Up Close-The Fishbone VIP Experience The “In Your Face Tour 2026”
Fishbone’s Angelo Moore a.k.a. Dr. Mad Vibe! — all photos by John Greenwood
I was excited for the VIP package option on the latest Fishbone tour.
Who would not jump at the chance to meet with one of the most influential and hardworking bands of the past 50 years?
Chronically underestimated and never given their fair dues by the so-called music establishment.
Totally loved and embraced by the punks and ska scene and anybody else with even a half-decent taste in music.
To say they are diverse is a major understatement; they are master craftsmen that can turn their hands to any kind of style or beat and shake the doors off of any venue on any given night.
They have been uplifting audiences for decades as a joyous voice of reason and hope as well as giving us words of courage to draw strength to stand up and be counted for against our oppressors and persecutors. Lighting our way through many dark days, and no doubt many we still have ahead. God Bless Fishbone! I don't know where we would be without them. Despite being put through the music business's wringer with enough setbacks, both personal and financial, to have felled a charging rhino. They have emerged from the carnage with the upbeat Fishbone outlook still intact and that never-ending trademark Angelo Moore grin/smile that defeats the gloom on any dark day. Last year's long-awaited release "Stockholm Syndrome" was one of the most acclaimed and deliciously motivating albums of the year. A new album is also in the works, which will be as eagerly awaited as its predecessor. HERE.
The current tour is to celebrate the 40th anniversary and reissue of the groundbreaking "The In Your Face Tour" album, first released in 1986.
What better excuse did we need at In Spite but to go along and meet with this legendary gang of commentators on social justice and freedom than that? The whole VIP experience was fun and lighthearted even from the line outside of San Francisco's August Hall, which was the opening night of the tour. The staff at the venue went above and beyond to make sure everybody felt welcomed and had a pleasant time.
I look forward to more events at the Home - August Hall. 10/10.
Once inside to sit in on soundcheck, we were treated to some fantastic souvenirs in our welcome packages, which were the perfect mementos to get signed on our meet-and-greets with each band member. Every band member was a pleasure to meet, was in great spirits, and was very interactive with their adoring fans. It was almost like one big family gathering, with much mirth and fun exchanged all around
Fishbone’s Angelo Moore a.k.a. Dr. Mad Vibe! — all photos by John Greenwood
After meet-and-greets and signings, many people had also brought personal items to sign. It was on to the draw for who was brave enough to go up on the stage with the band and attempt to do a sing-along karaoke with Fishbone as the live backing band. Despite being tempted to reach for the earplugs, we did actually hear some reasonable attempts. "Cholly" was a popular choice by a couple of folks, but I think Angelo is in no danger of being unseated in his role any time soon. Speaking of Angelo, he bounced down off stage during the karaoke and treated the rest of the vocal minnows of us to an impromptu giant flag-twirling session with all the flair and exuberance we have come to know and love about him. He resembled a giant spinning threshing machine ready to consume anything that came near it and was having as much fun as the audience with it. Facebook
With a little more intermingling and group photographs, it was on to a very fun show, with the always entertaining Bite Me Bambi fronted by the talented, sweet, loveable, and recently married Tahlena. BMB just gets better and better every time I see them. An exceptional rendition of the Madness hit "One Step Beyond" from sax player Kyle O'Donnell was well received by a very appreciative audience.
Now the main event was at hand, and Fishbone enticed us with yet another magic performance, with the opening part of the set being the "In Your Face" album that we were all here to celebrate track by track. There was then meant to be a brief interlude where the band took a breather before returning with a selected choice of fishbone classics from throughout their career. But typical of the enthusiasm this band puts into every situation, they just said "F@ck It" and kicked the interlude to the curb and ran straight through it. My personal highlights would be "Swim," which they turn into a monstrous wall of noise every time they bring it out. "Secret Police," a word-for-word premonition of the nightmare we are now living from the last album. "Black Flowers" was a total but very welcome surprise. The biggest surprise of the night came from original Fishbone member Kendall Jones, who joined the band onstage and sat in for several songs.
Fishbone’s Angelo Moore a.k.a. Dr. Mad Vibe! — all photos by John Greenwood
The extra couple of dollars on the VIP pass was money well spent on a thoroughly enjoyable night, with the added incentive of supporting one of the most sacred and beloved bands in history.
Go do it, people! "FISHBONE IS RED HOT!"
fishbone.com
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