Social D’s message still loud and clear

There was nothing silent about the first night of Social Distortion’s annual winter residency Sunday at the House of Blues Anaheim, where the Orange County punk mainstay opened a string of at least 17 shows divvied up between the chain’s Anaheim and West Hollywood clubs over the next three weeks.

Despite getting started just three days shy of Christmas, Social D indulged in no hollow holiday sentimentality, which is one reason that this relatively new Southland Christmas season tradition is so bracing.

Outfitted in auto mechanic’s overalls, leader Mike Ness set about his work with a solo rendition of “When the Angels Sing,” his anthem to lost loved ones. He spit forth not just anger but also refusal to be bowed by the bloody punches life can deliver.

Ness’ ability to elucidate a willingness to take those punches and come back for more has kept Social D relevant for more than two decades. It was clear on the faces of the predominantly male crowd that Ness’ survivor instincts have made him a role model for a generation of young rebels.

The group’s bracing 70-minute set touched familiar bases, stretching back to its beginnings with “Mommy’s Little Monster” and across the years with “Prison Bound,” “Story of My Life” and “Sick Boys” on up to “Dear Lover” and “Angels Sing” from its most recent studio album, 1996’s “White Light White Heat White Trash.”

Even though most of the newer songs offered Sunday were familiar to those who were at last year’s House of Blues gigs, they extend the in-your-face wallop, disarming vulnerability and keen melodic sense that have long set Ness’ songwriting above that of so many of punk’s one-note ranters.

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Social Distortion

Where: House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Jan. 14, 15, 17 and 18.

Price: $25

Info: (323) 848-5100

Also

Where: House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim.

When: 8:30 p.m., Jan. 3-5, 7-8 and 10-12

Price: $25

Info: (714) 778-2583