If you missed Social Distortion the last time they came through Burlington — that was over 16 years ago — Sunday, July 19 is your chance to fix it. Mike Ness and company are bringing the Born to Kill World Tour to Higher Ground‘s Ballroom in South Burlington, doors at 7:00 PM, show at 8:00.
About Social Distortion
Social Distortion formed in Fullerton, California in 1978 and has been Mike Ness’s band through everything: the Orange County hardcore years, a mid-1980s hiatus, and a gradual evolution into the blues- and country-inflected punk that made them one of the most durable acts in the genre. Their self-titled 1990 album went gold, as did Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (1992), and they have sold more than three million albums worldwide. Author Steven Blush once dubbed them “the Rolling Stones of hardcore,” and nearly five decades in, the label still fits.
The Burlington date arrives just weeks after Born to Kill (Epitaph Records, May 8, 2026) — the band’s first studio album in 15 years, made more remarkable by the fact that recording was interrupted when Ness was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. He has since made a full recovery. The album features guest appearances from Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Lucinda Williams. Ness, ahead of this tour: “My voice is stronger than it’s ever been. I think I’m singing like there’s no tomorrow.” After 15 years and a health scare, that is not a press quote — it is a reason to show up.
About Higher Ground
Higher Ground has been South Burlington’s home for live music since 1998 and one of the best rooms in the North Country for a show like this. The Ballroom holds 750 standing — high ceilings, concrete floor, and high-end bass bins along the stage built to deliver the kind of full, physical sound a punk show demands. The floor fills up on nights like this. Get there close to doors at 7:00 PM if you want a good spot.
Tickets & Details
Social Distortion at Higher Ground, 1214 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403. Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM. All ages. Tickets 9.50–4.50. Get your tickets here.