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Fishbone

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Band Timeline

1979

Formation and Early Beginnings

Fishbone formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, originally gathering members John Norwood Fisher, Philip "Fish" Fisher, Angelo Moore, Kendall Jones, Walter A. Kibby II, and Christopher Dowd while they were still in junior high school. Initially called Megatron with a different vocalist, they later adopted the name Fishbone. The band emerged as an eclectic group blending ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul influences. Their early work and performances at local venues like Madame Wong's helped them gain traction in the Los Angeles music scene. They became well connected with other prominent bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Thelonious Monster, positioning Fishbone as an influential presence in the alternative music community.
1983-1987

Signing to Columbia and Early Releases

By 1983, Fishbone was signed to Columbia Records after being discovered at a club gig by Brian O'Neal of The BusBoys. Their first official release came in 1985 with the single "Party at Ground Zero," followed shortly by the self-titled EP Fishbone, produced by David Kahne. Their debut full-length album, In Your Face, was released in 1986. The band continued to build their reputation and toured internationally for the first time, supporting Beastie Boys on the Licensed to Ill tour in 1987. Their style continued to evolve during this period as they integrated diverse elements across genres and gained a growing fan base.
1988

Breakthrough with Truth and Soul

Fishbone's 1988 album Truth and Soul marked a significant milestone for the band, earning wide critical acclaim and expanding their audience. The album introduced more politically and socially conscious lyrics addressing issues such as racism, family breakdown, fascism, and oppression in low-income housing. The cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead" became a highlight, with its music video gaining substantial rotation on MTV. That same year, Fishbone toured with Red Hot Chili Peppers, increasing their prominence within the alternative rock scene. Their collaboration with Little Richard on the Lead Belly tribute album Folkways: A Vision Shared also underscored their musical versatility and respect within the industry.
1989-1991

Lineup Changes and Continued Success

In 1989, Fishbone expanded their lineup by adding John Bigham, a former guitarist and keyboardist for Miles Davis. This addition contributed to the creative development of the band. Their 1991 album, The Reality of My Surroundings, achieved both commercial and critical success, reaching number 49 on the Billboard albums chart. This period was characterized by sustained popularity and intensive touring, further solidifying the band’s presence in the music industry. However, as the early 90s progressed, some key members began departing, including guitarist Kendall Jones in 1993 and keyboardist Christopher Dowd in 1994, marking the start of significant personnel changes.
1994-2003

Personnel Changes and Evolution

Following the departures of Kendall Jones and Christopher Dowd, Fishbone underwent several lineup changes throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. John Bigham left in 1997, replaced by Tracey "Spacey T" Singleton. Drummer Philip "Fish" Fisher left in 1998, succeeded by several temporary drummers before John Steward joined in 1999. Other members such as Walter Kibby and Singleton also left in 2003. Despite these changes, founding members John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore remained active, with the band continuing to produce music and perform. The band also recruited guest and replacement musicians for guitar and keyboards, maintaining their dynamic sound.
2003-2010

Survival with Core Members and New Collaborations

Between 2003 and 2010, John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore were the last original members consistently active in Fishbone. The lineup included new collaborators such as Rocky George and Tori Ruffin on guitars temporarily, and Dre Gipson on keyboards. John McKnight joined and left during this period as well, with a series of trumpet players filling roles to support the band's sound. The band continued touring and recording, adapting their style with contributions from new members. Around 2010, original trumpeter Walter Kibby rejoined, indicating a gradual reunification of some founding members.
2011-2018

Reunions of Original Members

During this period, Fishbone saw the return of several original members: trumpeter Walter Kibby around 2010, Christopher Dowd in 2018, and the rejoining of John Bigham in 2017. The band solidified a line-up that mostly resembled their classic formation, with the exception of Kendall Jones who did not rejoin full-time. They continued to perform anniversary tours and maintain their cult following. Additional members such as Jay Armant and Paul Hampton filled key instrumental roles. Philip "Fish" Fisher also rejoined in 2016 but departed again later, highlighting the fluctuations in membership characteristic of the band's evolution.
2019-2025

Recent Changes and Current Lineup

From 2019 onward, Fishbone experienced further shifts in membership. John Bigham left in 2019, replaced by Mark Phillips; Kendall Jones reunited with the band for a one-off performance in 2020. Drummer Philip "Fish" Fisher exited again in 2021, followed by the return of John Steward. A major lineup overhaul occurred in 2024 when original members Norwood Fisher and Walter Kibby departed. New members joined including Aroyn Day (bass), Hassan Hurd (drums), and JS Williams (trumpet). Tracey Singleton returned in late 2024, with bassist James Jones announced as a full member in early 2025. As of March 2025, the band's lineup includes Angelo Moore, Christopher Dowd, Tracey Singleton, Hassan Hurd, JS Williams, and James Jones, continuing their legacy as a pioneering and eclectic alternative rock band.

Albums

fishbone_1st_album
In Your Face
11 tracks
1986
fishbone_2nd_album
Truth and Soul
15 tracks
1988
fishbone_3rd_album
The Reality of My Surroundings
18 tracks
1991
fishbone_4th_album
Give a Monkey a Brain... And He’ll Swear He’s the Center of the Universe
12 tracks
1993
fishbone_5th_album
Chim Chim's Badass Revenge
15 tracks
1996
fishbone_6th_album
The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx
10 tracks
2000
fishbone_7th_album
Still Stuck in Your Throat
12 tracks
2006
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Rocky George

N/A

Christopher Dowd

2018

John Norwood Fisher

1979

Drè Gipson

N/A

Spacey T.

N/A

Angelo Moore

1979

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Walter Adam Kibby II

1979
2003

John Bigham

1989
1997

Marlon M. Williams

N/A
1988

Kendall Jones

1979
1993

André Holmes

2004
2011

Trumpet

Anthony Brewster

N/A
N/A

Christopher Dowd

1979
1994

Fish

1979
1998

Story of Fishbone

Fishbone: A Genre-Bending Force of Musical Anarchy

Fishbone, hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, California, are more than just a rock band. They're a sonic explosion of musical styles, effortlessly fusing ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul into a unique and unforgettable sound.

Considered by AllMusic as "one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s," Fishbone exploded onto the scene with a frenetic energy, self-aware diversity, and a playful sense of humor that masked their sharp social commentary. Their infectious blend of genres garnered a devoted cult following.

The band's origins can be traced back to 1979, when a group of junior high students, John Norwood Fisher (bass), his brother Philip "Fish" Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones, theremin), Kendall Jones (guitar), "Dirty" Walter A. Kibby II (vocals, trumpet), and Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals), came together, forming the nucleus of what would become Fishbone.

Their most commercially successful period spanned the late 1980s and early 1990s, though the band endured numerous lineup changes over the years. John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore were the last two original members remaining from 2003 to 2010. A wave of reunions in the 2010s saw the return of most of the original lineup, with the exception of Kendall Jones, for various tours and anniversary celebrations.

As of April 2024, Fishbone continues to rock stages with a lineup consisting of Angelo Moore, Christopher Dowd, guitarist Mark Phillips, bassist Aroyn Day, drummer Hassan Hurd, and trumpeter JS Williams.

Early Career (1979-1987):

Fishbone's journey began in 1979, when these young musicians, a diverse and eccentric crew, joined forces in their junior high school. Their early years were marked by raw energy and a dedication to their unique vision.

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