What To Wear To Social Distortion Concert?
Social Distortion has been grinding out their punk and blues-influenced hard rockin' rock n roll since 1981. The band has been going strong for over thirty years now and their high energy, emotionally charged live performances have attracted their loyal fan base. I have always enjoyed watching a Social D show, and it is always fun when I have the chance to do so. But if you want to get the best out of their electric show, then there is no way you can go out for one of their gigs dressed normally. In this article, I'll provide you with tips and tricks to nail the Social Distortion concert style and even come up with some outfit ideas for you.
Check Out Your Inner Punk Rocker
It seems that Social D has a less polished sound, they are more raw, similar to punk bands of the 70s such as The Ramones, Sex Pistols, etc. So, the rebellious streak that you don't like to show anywhere else could be let out in the choice of clothing. Jeans with rips near the knee, leather jackets, band t-shirts, and combat boots are punk rock clothes that where will make you look right in place at a Social D concert. For distressed black skin, it is advisable to have jeans with parts ripped at the knees, and the top should be a vintage Social Distortion T-shirt with one of their skeletons or eagle logos on it.
Show Off Your Tattoos
Wearing band t-shirts is a tradition, but only at Social D concerts do you see more skin art. Well, then flaunt those tattoos as proudly as the band does it. For men, wear a muscle tank, cropped concert tee, or a vest if you want to flaunt your arms, shoulders, or back with tattoos. This lets you wear your punk intensity while not sweltering in a hot and crowded room, which is a punk blessing/curse in itself.
Layer Up
This group from Social Distortion originates from Orange County, California and therefore its weather is normally warm with sunshine. But they perform in other areas of the nation where the nights are really cold, for example during their concert seasons. It can get as chilly as a concert that is performed outdoors in the evening or a concert that is held in a poorly heated music hall. Make sure to dress in warm clothes because you will be able to remove the clothing layers should you start sweating while moshing near the stage. A solid black hoodie over your t-shirt or a denim/leather jacket can be worn to protect you from cold venues yet still allow easy removal if need be.
Don't Forget Your Accessories
Belts with spikes, studs, or loops, sneakers made of canvas, or massive biker boots, bandanas, beanies, and large leather cuffs with spikes also contribute to the execution of rebellion spirit which is significant in punk culture. Pick up your choker necklace, thick biker bracelet, or wallet chain depending on your individualistic philosophy. Let's complete your Social Distortion clothes collection with a black fedora inspired by the hat Ness wears in any photo or video. Bright hair colors such as burgundy, blue, or green will make you easily fit into Social D fans because the band's fans are not shy to dye their hair in even stranger and bolder colors.
Break the Rules
Since punk music aims to cause some kind of rebellion against the normalcy of society then one can go wild with the dress code of the concert. A wild creative approach is to combine prints, fabrics, and textures in unexpected ways such as cutoff overalls with floral leggings, silk vampy shirts tucked into band hoodies, or a rainbow tutu with a studded leather jacket. No topic is forbidden in punk shows and messy non-conventional clothing is always welcome. Therefore shop around in thrift stores to look for clothes that have a blank area that you can brand with a security pin, badges, metallic studs, or scribbled graffiti. Or, take from the band's stylistic cues and dress like cowboys by wearing cowboy boots. The most important thing is to make your clothes personal and in this case, it means making them as personal as your personality.
Stay Low Key
Most venues that host concerts prohibit the use of bags and other accessories hence should not be brought along. It is recommended to avoid wearing any jewelry such as rings, necklaces, earrings, etc. Do not wear any expensive clothing brands. Of course, the punk culture was created as a response to exactly that notion but Social Distortion appeals to everyone. But it will be at a venue that is going to be dark, and packed, and somebody might spill a drink on you. And so it is recommended that one should wear plain, dark colored, unpretentious clothes since these look less dirty in contrast to the costly luminous colored fabrics which can be easily stained. In vests, jackets, or boots, inner pockets are the best places to keep your cash and ID. Small and lean just the essentials in terms of clothes and accessories, and if possible, just a small crossbody bag or even a belt pouch so you can wave your hands and shout without any hindrances.
Comfort is Key
But of course, dressing for the punk part is half the fun, one also needs versatile clothes to go with the concert which can take hours on foot while standing. Shoes must have a good grip to handle venues that are soaked in beer and also have support for the legs. Skins that will not make one sweat profusely or get uncomfortable due to tight congested audiences near scorching stage lights. Comfortable types of fabric that do not hinder the free movement of the body in thrashing besides its ability to follow the high-velocity rhythms of bands. In this context, it is better to select darker colors rather than white or light shades as they might become transparent and reveal what is written on them when wet.
Focus on Safety
Social Distortion is noted for their high-energy LIVE performances with raucous punks stage diving and mosh pit at some of their shows. So, ensure that the clothes you wear take into consideration the factor of safety. Avoid wearing such ill-fitting clothing items that may create tripping hazards to other people or affect vision due to blousing or snagging on equipment. Do not wear spiked accessories such as chains to some violent aggressive pits as they may cause harm to other fans celebrating. Tuck in longer chains around the neck while wearing shirts and join the jack's long hair to avoid feeling choked during hyped mass-athletics close to the stage. The use of safety boots with steel toes is the best for the punk style since they offer protection to the feet in the event the moshers fall on them.
Have as much fun as humanly possible cutting loose and enjoying the anarchic punk stance of Social D. At the same time however, never forget to be a gentleman and to treat other fans with the same friendly camaraderie that punk was built around. In doing so, the band illustrated that this would be a defining aspect of the Southern California punk scene in the coming years. So, do not forget to follow their suit when choosing your concert fashion statement. But they should concentrate more on safely enjoying their landmark catalog given a power-house live performance on stage for close to forty years of creating music. With these tips, you are assured of becoming a perfect match for the die-hard Social Distortion group of fans who always wait for the touch of an electrifying anything-goes kind of performance.
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