Fishbone

True alternative rock legends and pioneers in their own right, Fishbone emerged from the ghettos of South Central Los Angeles with junior high and high school friends Angelo Moore (vocals and saxophone), John Norwood Fisher (bass), Philip “Fish” Fisher (drums),  Walter Kibby II (vocals and trumpet), Kendall Jones (guitar), and Chris Dowd (vocals and trombone). Their influences ranged from the funk of George Clinton, to the soul of Sly and The Family Stone, and the hard rock of Led Zeppelin.

Their mix of funk, soul, ska, hard rock, heavy metal, reggae, and punk rock influenced numerous of bands including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, Primus, 311, Sublime, No Doubt, and Rage Against The Machine amongst others. Many fans and critics feel that their creative peak was the brilliant social commentary albums of Truth and Soul (1988), The Reality of My Surroundings (1991), and Give a Monkey a Brain and He’ll Swear He’s the Center of the Universe (1993).

Albeit they are known for their ska party attitude and hard rocking edge, their social commentary, especially with the affairs of the black American community, are innumerable. Even though they have had not had the success and mainstream attention as the majority of their contemporaries, they are still considered legends in their own right and credited as one of the main catalysts in the Los Angeles based funk metal movement and ska revival movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In addition, the band is still considered one of the finest live acts in rock; a full horn section and gospel singers are the norm at their concerts. As of this writing (Spring 2006), they are working on their new album, and vocalist Angelo Moore is going to star in an upcoming movie.

The only two members from the original line up of Fishbone are Moore and Norwood Fisher.

Fishbone Discography
Fishbone (1985) - EP
In Your Face (1986)
Truth And Soul (1988)
The Reality of My Surroundings (1991)
Give a Monkey a Brain and He’ll Swear He’s the Center of the Universe (1993)
Chim Chim’s Bad-Ass Revenge (1996)
Fishbone 101: Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin' (1996) - Compilation
The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx (2000)
Live At The Temple Bar and More (2002) – Live
The Essential Fishbone (2003) - Compilation
Live In Amsterdam (2005) – Live