. As the band tore through their set, the inner fans crowd surfed shouting along with every word. There was a sense of unity in the room – a shared understanding that this was more than just a gig, but a celebration of something bigger. Introducing their long time friends who would be coming on next, before the final chords rang out, applause erupted, their faces flushed with excitement.

Bad Religion delivered their timeless punk anthems including “Generator,” “Suffer,” and “American Jesus.” As well as playing iconic tracks, including “21st Century Digital Boy,” “You,” “I Want To Conquer The World,” and “Infected,” with crowd surfing. Despite the bombast, there was a precision and discipline to the band’s performance – every note and beat executed flawlessly, with a tightness and cohesion that spoke to their years of experience. As the band’s final song came to a close, Graffin thanked the crowd from his heart for a night to remember. With 17 studio albums, the band has cemented their status as one of the best-selling punk bands of all time.

The co-headline tour was more than just a nostalgic celebration of punk’s past; it was a reminder that the genre’s rebellious spirit still burns bright today. As these two legendary bands took the stage together, they proved that punk is not just a genre, but a way of life that continues to resonate with fans of all ages. The gig captured the essence of what punk represents: raw energy, fearless self-expression, and a refusal to conform to society’s expectations. For those lucky enough to be in the crowd, it was a night they will never forget – a moment in time that encapsulated everything that makes punk such a vital force in music and culture today.