Fishbone promises fast times in Indio
Outspoken band has some pent-up energy to express at free show, its bassist says
In the late '70s, a band of high school kids from South Central Los Angeles was curious about what would happen if it sped up traditional reggae rhythms to a punk rock tempo.
The result became a cornerstone of the band Fishbone's skapunk sound. Bassist John Norwood Fisher said that back then, he truly felt like they'd invented a new genre. That was until the band's trumpet player and vocalist, “Dirty” Walter Adam Kibby II, showed up with a cassette tape of the band The Specials that his aunt had given him.
“We didn't invent anything, but we were happy to fall in line,” Fisher said during a recent phone interview ahead of the band's free outdoor show Aug. 6 on Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's The Rock Yard stage in Indio . The band will also join Cypress Hill and Everlast for a Halloween show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Oct. 29.
“What we did was organic, but once we saw there was a direction, we fully absorbed it,” he continued.
Fisher said the band began to shape its sound and image after watching a double feature at a movie theater in Venice of music documentaries “Dance Craze” and “The Decline of Western Civilization.” “Dance Craze” was all about the British two tone movement in the late '70s and early '80s, which mixed Jamaican ska with punk rock, and the film focused on bands like Madness and The Specials. “The Decline of Western Civilization” followed acts in the Los Angeles punk scene of the same period including X, the Germs, Black Flag, Alice Bag, Circle Jerks and Fear.
Fishbone was then inspired to blend its ska-punk sound with other styles — including funk and metal. Growing up, Fisher was exposed to all kinds of music. He recalls waking up in the middle of the night to his family playing songs by Bob Marley on the Black operated radio stations they'd often tune into. He was also heavily influenced by his parents' taste in music. They listened to the Beatles, and his favorite song became “Hey Jude,” which his parents bought him on vinyl. His father was also really into rock, so Jimi Hendrix was often heard around the house, too.
“There was a lot of different music that became the foundation of me being open,” he said.
When he and his friends formed the band, they wanted to be authentic and honest with their music, Fisher said. Part of living up to that was embracing who they were and their immediate surroundings.
“In essence, there is a part of our neighborhood that flows through us,” he said of the music. “The Black experience flows through everything that we do.”
Fishbone's music doesn't shy away from social commentary. Its songs focus on subjects like nuclear war, fascism, racism and oppression in housing projects. Fisher said the band belongs to the tradition of artists who have used their platform to highlight social issues, including The Clash's Joe Strummer, Parliament-Funkadelic's George Clinton and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters. He said he doesn't understand why people try to keep musicians from speaking on social issues.
“Would you tell Joe Strummer to shut up? I don't think so,” he said.
In 2010, the documentary “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone” was released. It chronicled the formation of the band and the highs and lows it experienced.
The film also includes interviews with artists that were heavily influenced by Fishbone, including rapper Ice-T, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and No Doubt vocalist Gwen Stefani.
“It feels incredible to know that I'm constantly encountering people the band has touched,” Fisher said. “I understand what that feels like because I am a fan of music.”
At this point in his career, Fisher said, he's grateful to still be playing for the band's hard-core fan base and new generations of fans. He promises the upcoming shows will be a good time, since the band currently has a lot of pent-up energy.
“So expect us to raise some hell like Fishbone is known to do,” he said.
He's also looking forward to the next chapter of the band, whatever that may be.
“An amazing, exciting and beautiful future is possible,” he said. “I'm glad I've stuck around and the band is still functioning so we can watch it unfold.”