feature: black punk history—ska/punk-rock/funk fusion pioneers fishbone

Fishbone, an American funk/punk/ska band from L.A. and one of the early pioneers of the 90s’eclectic ska-fusion/punk-rock sound. Fishbone was established between 1978 and 1979 by the Fisher brothers of South Central L.A. and Angelo Moore, a school friend they met at the San Fernando Valley junior high school they were bused into. They were at heart of L.A.’s club and alternative band scene, along with friends the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Thelonious Monster. From early on, Fishbone experimented mainly in ska-funk fusion which helped flush out the sound of the sub-genre before evolving into a more guitar-centric period. After leaving behind their pop-y, goofy, somewhat commercial sound of their early day, they—in 1988—released their politically-driven album “Truth and Soul” garnered critical acclaim and wide fan base. This album made open commentary about racism, fascism, poverty, income inequality, etc. and included a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Freddie’s Dead”.

Photo: Ann Summa

*Erin White is an Atlanta-based writer and AFROPUNK’s editorial and social media assistant. You can follow her on Tumblr or friend her on Facebook. Have a pitch or an inquiry? Shoot her an email at erin@afropunk.com.