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Words by: Martin Halo :: Images by: Rod Snyder
Fishbone :: 05.03.07 :: Rocks Off Concert Cruise :: New York, NY
Angelo C. Moore - Fishbone :: 05.03 :: Rocks Off |
A boat rocks slightly while docked at Pier 81 along Manhattan's West Side Highway. Aboard, momentarily hiding below deck is a band that's earned reverence by mixing reggae, punk and ska into a bombastic live stew of adrenaline pumped hysteria. With reggae thumping through the hull, we were underway and the towering skyline of New York City slowly creeps past as the vessel of decadence floats down the Hudson River.
At around 9:00 p.m., with the backdrop of a packed cabin and glistening, warmed tube amps, Fishbone emerged to a faithful congregation. The atmosphere was tribal as Angelo C. Moore (vox/sax) launched into "Unyielding Conditioning" backed by John Norwood Fisher (bass), John Steward (drums), John McKnight (trombone, guitar), Rocky George (guitar), De Andre Gipson (keyboards) and Curtis Storey Jr. (trumpet).
Rocky George - Fishbone :: 05.03 :: Rocks Off |
"Everyday Sunshine" followed with a dominating island groove. Guitarist Rocky George strummed chords as his overgrown afro squashing against the low ceiling. The crowd pulsated, surfing bodies and balcony divers overpowering the floor. "There is a party on this boat," exclaimed Moore, who sported camouflage pants held on by suspenders.
Fisher laid down thick gritty bass lines, forging hypnotic obedience, the entire crowd under his spell. "Face Plant (Scorpion Back Pinch)" followed with Moore leaping into the pit, still singing as he moshed and surfed. With joints being passed and the alcohol flowing like a raging river, Fishbone entertained with the bounce of "Beer Gut." The horn section was stellar, ripping brass lines in raw arrangements. Their tone is aggressive, crude, and unadulterated. No slow songs, no ballads, just straightforward punk-based stuff.
Angelo C. Moore - Fishbone :: 05.03 :: Rocks Off |
The performance was so engaging the fact we were floating towards the mouth of the Hudson was an afterthought. The Statue of Liberty towered gallantly over the ship and Manhattan looked magnificent. The night sky was crisp and clear and the water calm as a millpond. Inside, the air was thick with delirium, beer being chucked off the balcony while the pit overflowed onto the stage.
Moore took it in stride by leaping back into the crowd. The set progressed featuring "Party With Saddam" off 2007's Still Stuck in Your Throat, "Spank n' Go Nuts" and "Karma Tsunami."
After taking a short break, Fishbone returned with Moore exhorting us to "fuck shit up until this boat docks." The encore included a Theremin tease of Sabbath's "Iron Man" and "Alcoholic." Moore and company lashed into "Date Rape." The Sublime cover made folks savor and squeeze every last moment out of the evening. The band capped things off with "Let Dem Ho's Fight" and "Bonin' in the Boneyard." Whoever decided to book this one, hats off to you!
Angelo C. Moore - Fishbone :: 05.03 :: Rocks Off |
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