It was a beautiful spring night in Southern California for the first concert of the 2024 season at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. And what a way to kick off the year, Bad Religion, Social Distortion, and an opening act with an identity crisis. It was good to be back at the Amphitheatre and I was looking forward to the show. The crowd was growing by the time I made it to the press entrance for the opening act, a band featuring Julian James Ness, the son of Mike Ness sounded like a perfect way to start the show.
First up was a band fronted by Julian James Ness, and they were really good. The biggest issue is that I have no idea who they are. Originally listed as the Lovebombs, it turns out that there is already a band called the Lovebombs and this was not that band. While researching Julian James Ness, it now looks like the band might be called Lovecrimes, but they have no website and the only social media presence they have is an Instagram, account. It also looks as if there is another band called The Love Crimes on Facebook, so I am not sure how this will all play out in the future. They were really fun to listen to and watch.
Lovecrimes is:
Julian James Ness – Guitar, Vocals
Trevor Lucca – Guitar
Bad Religion took the stage to thunderous applause and kicked off their 21-song setlist with a great version of the 1994 hit, “Infected”. Their set had something for all their fans with songs from twelve of their (22) albums showing why they are modern-day punk royalty. It’s been 13 years since I last photographed Bad Religion and their shows are as memorable today as they were back then. For a band that formed in 1980 and is still going strong, is a testament to good songwriting, being able to tap into their punk mindset, and a very dedicated fan base. We all might be a little older, but the energy and sheer enjoyment radiating from the stage hasn’t diminished at all.
The three songs in the pit seemed to fly by, then it was time to check the gear and enjoy the rest of the show.
Bad Religion are:
Greg Graffin – Lead Vocals
Jay Bentley – Bass
Brian Baker – Guitar
Mike Dimkich – Guitar
Jamie Miller – Drums
Bad Religion Setlist:
1.Infected
2. No Control
3. New Dark Ages
4.Fuck You
5. Epiphany
6. Do What You Want
7. My Sanity
8. Struck a Nerve
9. Anesthesia
10. Man With a Mission
11. Candidate
12. I Want To Conquer the World
13. Only Rain
14. Before You Die
15. You
16. American Jesus
17. Generator
18. 21st Century (Digital Boy)
19. Sorrow
20. We’re Only Gonna Die
21. Fuck Armageddon… This is Hell
Social Distortion also appeared on the bill, but due to a last-minute restrictive photo release requirement, their set was not covered.
Follow Julian James Ness / Lovecrimes:
Follow Bad Religion:
Alan Hess is a photographer based in San Diego, where he lives with his wife and two rescued boxers.
Alan is currently the house photographer for a large concert and event venue in Southern California where he photographs everything from major musical acts to ice hockey. When he isn’t out taking photographs, he spends his time writing books and is an accomplished photography educator and trainer.
Alan’s images have been published in a variety of places including news papers, magazines, websites, promotional materials, album artwork, and press releases. His clients include The Associated Press, Fox Television, FX Network, USA Network, Hasbro, Framus Guitars, Gibson, The Dead, Picture Group, Photoshop User Magazine, Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, and many more.
He is the author of sixteen photography and technology books covering everything from night and low light photography to multiple shot techniques. His books are sold around the world and have been translated in other languages including: Chinese, French, Polish, Japanese, Thai, and Italian.
