Social Distortion was formed in 1978 by guitarist Mike Ness, bassist Mark Garrett, drummer Casey Royer and vocalist Tom Corvin. Garrett was eventually replaced by Rikk Agnew later that year. After roughly a year in the band, Corvin left and Ness assumed vocal duties while Agnew and Royer also left to play in a separate band named Social Distortion, which also included Garrett, before joining the Adolescents, when Ness brought in Dennis Danell to take over on guitar.[1][2] When Social Distortion released its first single, Mainliner/Playpen in 1981, the group consisted of Ness on vocals and guitar, Dannell on bass, and John "Carrot" Stevenson ond drums.[3] Partway through 1981, Danell switched to rhythm guitar as Brent Liles took over on bass, joining alongside new drummer Derek O'Brien.[4] The group released its debut album Mommy's Little Monster in 1983.[5] During a show on New Year's Eve, both Liles and O'Brien left abruptly in response to Ness' heroin use.[6] Early the next year, the departed members were replaced by John Maurer (bass) and Christopher Reece (drums).[4] Bob Stubbs briefly served as drummer before Reece.[7]
The band's lineup remained stable for ten years, producing three studio albums, before Reece left in October 1994 on amicable terms.[8] He was initially replaced by Randy Carr, who lasted only until the following spring when he was fired on the recommendation of the band's producer Michael Beinhorn.[9] Session drummer Deen Castronovo performed on the album, after which Chuck Biscuits joined the band as Carr's replacement.[9] The band released Live at the Roxy in 1998, before taking a hiatus the following year as Ness released two solo albums and embarked on a promotional tour.[10] On February 29, 2000, Danell died of a brain aneurysm.[11] In June, Social Distortion returned with a new lineup including rhythm guitarist Jonny "2 Bags" Wickersham and drummer Charlie Quintana.[12]
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