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PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Council Bluffs, IA, where he catches up with Social Distortion's Mike Ness and Jonny Wickersham and they talk to us about their current live rigs and setups.

Ness' current live setup includes 70s Gibson Les Paul Deluxes (two-goldtops), a '67 Fender Bassman head going through two Marshall 1960B 4x10 cabs. The only pedal in his setup is a Boss SD-1 Overdrive. Wickersham's setup includes original '60s Les Paul Juniors and a '50s Telecaster that run through a Satellite head and two Marshall 4x12 cabs.

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Duke Starbuckle on 03/30/2012	It's funny that people who don't even know these guys would question what they say about pickups, Neil Young, etc. As far as amps are concerned, not every amp you see on stage is even being actively used. It depends on the venue. Some of you folks should work for either FOX news or the National Enquirer. No facts, just speculation.
Notsostarvin g on 11/27/2010	Yo Get A Clue... Watch EVERY You Tube Video of Social D in South America. No Bassman? No Atomic Amps for 2 Bags? I'd say that EVERY time I have seen Social D live in the last 8-10 yrs Mike's Bassman Heads have been on stage (In the US)so I would have to say you are wrong with that one BUT even more wrong about Billy Z and Fred... Billy GUTTED and rebuilt Mikes Bassmans (all Black faces 65 to 67) YEARS AGO! Look on the Gretch forums. There is a bunch of pics and info of what/how he did it. He actually named the Mod after Mike! I am not saying Fred T. hasn't "tweaked Mikes rig as Mike gets free "tweaks", service, etc. to drop his name (all Artists do this) BUT I firmly believe Billy did 99% of the Bassmans that define Mike's Tone. (The last 15 to 20 yrs. of albums and live tone that we are all here discussing.) Do some research and don't believe everything you read on the internet. I happen to have discussed these Mods with Billy Zoom and unless he is a liar he was the brains behind this completely Modded/Custom Bassman Tone for Mike. I am only saying this so the little kiddies reading understand that buying an old AB165 circuit Black Face Bassman is not gonna be exactly what you are hearing with Mike's Rig. Either way good job Billy Z, Fred T., and most importantly Mike! ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get A. Clue on 11/23/2010	Fred Taccone did Mike's Bassman. Billy Zoom did a minor tweak. He used to have repair shop. I'm sure Mike would give Billy credit, were it due, as they are old, old friends. Billy played on Mike's first solo album. And they surely did not rent gear in South America. I love how so called fans wait for Mike to mis-speak or say or do something not punk rock and jump all over him. If you need to point out someone talking BS, point at the mirror.
DLineMan08 on 11/02/2010	Hey JIMMY, I guess you are Mikes body guard? Do you even play an instrument? I agree with C'MON MAN's post. Not only is he extremely thorough in his statement but the dude obviously knows a thing or two about not only Mikes rig but guitar and tone as well. In my independent research I have found his post to be very accurate. Besides he is obviously a huge Social D and Mike Ness fan. The way I read it he is a huge fan!? I'd like to see you get off Mike's joint and sweat someone else! Loser
Jimmie on 11/01/2010	C'Mon Man? The man says what he uses and who did his work and you presume to know different? I like to see Mike Ness kick your ass for being a moron... get a life
C'MON MAN on 10/27/2010	I LOVE MIKE AND SOCIAL D. GREAT ICONIC ROCK AND ROLL SONGWRITER AND PERFORMER BUT...This is BS. His Bassman (ALL OF THEM!) were done by Billy Zoom! I guess Fred Taccone is giving him free service,tweaks, and gear so he lied. Not cool but show biz is like that. I would think a guy like Mike would keep it real though. His "Rig" consists of the Guitar he spoke of (with Seymour Duncan Custom Shop P90's), a completely rebuilt/GUTTED Black Face Fender Bassman, and a Boss SD1 for his Leads/Solos. Pure Rock and Roll tone. Gritty and alive (No hum canceling with real P90's) LOVE IT! I have seen SD live over 50 times and over the last 10 years or so Mike has been more than consistent with his tone. (Except for in South America where I am guessing they rented gear instead of bringing and risking damage to all the vintage gear.) Like I said BE HONEST MIKE. Practice what you preach and give credit where it is due. IF Billy Zoom did not do his current amp well than "Excuse me" Otherwise keep it real!
Mike Grenier on 10/25/2010	Im going to the Boston show one week from tonight .I have been counting the days for months. SxDx is the best band ever. No one today plays a live show with as much passion . jan 18th cant come soon enough. Hard times and Nursery rhymes !!!! Great name for the cd. These are very hard times music makes our lives better !!!!!
GregSG on 10/24/2010	What kind of mic is that on Mike Ness's Marshall cabinet?
Sickroy1 on 10/23/2010	I saw that show here in San Diego, CA. Neil Young, SD and Blind Melon(Shannon Hoon was wasted, he sang bad and was wearing a dress with sloppy make up). While Neil Youngs old black had a mini another Les Paul he played for one or two songs had the p-90 in the bridge. Maybe that was something his tech and him were doing in 1993(the year of that tour). I've been a fan of SD for over 20 years, have seen them play live about the same number. I've never heard or heard of Mike telling tall tails. I just don't see why he would fabricate that story. Good interview, I was all ways curious why Mike switched to using p-90 loaded Les Pauls exclusively about that time, now I know. Thanks
BuzzKiller on 10/03/2010	Ummmm. While Social Distortion in fact did tour with Neil Young, his story seems fictional as anyone that knows anything about Neil Young knows that his main Les Paul, Old Black, in fact has a mini humbucker in the bridge position for many many years now. While it does have a P-90 in the neck, from all my years seeing Neil play live he almost exclusively uses the bridge position. So his story is a bit off, but amusing nonetheless

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