This weekend we present the ska-punk-funk-rock of Fishbone, live in Amsterdam at the Melkweg Theatre in 2002.
They first caught my eye with a video for a song called Modern Industry. The group was literally bouncing off walls to a reggae-ska dance number, and shouting out names of radio stations. Very unusual, I thought.
I first saw them live in the 1980’s in Cleveland opening for the Beastie Boys, who were touring to promote a new record called Licensed to Ill. Before the show, Angelo Moore, Fishbone’s singer, wandered the big hall carrying a cane with him as he slowly made his way through the audience. None of us knew who he was, but we all noticed the well-dressed cane-carry gentleman. A while later, he was on stage. Great show.
This show starts out with Last Poets-like poetry melding into speed metal. Stay with it… the musical styles change. There are songs coming. Good ones. Political ones. Soulful ones. There are also some interviews with the band members interspersed, and their usual social commentary.
Not for the weak at heart, and I’m certain I need to give a warning for language and adult themed material. Send the kids to bed, then enjoy the show.
