Social Distortion Postpone Tour as Mike Ness Receives Cancer Treatment

Social Distortion have cancelled their North American tour as frontman Mike Ness deals with stage-one tonsil cancer.

Ness has had surgery for the cancer, which he is now recuperating from. In three weeks, he begins radiation, which doctors believe will be the final treatment he requires, and he should be able to begin the recovery process after that. He and his doctors anticipate a full recovery.

Social Distortion were in the studio recording up until the day before Ness's surgery, but they've had to put sessions on hold for now. Their next album — their first since 2011 — will be delayed, along with the tour. According to Ness, what they've recorded so far sounds sounds "f-ing AWESOME!"

Social Distortion had planned to be on tour this summer, including Canadian dates in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Guelph, Toronto and Montreal.

Read the full statement from Ness below. The cancelled dates are below that.

 We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying "I don't think so!"

In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery. The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!

The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need. The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process. We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.

It breaks my heart to post pone tours, and this album release, but time is required to heal. I can't thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. While it will take a little longer-I promise you that it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.

I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new struggle. I know it's one that many of you or your loved ones have personally endured, and my heart goes out to you-because I now know what it's like from this heavy experience.

I'm surrounded by love and support from my friends and family ESPECIALLY my lovely wife and incredible boys (oh and don't forget my 3 dogs and kitty) THANK YOU ALL in advance to our unbelievable fans for YOUR love and support right now. ♥️

We WILL get through this….

Social Distortion 2023 Tour Dates:

06/30 Canby, OR - Clackamas County Fairgrounds
07/01–02 Seattle, WA - The Showbox
07/05–06 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
07/08–09 Edmonton, AB - Midway
07/10 Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall Concerts
07/12 Winnipeg, MB - Burton Cummings Theatre
07/14 Milwaukee, WI - Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival 2023
07/18–19 Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom
07/21 Guelph, ON - Guelph Concert Theatre
07/22 Toronto, ON - History
07/23 Montreal, QC - MTELUS
07/25 Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
07/26 New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall  
07/28 Huntington, NY - The Paramount
07/29 Stroudsburg, PA - Sherman Theater
07/30 Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
08/01 Norfolk, VA - The NorVa
08/02 Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore Charlotte
08/03 Raleigh, NC - The Ritz
08/05 Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
08/06 Tulsa, OK - Cain's Ballroom
08/08 Albuquerque, NM - Revel Entertainment Center
08/09 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre