Social Distortion is the job Mike Ness can't quit

"“He's 2 now, so we can't be four hours from our grandson,” Ness says. “It's clear to me that this is gonna be one of the most important relationships of my life.” As he talks, Ness idly strums the latest addition to his collection of guitars: a 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom that he says cost him $50,000. He's wearing a silky leopard-print shirt open at the neck to reveal several gold necklaces and a tattoo of Christine's name - one of five such shirts he had made to wear onstage every night during Social Distortion's upcoming tour."

"“What I really want to do is see if I can find some Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print fabric,” he says. “Then I'll have a Dolce & Gabbana shirt without the heavy price tag.” Christine, who's been making coffee in the studio's kitchen, enters the lounge and scoffs. “It's not like they sell it by the bolt,” she says. “I'm not gonna go to the Yarn Barn,” Ness replies. “'Excuse me, can you please point me to your fine Italian fabrics?'” He laughs. “Someone's gotta be able to get it.”"

"Hidden behind a rickety gate on a quiet residential street, Sardy's studio is where Social Distortion - Social D to its many fans - recorded most of “Born to Kill,” the band's first album in 15 years. The gap wasn't intentional, says Ness, who runs down a litany of family upheavals that includes his older son's dr"

Mike Ness, frontman of Social Distortion, works in Dave Sardy’s Los Angeles studio during a period of frequent trips tied to his new grandchild. He describes the relationship with his grandson as one of the most important in his life. Ness shows off a costly 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom and wears multiple gold necklaces and a tattoo honoring his wife, Christine. He plans to obtain Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print fabric to make shirts without paying the full retail price, while Christine questions the practicality of finding such fabric. Ness jokes about seeking fine Italian fabrics and insists someone must be able to source it. The studio setting connects to the band’s recent recording work on “Born to Kill.”

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