Social Distortion temporarily disbanded in 1985 due to frontman Ness' drug addiction and troubles with the law which resulted in extended stints in various rehabilitation centers that lasted for two years. However, the band reformed around 1986 and have continued being active today, even after the death of longtime guitarist Dennis Danell, who succumbed to a brain aneurysm in 2000. Since its inception, the band lineup has been a virtual revolving-door of talent with many members coming and going - Ness has been the only constant member.
To date, Social Distortion has released seven full-length studio albums, two compilations, one live album, and two DVDs. The band released its debut album, Mommy's Little Monster, in 1983 which was very popular in the United States. Social Distortion did not release their second album, Prison Bound, until 1988 which attracted the attention of Epic Records who signed the band in 1989.
In 1990, Social Distortion released its highly successful self-titled third album which peaked at #128 on the US Billboard 200 and featured their well-known hit singles, "Ball and Chain", "Story of My Life", and the cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." The next three albums, Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, White Light, White Heat, White Trash, and Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll as well as the Greatest Hits compilation album which spawned the previously unreleased hit, "Far Behind"), were also well-received.
Social Distortion's most recent studio album is 2011's Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes which entered the Billboard 200 at #4 marking the group's highest entry on that chart. According to Ness, an eighth studio album is currently in the works which will likely be released in 2013.
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