They are: Kendall Jones, Norwood Fisher, Christopher Dodd, Phillip "Fish" Fisher, Walter Kibby II, and Angelo Moore. The film then places their punk-funk-ska-reggae-metal music in context. The racist history of LA continued to influence them throughout their years together, but their own personal changes had as dramatic an impact. Chronologically exploring the band's ups and downs, the film presents a heady mix of individual interviews, concert and studio footage, and candid personal moments, including Kendall's painful breakdown and his pressing charges of kidnapping against his friends who try to make an intervention. Further regrettable disruption occurs with Chris Dowd and Angelo, the latter causing problems with his theremin obsession and excessive drinking, but the band's amazing music is never in question.
The eclectic mix of Fishbone's fans is as expansive as their music from Ice-T to Tim Robbins to Branford Marsalis who says of Fishbone, "The musicians get it; the other people don't." Fishbone never expressed a simple style, and the politics of record companies factors in. Documentarists Anderson and Metzler select their footage well, capturing a deep sense of the band's genius and struggles, their political commentary and interpersonal awareness, especially that the commitment to democracy made their lives difficult while maintaining their core values.
Fishbone fans will feel the joy and sadness of the band's history and will celebrate their reunion. Those unacquainted with Fishbone will learn to appreciate the music and the musicians, for Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone intelligently illustrates the revolutionary, unique style of Fishbone and the band's immense contributions and influence on so many other artists. And the music is fabulous.
At Webster University's Winifred Moore auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 26th through Sunday, August 28th. For more information and the current schedule, you may call 314-968-7487 or go to the web at: Webster.edu/film series.
