Angelo Moore Tried to Fishbone My Girlfriend
The mighty Fishbone in their new line-up since the unceremonious departure (dumping?) of Norwood Fisher played just a few exits down the US 101 freeway from my residence. So, with such an iconic band in my hood, how was I to resist such a tempting proposition? The answer is I absolutely could not, and the offer was far too tantalizing to pass up.
The Mystic at night - Photo ©John Greenwood
The Mystic Theater in Petaluma, CA, is a very interesting experience if you haven’t been lucky enough to attend this venue before. Billed as the North Bay’s Premier Music Venue, it was built in 1911, and it has always had a distinctly vaudevillian feel and charm that I pick up on every time I attend and a character all of its own. Opening band was Damnage, who got the place up on their feet with a big sound.
The second band I had been looking forward to ever since I saw them a few weeks previously in San Francisco was the wonderfully fun and energetic Two-Tone Ska beat of Bite Me Bambi. They put on another exciting, polished, and energetic set, and I can't say enough about this band, or better still can't wait to see them again at Doll Fest in March. I was very surprised they were third billing actually, as I was not familiar whatsoever with the second billing band, Strawberry Fuzz.
Bite Me Bambi - Phot0 ©John Greenwoood -
But what a pleasant surprise SF turned out to be. I must admit I was a bit hesitant to begin with, but once they uncorked, they gave everything they had with some good heavy hitting and honest punk rock that pulled no punches. I loved this performance, and they instantly won me over. Brilliant interpretations of everyday life sincerely delivered with all the subtlety and honesty of a sledgehammer. As one of their songs goes "If you don't like the music, then go the fuck home!” I can't wait to see more of this band.
Strawberry Fuzz - Photo ©JohnGreenwood -
So now the new look, Fishbone, was unveiled. Angelo Moore and keyboardist Christopher Dowd are still present from the original line-up, joined by guitarist Tracey "Spacey T" Singleton, bassist Aroyn Day, drummer Hassan Hurd, and JS Williams on trumpet. However, founding members Norwood Fisher, trumpeter "Dirty" Walter Kibby, and drummer John Seward are gone. Both sides cite the usual "differences in musical goals and agendas" to sum it up without too much drama. It is a sad situation that a band that I, as well as many others have enjoyed throughout the years, have reached this fork in the road.
But let us hope that cooler heads prevail and they manage to sort out their differences without it all getting tied up in courtroom drama.
But on with the show!
Keeping true to their punk roots and credibility, the band offered money back to any of their followers who had unwittingly bought tickets to events in the belief they were going to be seeing the original members if they did not want to give the new line-up a chance. Which I can only view as being a very noble and commendable offer to their fans and followers, and true to punk rock ethics and standards they obviously still believe in.
Angelo Moore of Fishbone - Photo ©John Greenwood
The spontaneous ball of energy that he can still conjure up after all these years, that is, Angelo Moore, hits the stage in a very sharp, crazy Zoot Suit attire complete with a bowler hat, and the show (and party) is on! We are now blessed with a very amusing insight into the workings of the mind of Angelo about God speaking to Noah to build an Ark when God was getting ready to "shampoo the mf'in carpet," which was lost on me temporarily. Until I hear the bass line for "Swim" kickin' in with a second hint from Angelo that the carpet might be getting ready for another “MFing' shampoo sometime soon!
All jokes aside, I stood in awe at the sheer power the new Fishbone line-up created in this particular number. They turned "Swim" into a huge monstrous mechanical sound that was an amazing experience to behold, intimidating and inspiring at the same time. I definitely had a special moment that my jaded ass after 45 years of punk rock rarely gets these days. By the time they are through with "Swim," Angelo's antics have sweat pouring out of the sleeves of his Zoot suit like a slow-running faucet. And everybody in the house is onboard the crazy Fishbone train ride through classic Fishbone numbers "Skankin, "Unyielding,” "Alcoholic," a particularly fantastic "Drunk Schizo, "Ma & Pa," and "Everyday Sunshine.". With boisterous madcap Angelo complete with spins and leaps with his signature clear Lucite walking cane, leading us all willingly along every step of an epic Fishbone journey. By the end of the set, the whole house is begging for more and in no hurry to slope off into the dark night any time soon.
All Photos ©john Greenwood
The band returned to encore with Tahlena Chikami from Bite Me Bambi to sing "Lyin; Ass Bitch'. Before closing the show and bringing the house to a frenzied finale with their classic "Party at Ground Zero.". In true Angelo form, he immediately dismounts from the stage, drenched in sweat, grabs my girlfriend Faeemi, and attempts to make off into the night! (This guy! ) Anyways, after he calmed down enough, he obligingly and humorously signed her a setlist, which made her night. Three support bands are often a couple too many for me, but in this case, I can honestly say there was not a bad band on the card all night. A very memorable and fantastic night of entertainment delivered by all participants!