In the late 1970s the first raw, sloppy, speeding guitar chords began to blare
from the garages and backrooms of a Southern California suburb called Orange
County. They echoed a sound forged in the preceding years in the seminal punk
undergrounds of New York City and London.
By 1979, a 17-year-old kid named Mike Ness had formed Social Distortion with drummer Casey Royer and brothers Rikk and Frank Agnew. The band's world centered around Mike's one-bedroom pad, dubbed "the black hole," in a nondescript Fullerton, California apartment complex. After meeting Dennis Danell, a punk loving classmate, Ness insisted Danell, who at the time didn’t play an instrument, join the band on bass. Royer and the Agnews soon split from the band and eventually formed The Adolescents.
Local Los Angeles KROQ-FM deejay Rodney Bingenheimer embraced Orange County music, playing highlights from its major local bands, including Social Distortion, on his Sunday night radio show. In 1981, Social Distortion released their first single, "Mainliner/Playpen," on the Posh Boy label. Around the same time, Mike Ness developed a reputation as a brawler resulting in a chunk of his left ear being bitten off during a confrontation at the Cuckoo’s Nest bar.
In 1982, Social Distortion, along with LA’s Youth Brigade and DC’s Minor Threat, were the subjects of the documentary "Another State of Mind," which captures the band’s first stormy cross-continental tour in a beat up school bus. By late 1983, Social Distortion’s lineup consisted of Mike Ness, Danell (now on rhythm guitar), bassist Brent Liles, and drummer Derek O’Brien. Released on the 13th Floor label, their debut album, Mommy’s Little Monster, gained the band national name in punk circles. Returning home, the lineup now included a nasty heroin habit for Ness. The madness that followed resulted in Brent Liles and Derek O’Brien bailing out of the band in the middle of a New Year’s Eve 1983 show.
Ness and Danell soon recruited John Maurer, another old school buddy from Fullerton, to play bass, and Christopher Reece, of the San Francisco band The Lewd, came in on drums. This lineup weathered Social Distortion’s toughest years, as Ness struggled with heroin addiction and the resulting series of jailings and detox sessions, which finally ended in 1985. Ness was able to continue writing and held the band together to begin work on a new album. In 1988, Social Distortion re-emerged with the release of Prison Bound, an album whose moving title cut about a wasted life is one of the greatest songs ever to come out of Orange County. Ness turned Social Distortion’s albums into an ongoing dialogue about impulsiveness, its consequences, and the hard struggle to overcome.
In addition to the early punk of The Ramones and The Clash, the band’s sound was culled equally from Ness’ love of roots music, specifically early country music greats like Hank Williams and the early blues recordings of the South. As Ness would later declare to Social Distortion audiences, “Without good black music, there would be no good white music.”
The self titled Social Distortion album followed in 1990, SD’s first release on a major label. The success of singles "Story Of My Life" and "Ball And Chain," along with their remarkable cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire," made the album Social Distortion's first gold record. The band was asked to join Neil Young on tour, beginning the process of bending punk expectations. They soon returned with 1992's Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell led by the blistering single "Bad Luck," and the album also goes gold. A co-headlining tour with The Ramones followed.
The band took an extended hiatus following the release of Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell and did not return to the studio until the fall of 1995. Earlier that year, Time Bomb Recordings re-issued Mommy’s Little Monster, Prison Bound, and released the single compilation Mainliner, Wreckage From The Past. Social D returned in 1996 with a new album, White Light White Heat White Trash, and a new drummer, Chuck Biscuits of Black Flag and D.O.A. fame. The album was a success atop radio favorites "I Was Wrong" and "When The Angels Sing." The band signed up as one of the main draws of the 1997 Warped Tour and then recorded and released the live album Live At The Roxy in 1998.
By Faith Rackoff & Erik Badia
Known for antiquing, art galleries, and
an always hot club scene, the Hamptons are home to an array of live entertainment.
Live music, theater, and comedy are as prevalent on the south fork of Long
Island as they are in Manhattan – and they are of the same quality.
There are many venues on the east end that host various productions. Westhampton
Beach Performing Arts Center (WBPAC) in Westhampton Beach, (631) 288-1500,
is a state-of-the-art professional stage house that offers theater, music,
dance, and film events. This year, WBPAC serves as host to many renowned artists,
including witty comedian and actor Lily Tomlin (June 24), rock n’ soul
musicians Hall & Oates (July 6), songstress Angelique Kidjo (August 5),
and theatrical pop performer Rufus Wainright (August 18). Additionally, they
will delight patrons with a performance by The New York City Opera Company
(August 11), the dance talent of Momix (July 7), and the acclaimed Paper Bag
Players, who perform several theatrical pieces throughout the season.
