In a perfect world, bassist Norwood Fisher and Fishbone would be superstars, a shining example of what can happen when smart lyrics, pop songwriting, stellar musicianship, a once-in-a-lifetime frontman, and a ridiculously badass rhythm section come together in a spicy, pan-genre gumbo. Fishbone's bass-tastic 1991 masterwork, The Reality of My Surroundings , should've been the breakthrough that propelled them into the mainstream. Fisher's hyperactive thumb and inventive basslines should've made him a multi-platinum success like his peers Flea and Les Claypool.
In fact, it's become all too common to think of Fishbone as the band that should’ve, but didn't. Fisher's smiles – and his struggles – are a central element of Everyday Sunshine , the 2010 Fishbone documentary released just as the band celebrated the 25th anniversary of its debut, In Your Face . The film shows how Fishbone's high-energy blend of ska, funk, punk, rock, gospel, and soul brought them right to the brink of mainstream success, and how a nasty cocktail of music business shenanigans, nervous breakdowns, and interpersonal tensions dashed that dream, dooming them to a future of half-empty clubs and barely paying gigs.
The truth, however, is that although depressing finales make for good film, Norwood Fisher is anything but struggling. The 2023 self-titled Fishbone EP, proved he has lost none of his bass chops, enthusiasm, or humor, and his tone – right upfront, as always – is fatter than ever. “You kn.