Video has just surfaced of Mike Ness, legendary frontman of California punk band Social Distortion, taking swings at a concertgoer over an on-stage disagreement about politics last month at the Ace of Spades club in Sacramento, California. The clip shows 56-year-old Ness making aggressive hand gestures towards someone in the audience before taking off his guitar and jumping into the crowd.
The man allegedly assaulted by Ness, Tim Hildebrand, claimed he suffered two black eyes, a busted lip, and a concussion. Reports also have Ness spitting in the direction of the man before the beating took place.
According to CBS 13, the fight was due to Hildebrand heckling the singer after he made some disparaging comments about President Trump at the show. Telling the network affiliate, Hildebrand said, “I pretty much said, I pay for your music, not your politics.” He also told reporters that he stood in silent protest for two songs with his middle finger held high.
Once jumping into the crowd, the video shows Ness throwing some blows while being egged on by the audience. At one point, a concertgoer yelled, “Fuck yeah, Mike.” Hildebrand is a Republican and a farmer from the nearby town of Galt. The Daily Mail has reported that after the scuffle, he was escorted out by police where a report was filed. James Mauldin, who was interviewed by CBS 13, said the incident was “…a little bit excessive.” The band at this time has not commented on the incident.
Punk’s not dead.