For those who are fans of live theater, The Bay Street Theater, (631) 725-9500, located on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, is a professional regional theater that is dedicated to presenting new, classic, and contemporary works. Seating only 300, this intimate setting will welcome the world premiere of the rock opera “Turandot: The Rumble For The Ring” during the 2007 season. Also promoted as a comedy club, Bay Street Theater has A-list comics scheduled including Jim Breuer (June 25), Caroline Rhea (July 16), Craig Shoemaker (August 20), and the hilarious Lewis Black (August 27).
If you want to see live music in the Hamptons, The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett (631) 267-3117, is a top choice. With bands playing seven nights a week, patrons have an opportunity to hear some of the best local and national talent around. With ticket prices that vary from $10 to $175, it is best to find out ahead of time what act is on the bill. Tickets for groups such as The New York Dolls (July 15) and The Neville Brothers (June 24) are on the higher end, but are worth it when you consider that they are playing in a space the size of a living room.
Jazz lovers should consider the Mexican restaurant Estia Cantina in Amagansett,
(631) 267-7577. This venue features accomplished jazz musicians performing
on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and 10 pm until the end of June. The 8 pm
Saturday show is aired live on WLIU 88.3 FM. In July, jazz will take the stage
every Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Every Thursday night Bill Smith and Mambo
Loco play at 8 pm.
Many other restaurants also feature live music to entertain their guests. For those looking for a Caribbean feel, Wild Thyme in Southampton, (631) 204-0007, has live Reggae music on Thursday nights. Madame Tong’s At JL Beach Club, (631) 204-0300, also in Southampton, hosts Reggae on Sunday nights as well. Jim Turner plays the sounds of the Caribbean every Saturday night from 7 pm to 10 pm at CoCo Restaurant inside The Maidstone Arms Inn in East Hampton, (631) 324-5008, as well as every Sunday afternoon from 3 to 6 pm at Fiddler’s Cove Pub, East Hampton, (631) 329-757. Fiddler’s also hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night.
On Friday nights, you can catch Walter Finley and David Turinsky at Annona
in Westhampton Beach, (631) 288-7766, from 5 to 8 pm, or Mama Lee and friends
from 5:30 to 8 pm at Turtle Crossing, East Hampton, (631) 324-7166. Stop in
to Buckley’s Inn-Between in Hampton Bays, (631) 728-7197, to see live
music from 9 pm to 1 am. The Southampton Publick House, (631) 283-2800, has
live music in their tap room every Friday night around 10:30 pm, where bi-weekly
the band Project Vibe showcases their material.
Sundays are another popular day for restaurants to provide live entertainment.
Pierre’s Restaurant, in Bridgehampton, (631) 537-5110, has jazz every
Sunday from 7 to 10 pm. The Mambo Loco Cuban Jazz Band performs from 6:30
to 9:30 pm every Sunday at The Patio in Westhampton Beach, (631) 288-4878.
Also in Bridgehampton, the Stefanie Cardinali Group can be seen at World Pie,
(631) 537-7999, Sundays from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Additionally, The Paul Mahos
Band performs at Dockers Waterside Restaurant & Marina, East Quogue, (631)
653-0653, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays starting at 6 pm.
Wineries have caught on and are utilizing live entertainment as well. Wolffer Estates in Sagaponack, (631) 537-5106, has live entertainment on Thursday nights to accompany their wine tastings. On Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 5:30 pm, Duckwalk Winery offers live music on the patio through October.
As a way of reaching out to the 21- to 35-year-old audience, The Parrish Art Museum in Southampton, (631) 283-2118, will host a rare opportunity to explore the galleries at night, enjoy a drink with friends, and listen to local music. The events known as “The Project” will take place on June 30, July 28, and August 25 from 8 to 11 pm. For a $5 admission charge on June 30 and July 28 and a $10 charge on August 25, guests will be able to enjoy complimentary food, drinks, giveaways, and live entertainment.
The Nightclub Scene
If a club atmosphere is desired, don’t sweat it; you have your choice
of everything from ultra-upscale to flip flops and tank tops in the Hamptons.
If sporting the latest fashion trends and being surrounded by celebrities
is your taste, The Star Room is your destination. This Wainscott locale is
frequented by celebs such as Heather Graham, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Adrian Brody,
to name a few. With top shelf booze and gourmet dining available as well,
The Star Room, (631) 537-3332, naturally has a very selective entrance protocol.
