Punk rockers of Australia and New Zealand unite! For the first time in history two of the
most influential and enduring punk bands of all time are heading down under together. Fans
never thought they would see the day so get ready to tick this off your bucket list as LA
heavyweights Social Distortion and Bad Religion team up and hit our shores in February
2023.
The tour will kick off at The Trusts Arena in Auckland before it makes it way over to
Brisbane’s Riverstage, Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne’s and
closing out their Aussie run at Red Hill Auditorium in Perth.
Traversing multiple and significant line-up changes, internal challenges and tragedies, and
the demise of the very Los Angeles hardcore scene that conjured them for over four
decades, California mainstays Social Distortion have spent a lifetime honing their
uncompromising rootsy, hard-hitting brand of punk since first emerging back in the late 70s.
Following the release of the group’s debut 1983 album Mommy’s Little Monster, Social
Distortion’s transformation from pioneers in the then-fertile L.A hardcore scene into a
distinctive sonic force to be reckoned with saw the group become one of the few punk
bands to be featured on MTV in its 80s glory days and, over time, branching out to cement
their now-trademark blend of punk, blues, country and rockabilly. Currently in possession of
seven studio albums, with whispers of an eighth full-length release on the horizon, Social
Distortion’s live prowess is overshadowed only by the passion and innovation relentlessly
on display onstage, fearlessly helmed by the band’s founder, guitarist and vocalist Mike
Ness. This is Social Distortion’s first Australian headline tour ever and their second time
coming to Australia in over 40 years so it’s fair to say we may not see them ever again!
Bad Religion have become synonymous with retaining their underground credibility
alongside building a staggering punk empire since forming back in the early 80s. Constantly
on a journey of evolution and philosophical exploration, Bad Religion’s storied career,
including 17 studio albums and the label as one of the best-selling punk rock bands of all
time, has seen the group remain relevant and vital in the hardcore community while
welding their trademark sonic foundations with inflections of psychedelia, heavy metal,
hard rock and lashings of melody along the way.
With front man and remaining original member Greg Graffin‘s steadfast guidance, Bad
Religion have defied the odds and expectations of an ever-changing industry around them,
touring the globe armed with an overwhelming back catalogue of material, including fan
favourite tracks like American Jesus and 21st Century (Digital Boy). Don’t miss out on seeing
Bad Religion next February, their first Australian headline tour in over a decade!
Returning to Australia in 2023 since last appearing down under for Good Things Festival
back in 2019, don’t miss some Bad Religion goodness next February.
2023 will undeniably declare punk’s not dead – be sure to catch Social Distortion and Bad
Religion live in action when they bring their explosive live shows to a town near you.
