Gothic Theatre
Fishbone
Combining equal parts of deep funk, high energy punk, and frantic ska, the Los Angeles-based Fishbone were one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late ’80s. With their hyper-active, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humor, and sharp social commentary, the group gained a sizable cult following during the late ’80s, yet they were never able to earn a mainstream audience.
Led by vocalist/saxophonist Angelo Moore, the group formed in 1979 while the band was still in junior high; the original lineup comprised Moore, Chris Dowd, Kendall Jones, Walter Kibby, II, John Norwood Fisher, Fish, and Charlie Down. After performing in local clubs during the early ‘80s, the group signed with Columbia Records in the mid-’80s, releasing a self-titled EP in 1985. The following year, they released Fishbone released their first full-length album, In Your Face. While it was marred by a somewhat slick production, the sheer energy of their performances burned through the slightly polished surface. In 1987, the band released the Christmas EP It’s a Wonderful Life (Gonna Have a Good Time).
Truth and Soul (1988), Fishbone’s second album, captured the band at their most ambitious, as they slammed back and forth between heavy metal and funk, throwing in an acoustic number and a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s ’Freddie’s Dead’ for balance. The album expanded their audience and charted at number 153. However, the band didn’t record a new album for another three years. In the meantime, they made two EPs — Ma and Pa (1989) and Bonin’ in the Boneyard (1990) — which basically comprised several B-sides. Before 1991’s The Reality of My Surroundings, Charlie Down left the band and was replaced by John Bigham. The Reality of My Surroundings didn’t depart from the band’s wreckless eclectism, it refined it. The album was a hit, peaking at number 49 and receiving positive reviews. However, the record didn’t establish the band as a mainstream success, nor did 1993’s Give a Monkey a Brain and He’ll Swear He’s the Center of the Universe, despite their appearance at the third Lollapalooza. Even when the third wave of ska revival began to rise to popularity in 1996, Fishbone were left behind, as their ‘96 record Chim Chim’s Bad Ass Revenge — their first album for Arista — was ignored, as was the double-disc compilation Fishbone 101: Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin. Despite their poor sales, the group remained a popular concert attraction, issuing the all-star Psychotic Friends Nuttwerk in the spring of 2000.
