Watch Sonic Distortion Celebrate 1st New Album In 15 Years With Raucous ‘Born To Kill’ On ‘Kimmel’
The song is the title track and opening salvo from band’s the long-awaited follow-up to 2011’s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes.
By Scott Bernstein May 8, 2026 • 9:44 am PDT
Social Distortion appeared on last night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live just as their first new album since 2011, Born To Kill, was released on Epitaph. The Mike Ness-fronted band romped through the record’s title track for the ABC late-night talk show.
Produced by Ness and D. Sardy, the long-awaited follow-up to Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes marks Social Distortion’s first album to feature David Hidalgo Jr. on drums. While Josh Freese was behind the kit for the 2011 LP, the son of Los Lobos co-founder David Hidalgo joined the band just before the album was released.
Social Distortion began work on Born To Kill in Spring 2023. However, the first sessions were delayed after Mike Ness was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. The band was able to record the 11-track album over the past few years. Born To Kill features both a cover of “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak and a guest appearance from Lucinda Williams on “Crazy Dreamer.”
Ness and his bandmates delivered the propulsive “Born To Kill” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The song not only gave the album its title, but “Born To Kill” also opens the record. Social Distortion’s performance previewed an extensive 2026 tour featuring dates across North America and Europe.
Watch Social Distortion bring “Born To Kill” to Jimmy Kimmel Live below:
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