SOCIAL DISTORTION
Josh Roush & Social Distortion: From Tour Visuals to Music Videos
Josh Roush and Social Distortion
From Fan to Collaborator, Josh Roush has co-directed seven lyric videos with Mike Ness as well as having created hours of original content for their 2026 tour.
For Josh Roush, working with Social Distortion was something of a full-circle moment. Growing up in Middletown, Ohio, punk rock was more than just music, and Social Distortion was one of the bands that helped inspire his eventual move to Southern California.
Decades later, longtime collaborator Ben Davis introduced Roush to Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness. Inspired by the video-wall production he'd seen at an Oasis concert, Ness was looking to create something similar for Social Distortion's 2026 tour. Davis recommended Roush for the job, beginning a creative partnership that would soon extend well beyond the stage.
The collaboration soon expanded beyond live performances. Ness spent days at Roush's home studio working alongside him on a series of lyric videos, combining archival footage, original imagery, and the band's visual history. What began as an in-person creative process evolved into an ongoing collaboration, with the two developing a shorthand that allowed them to continue working remotely.
Together, Ness and Roush co-directed seven lyric videos, including "Wicked Game" and "Never Goin' Back Again," with Roush handling editing and production through AntiCurrent. Alongside the videos, Roush created hours of original visual content for Social Distortion's 2026 tour.
For Roush, the experience brought together two defining parts of his life: the music that inspired him to leave Ohio and the filmmaking career he built after arriving in California.
VIDEOS
Born To Kill: Tour Promo
Created by Josh Roush, this promotional video for Social Distortion’s 2026 tour combines the band’s unmistakable punk rock identity with dynamic visuals designed to build excitement for their return to the road. Produced for social media, the promo captures the energy and attitude of Social Distortion while promoting the band’s upcoming live performances.
Never Goin Back - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “Never Goin’ Back Again” lyric video continues their creative collaboration, combining the band’s signature aesthetic with imagery that complements the song’s themes of reflection, change, and moving forward. Edited by Roush, the video was released in November 2026 as part of the band’s ongoing series of lyric videos.
Wicked Game - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “Wicked Game” lyric video combines archival imagery, vintage film footage, and the band’s unmistakable visual identity. Edited by Roush and produced by AntiCurrent, the video blends nostalgia and atmosphere to complement Social Distortion’s haunting interpretation of the Chris Isaak classic.
Walk Away (Don’t Look Back) - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “Walk Away” lyric video combines vintage imagery and carefully assembled visuals with the band’s signature aesthetic. Edited by Roush and produced by AntiCurrent, the video complements the song’s themes of heartbreak, regret, and moving on.
No Way Out - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “No Way Out” lyric video pairs the band’s gritty visual identity with imagery reflecting the song’s themes of desperation, struggle, and consequence. Edited by Roush and produced by AntiCurrent, the video continues their creative collaboration, blending cinematic imagery with the raw attitude of Social Distortion.
Crazy Dreamer - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “Crazy Dreamer” lyric video combines vintage-inspired imagery with the band’s unmistakable punk rock aesthetic. Edited by Roush and produced by AntiCurrent, the video complements the song’s themes of ambition, longing, and chasing dreams against the odds.
The Way Things Were - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “The Way Things Were” lyric video combines vintage imagery with the band’s signature visual aesthetic. Edited by Roush and produced by AntiCurrent, the video reflects the song’s themes of nostalgia, reflection, and the passage of time.
Partners In Crime - Lyric Video
Co-directed by Mike Ness and Josh Roush, Social Distortion’s “Partners in Crime” lyric video combines vintage-inspired imagery with the band’s unmistakable visual identity. Edited by Roush and produced by AntiCurrent, the video continues their creative collaboration, bringing the song’s rebellious spirit to life through a gritty, cinematic aesthetic.