Be sure to get on a guest list early, and don’t forget: A little palm
greasing goes a long way.
If you prefer elegant and upscale, but would rather not be in the limelight, perhaps The Pink Elephant in Southhampton, (212) 463-0000 ext. 1844, is for you. The venue, one of four around the globe, features house music spun by several popular deejays and a wide array of connoisseur spirits – everything from $900 per bottle Tequila to six-liter bottles of Cristal (priced at a cool $25,000 per bottle) and anything in between. For excellent sushi and a lower-key environment, check out Bamboo in East Hampton, (631) 329-9821. This Asian gem on the east end features renowned chef Morganson Yao of Nobu fame. In addition to the cuisine, on Thursday nights Bamboo goes club and features drink and sushi specials and a deejay spinning dance and disco music into the wee hours of the night. If cigars are your passion, don’t miss The Cigar Bar in Sag Harbor, (631) 725-2575. This little smokers' nook is situated right across from The Bay Street Theater, making it perfect for a pre or post-show cigar and cocktail. The Cigar Bar has a walk-in humidor, a jukebox for a little mingling music, specialty drinks, and best of all – no cover and a happy hour Monday through Friday.
Looking for something in the middle? No problem. Several hot clubs in the Hamptons feature reasonably priced drinks, great dancing, and, of course, lots of attractive singles. The ever-popular Neptunes Beach Club in East Quogue, (631) 653-8737, is back for 2007, with drink specials every day of the week and a great club ambience right on the beach. Another hot spot this year will be the French bistro/babaret lounge Flirt in East Hampton, (631) 329-6000, (formerly Resort Lounge), with fine food and a swanky club scene. Other hot Hampton re-dos include the nautically inspired club Dune in Southampton (631) 283-0808 (formerly Jet East), and Stereo By The Shore (631) 287-2125 (formerly Tavern), also in Southampton. Stereo By The Shore is an annex of NYC’s popular club Stereo, and will feature the familiar DJ-spun house and hip-hop music of Stereo NYC. Turtle Bay in East Quogue, (631) 653-9882, offers a unique blend of dress-down bar atmosphere and hot dance club flavor at night. Turtle Bay is host to DJ Doug O’Mara and Mc Seany O, of east end station Party 105.3, for house music every Saturday night. At Whitehouse Nightclub, (631) 728-4121, formerly Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays, acclaimed DJ George Marino is a resident, along with co-owner and Long Island local Vic Canales, also known as DJ “Vic Latino” of KTU, and more recently, XM Satellite Radio fame. Whitehouse is a unique club, featuring live appearances by music celebrities, an outdoor deck, a sushi bar, a gourmet pizzeria, and a shopping boutique where the girls can buy lingerie or a new pair of high heels until 4 am.
If board shorts and Birkenstocks are your preferred attire, these next few drinking and party spots will be your favorite stops this summer. First on the list is Beach Bar in Hampton Bays (631) 723-3100, touting what it bills as the largest outdoor deck in the Hamptons. This party cabana offers "Employee Tuesdays" for hard-working Hamptons employees. Every Tuesday night, DJ Dollar Bill spins the tunes, and free admission as well as free cab rides and drink specials are offered to any east end employee all night. Beach Bar also features its "TGIF weekend kickoff party" with drink specials, DJ Doug O’Mara, and an all-night grill as well as ladies night on Saturday and happy hour on Sunday.
One of the Hamptons’ most talked-about party spots this year is The Surf Club in Westhampton, (631) 998 3167. If partying is your gig, then this place could be a top choice. With regular events such as beer pong Thursdays, ladies night Fridays where ladies drink free, "Hot Body" contest Saturdays, and $2 beer and $1 burger Sundays, The Surf Club is sure to attract patrons of all stripes. In addition to the weekly specials, The Surf Club will host a Toga Party with an open bar from 10 pm to midnight on June 24, and a "Subway Series event on June 20 with free admission for anyone wearing a Mets or Yankees jersey and free shots for every home run.
Last, but certainly not least, is the famous Boardy Barn (631) 728-9733, which is not just a bar – it's an experience. While some may agonize waiting on long entrance lines while strung out from their ill-behaved Saturday night endeavors, 2007 will be the last season for this Hamptons staple. Established in 1970, this Hampton Bays party haven is only open Sundays from 4 to 8 pm and sells more Bud Light on a Sunday then most bars do in an entire week. With $2 beers under the giant tent, the Boardy Barn is home to some rowdy party animals and is a must-hit place if you’ve never been there.
