Bad Luck

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy pals at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the platters that matter! Right now, we’ve got the gritty punk rock vibes of Social Distortion cranking through your speakers with their killer track “Bad Luck” from the 1992 album Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell. This song’s a real banger, hitting number 2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart—Social D’s highest-charting single ever! It’s got that raw, singalong chorus that sticks in your head, built on crunchy guitars and classic chord changes. Fun fact: “Bad Luck” has popped up in some wild TV moments, like in Animal Kingdom during a steamy flashback scene where Pope walks in on Baz and Julia, or in Bones when Dr. Brennan catches Booth in his bathroom. It even rocked a biker bar jukebox in Supernatural’s ninth season. Oh, and here’s a cool tidbit: the song was re-recorded for their 2007 Greatest Hits album, giving it a fresh spin for longtime fans.

Now, let’s talk about the man behind the music, Mike Ness, and how Social Distortion got rolling. Formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California, these guys are punk rock legends. Ness started the band as a teenager, channeling the raw energy of the Southern California punk scene. Back then, they were a hardcore punk outfit, but over time, they wove in blues, country, and rockabilly, creating their signature sound. Ness has always drawn from his own life—hard luck, love, and the struggle—which gives songs like “Bad Luck” that authentic edge. In a 2015 interview with Guitar.com, Ness said, “I’ve been through enough bad times in my life to where I know that when you’re going through a hard time, you’re just paying for a good time to come.” That vibe of resilience is all over their music. From their debut Mommy’s Little Monster in 1983 to gold-selling albums like Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, Social D has stayed true to their roots while evolving with every record.

Wanna connect with the band and their diehard fans? Check out Social Distortion’s official website for tour dates, merch, and news. They’re also super active on socials—follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, from Ness’s musings to behind-the-scenes tour shots. If you’re a true Zoo Freak who lives for Social D, dive into the fan community! Join the Social Distortion Fans Facebook group, where folks share concert stories, rare vinyl finds, and love for the band. There’s also r/SocialDistortion on Reddit, a fan-driven spot for deep dives into lyrics, setlists, and punk rock nostalgia. So, crank up “Bad Luck,” Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the good vibes—and maybe a little bad luck—rocking!