Mike Ness (born April 3, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Lynn, Massachusetts, and raised in Fullerton, California. He is best known as the founder, frontman and primary songwriter of Social Distortion, which he formed in 1978. Known for blending punk rock with rockabilly, blues and country influences, Ness has helped shape Southern California punk and built a reputation for honesty, resilience and long-lasting influence.