Social Distortion live in San Francisco

Social Distortion's Mike Ness earlier this year.

On Thursday and Friday nights, Social Distortion reminded a sold-out Warfield Theater why they are the reigning kings of punk rock. Both nights found the Orange County rock ‘n’ rollers tearing through a set of classics and deep cuts from their 32-year career for an audience of fans young and old.

Opening acts the Aggrolites (Thursday), Lucero (Friday), and Chuck Ragan (both nights) each garnered a warm reception, providing temporary distraction for fans eagerly awaiting the headliner. By the time the lights when down and Social D took the stage, the place was packed and anticipation had reached a fever-pitch.

When the lights went up, the band (minus singer/guitarist Mike Ness) ripped into the instrumental song “Road Zombie.” Ness then took the stage to deafening cheers, dressed in a suit and tie, complete with fedora and trench coat. He traded his coat for his guitar and proceeded to execute the song’s raw guitar lead with his trademark swagger.

For the next 90 minutes, the band treated the enthusiastic crowd to such classic tracks as “Ball and Chain,” “Ring of Fire” and “Mommy’s Little Monster,” all of which provoked audible sing-alongs in every corner of the Theater. Ness and company also delved into their back catalogue, including in the set such rarities as “I Won’t Run No More,” and “Through These Eyes,” and offering re-worked versions of “Down Here With The Rest Of Us” and “Cold Feelings.”

The obligatory encore featured two guest back-up singers on “California (Hustle and Flow)” and “Can’t Take It With You,” both from the band’s latest album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. Social D ended each night with their most famous and best-loved song “Story Of My Life.” When they finally left the stage and the lights went up, everyone in the Warfield had to take a moment to catch their breath. Even after more than three decades as a band, Social Distortion has the ability to pack venues and thrill fans, and they show no signs of letting up.