Review of Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone (2011) by Andy A — 17 Jul 2012

Having LOVED Fishbone since I was a kid, starting/modeling my own band after them (despite not being ska/punk at all), AND having the incredible privilege of touring with them extensively in the mid-/late-'90's (including Fish's last tour with the band), this movie truly moved me on many personal levels. Beautifully shot - combining old-skool live VHS footage, photo collages, TV appearances and current HD footage of the band, the film makers have a finely crafted vehicle to tell the story of a band in crisis.

It is truly heart-wrenching to watch a band so poised for greatness and glory have such a long struggle over so many years. It is really the tale of a dysfunctional family trying to keep itself together and the dream alive through truly difficult circumstances. Like all families, they have their ups and downs, but Fishbone's story is particularly riveting because of the profound influence they have had on so many of the world's biggest bands (Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, Janes Addiction among many others who really took this documentary as an opportunity to praise Fishbone in this film). Even more compelling perhaps is the notion that it was Fishbone's intense dedication to keeping the band "democratic" that might have most contributed to their lack of commercial success over time. This is something that hits close to home for me and it was astounding to watch this unfold for them over the years - ironic and embittering, especially as band members (family members!) dropped away one by one.

That said, it is important to note that this is not a film about a DEAD or DYING band - quite the opposite! It's inspirational and uplifting - Fishbone's triumphs are vast and truly great! It is profound to watch Norwood and Angelo work so hard to keep the dream/vision/family of Fishbone alive despite all the adversity they've been through (and still are going through).

I saw them recently (July 8th, 2012) in Brooklyn and they were as intense, vital, musically sound and HUNGRY as ever!

I know it's not feasible to think that they could or would tour with the original line up (for myriad, complicated reasons), but all of us die-hard, old-skool fans can hope - and watch this movie again & again - long live FISHBONE!

-Andy Action / 2 Skinnee J's.