Fishbone – Funkadelic To The Bone

Fishbone is a band that may or may not have resonated with you over the past few decades. If it has then you know their energy, authenticity, and style; if you haven’t, then I’ll tell you that Fishbone’s first international tour was opening for the Beastie Boys in 1987. They grew up with the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, have toured with dozens upon dozens of well-known bands, and have recorded albums with the “who’s who” of the music industry throughout the years.

Fishbone has made quite a reputation for themselves over the years as being one of, if not the best band to see live. Their theatrics and energy on stage can’t really be measured due to the fact that they’ve got 7 members up there, all of which have a unique and electric way of expressing themselves on stage. Fishbone formed in 1979 in Los Angeles when John Norwood Fisher, his brother Phillip Fisher, Walter Kibby II, Angelo Moore, Kendall Jones, and Christopher Dowd all met in junior high band. Only a few short years later they were signed to a record deal with Columbia records in 1983. Their first single was “Party At Ground Zero” which was released in 1985, followed by the first EP self-entitled “Fishbone.” After that, they skyrocketed to success. In 1987 they had their first international tour opening up for the Beastie Boys. A few years later they recorded “Freddies dead”, was adapted and directed by Douglas Gayeton and later made an appearance on MTV which put them on the map with the other alternative bands of the late 80’s. It also threw them on the same tour as their childhood friends the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

In the 90’s they had commercial success reaching #49 on the billboard albums chart with the album “The Reality of My Surroundings” and a few months before the release they were on SNL and performed some of their more known songs of “Sunless Saturday,” and “Everyday Sunshine” which also became a radio hit. I could go on and on about Fishbone and all the things that they have done, like the AID’s benefit album they put on with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, how they have played with Alice in Chains, Primus, Tool. They also did an album in 2000 with H.R. of Bad Brains, Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Rick James, Danny Osmond, and Los Fabulous Cadillacs. That’s just the tip of the bone iceberg.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit down with their front-man /sax/ theremin / Dr. Madd Vibe, Angelo Moore. We spoke about how the band had started, what other projects he had going on, what music means to him in general and why he still does the things he does. He’s one very busy man with 4-6 current projects going on, three bands, and just joining the Facebook world. I was grateful for that opportunity.

Now for the show, Fishbone never ceases to amaze me with the antics, energy, and attitude that they have. It’s a nonstop Maddhouse of sheer delight. If you have never heard of Fishbone maybe you can change that after this winding review. I’m sure that you will find something that tickles your fancy. They cover most bases of independence. Want comedy, they have it. Want to hear music about real life events that happen across the globe, they have that too. Want something new and wonderful, they have it. Whatever the need be, I’m Sure you can find it here.

Until next time,