Touring behind these projects, and matters pertaining to Danell's death, set Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll aside for a number of years before finally being completed in 2004.

Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll was the first time since Social Distortion's 1990 self-titled album that Ness had collaborated with another songwriter.

In 1998, with Social Distortion not working, Ness launched a solo career and decided to record some of the songs for his first album, Cheating at Solitaire.

[3] In July 2001, in a Los Angeles Times article, Ness discussed the possibility of releasing the album in spring 2002 and mentioned an invitation from Johnny Cash to record together.

[3] In October 2003, the band announced on their official website that they were planning to enter a studio in Los Angeles, California, in November to finish work on the album.

[4] During a January 11, 2004, concert in Orlando, Florida, Ness revealed that the album was "three-quarters of the way completed" and mixing began in June.

[5] On the same day, it was announced that bass guitarist John Maurer, who recorded the album, had left the band "in order to stay home and devote time to his wife and two children".