Fishbone Past to Present  

Hey! If it wasn't for the critical-acclaimed success of the 'THE REALITY OF MY SURROUNDINGS' CD, this video library would have never been. The founding members of 1992 are all here (there are only 2 founding members today in 2007).

"War", JOHN BIGHAM, FISHBONE's new member starts this DVD (was transformed from VHS) with a chorus of a EDWIN STARR classic as he states the fun of the band and 'other stuff too'. While KENDALL JONES tries to get you to understand why FISHBONE? Why is there a FISHBONE? Through everyday life within any and all people of our universe,race relations, poverty and politics, ANGELO MOORE throws his trademark spoken word comedy around from "If I were A...I'd" while receiving a ticket from a fake meter maid, FISH, inbetween videos. Oh, I forgot the videos.

The 1st video, "? (Modern Industry)" is the 1st video I saw of FISHBONE ever in 1985 before I graduated from high school. I wasn't into black rock yet, not even mainstream new wave. So you can imagine what I was like when I saw this for the 1st time. "What the hell?". Now, I'm a die-hard fan after hearing 1988's 'TRUTH AND SOUL' and 1991's "REALITY" CD's. But back to the videos. You've got "Party At Ground Zero", "When Problems Arise", "It's A Wonderful Life (Gonna Have A Good Time)", "Freddie's Dead", "Sunless Saturday" and "Everyday Sunshine". Missing are the 5 selection from the 'FISHBONE [EP]' (that initials titled song WALTER leads), "Ma And Pa" and "Fight The Youth". Check out the acoustic version of "Sunless Saturaday".

While KENDALL and ANGELO actually rule the talking here, CHRISTOPHER DOWD, PHILLIP "FISH" FISHER say some while NORWOOD FISHER, DIRTY WALTER KIBBY III and JOHN BIGHAM speak the least.

FISHBONE fans, this is the last you'll see of the original FISHBONE together. What you gonna do?

Fishbone - Reality of My Surroundings: Past to Present is a snapshot into one of the highest energy live acts ever. The partial documentary element of this DVD was filmed just after the release of the magnificant 'Reality of My Surroundings' LP sometime between 1991 and 1992. It captures Fishbone at the peak of their career with all original members present and on speaking terms. It is incredably sad that what looked like such a happy and solid group of friends who had written magic and expressed it so vividly live for the past 8 years previously would be fragmented and without their major label (Sony/Colombia) within less than 2 years of this filming.

Amoungst the interviews and personal expressions on what Fishbone "is all about", are the film clips to most of their singles over the years. In chronological order, you can see the evolution of Fishbone from the humourous light natured funk/ska of their beginings in 1985's 'Party At Ground Zero' through to the darker and heavier side of rock with 1991's 'Sunless Saturday'. Along the way they became masters of all the styles they approached and it is obvious in their film clips as they progressed over the years that a more serious and less innocent Fishbone were emerging. Politically, socially and racially vocal, Fishbone let it be heard. There were issues that needed to be raised that were painfully close to them all and their music became the platform and outlet for their emotional expression. With this 'in your face' attitude, the fact they did not stick to any one style of music and the fact they could not be catagorised into one genre, they were placed into the 'too hard' basket by a very conservative music industry. As a result they slipped through the cracks. Oh.......I forgot to mention, being all African/American and playing rock/metal did not seemed to fit into a market based on clear cut labels and safe bets. It's a shame because they knew how to entertain and this DVD is wonderful evidence of this. In fact they STILL know how to put on a awesome show to this day and tour regularly, although the line up only consists of two original members that were featured in this film.

For anyone interested in the band or who WERE interested in them in the late 80's/early 90's, Fishbone - Reality of My Surroundings: Past to Present is a gem that captures it like it was. If only it was twice as long!