John Maurer leaving Social D, new bassist for tour.

After 20 years of serving as Social Distortion's bass player John Maurer has decided
to leave the band. Maurer completed the recording of "Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll",
the new Social Distortion full length studio recording but has decided to forgo the
usual extended promotion and touring in order to stay home and devote time to his
wife and two children.

"For the better part of twenty years I would finish making a record and then leave
my home and family for long periods of time", Maurer said. "It was a blast and I
have great memories but the hiatus between records in the past six years has given
me a chance to develop other interests at home and hang with my family. I just
don’t want to leave."





Mike Ness commented, "I have known John since junior high. I respect what he is
doing but we will sure miss him a lot."

Matt Freeman, one of the premier bass players in punk rock, has come aboard for this
record cycle. "Rancid is always going to be my priority", Matt said. "But Tim has
the Transplants and Lars has the Bastards. I like to think I have a pretty cool
side band now too."

Ness said the decision to call Freeman was only complicated by Matt's well-known
loyalty for Rancid. "We asked ourselves who the best guy out there was and it was
Matt. We figured there was no way but it looks like Rancid is going to have just
enough down time for us to keep Matt busy. These shows are going to be real special
with him in the band."





Really hoping to catch them on the tour for this album, too bad it won't be the original cast, but Freeman is a damn worthy replacement. I'm still going to try to see a show all the same.

I thought john mayer played guitar, no?