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Fishbone @ 02 Academy, Islington 05/06/09

It has been a while since I last saw Fishbone, and a couple of years ago I would have been unsure as to whether the band could still cut it, after a couple of quite disappointing album releases, but last year's 'Still Stuck in Your Throat' was the best record that had made since 'Reality' in my view (although I do still like the raw rock of 'Monkey').

The first time I saw them - October 1991 (I think?) – at Brixton(?) (one of the best gigs I have ever been to) , they filmed the promo video for the song 'Fight the Youth' off The Reality of my Surroundings album Back then they still have their optimum line up (inc Kendall Jones, JB Bigham, Walter Kibby) but even with the current line up I am pleased to say that Fishbone still know how to put on a show.

Angelo Moore still like to throw himself into the crowd at any and every opportunity (Dre Gipson – a welcome addition on Keys and vocals is also keen), and Angelo still enjoys taking his clothes off, although these days he seems to be avoiding the full strip that occurred back in that 90's gig. Also good to see John 'Norwood' Fisher still plays a mean bass.

The set is a lot more Ska orientated as opposed to Rock orientated back in 1991, but as Fishbone have always been a pretty good Ska band, this is not a problem, and gives us plenty of opportunities to hear Angelo on Sax and John McKnight on Trombone blasting out sounds together, and sounding damn funky. What did they play?

1. Poem Skank
2. Cheyenne Star / Forever Moore
3. The Suffering
4. Everyday Sunshine
5. Ma & Pa
6. Date Rape
7. Deep Inside
8. Bonin' in the Boneyard
9. Behind Closed Doors
10. One Planet People
11. Alcoholic (inc bit of Gary Glitter – Rock n Roll pt II)
12. Subliminal Fascism
13. Let Dem Ho's Fight
14. Party At Ground Zero

--Encore--

15. Chim Chim's Badass Revenge
16. Give it Up
17. Freddie's Dead

I was disappointed not to hear 'Sunless Saturday' - even more so when I heard that it was on the set list [just not played] Of what they did play, my personal highlights were: Ma & Pa, Bonin' in the Boneyard, Behind Closed Doors, Subliminal Fascism, Let Dem Ho's Fight, and Freddie's Dead.

Great to see the band again and reminded me of what a fine live act they are, and that I must make sure that I am here next time around too.

Alcoholic /Subliminal Fascism / Let Dem Ho's Fight

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