Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone

I've loved Fishbone for a very long time, but I did not expect this film to be so good. I could see viewers who aren't even fans get caught up in this story. There is excitement, drama, humor, tragedy, conflict.... you name it. The famous musicians (who were not part of the band) that are interviewed have interesting perspectives and give the film an extra layer of credibility. The filmmakers were able to pull together some amazing live footage of the band in their heyday. They have really crafted this band's story into an amazing narrative. The members of Fishbone really put their soul into that band, and they pour their hearts out on camera.

Do yourself a favor and go see this film!

Fishbone has been apart of me since the late 80's. Started when my cousin put in a tape for me. The album was called "In Your Face". I was hooked. By "Truth and Soul" I became part of the Family and there was no turning back. Every concert to Detroit I was there. With or without a date. This band rocks. You hear Fishbone it stirs something inside you, you may not be able to put your finger on it, its there, in your Face. This film enriched the Fishbone Family in more ways than there is space to write. If you are new to the "Family", born to the "Family" (like my kids), or married to the family;) it really don't matter this film is a must see, must have. Gives insight to the magic behind the music.

Always Still Stuck in my heart,

Kris

I finally got to see the documentary last night the Riverside Film Festival in California. Let me just start by saying I've been a fan of the band since day one... I've seen every incarnation live and pretty much loved them all. The filmmakers had the daunting task of encapsulating their massive history it into a compelling movie under 2 hours.

For the most part they did a great job. They covered the early years perfectly, including touching interviews with both Angelo and Norwood's mothers. Norwood gave a tour of the school where they all met and told the story about their initial formation which was inter cut with Angelo's interview in an occasionally hilarious fashion.

Dirty Walt's interviews were a highlight as well. I've seen him as more of a silent serious type for years. He's always been a great presence in the band. A firm and confident, yet slightly menacing anchor to the mayhem on stage. His interview showed a whole different side of him. A confident, humorous and charismatic story teller.

They also handled Kendall's breakdown and ensuing band turmoil perfectly. The Berkley reunion was touching and heartfelt as well as the subsequent Chris and Kendall meet up.

Technically, as a documentary, the movie did a great job presenting LA history. It touched on a wide range of subjects: the Black Panther movement, integrated school busing, the LA riots, the crack epidemic ... all the way to the rise and fall of the 90's Alterna-rock scene.

I would have liked to see more included on the creation of the music itself. See the band at work writing, their actual creative process. So much mention was made of their music being a groundbreaking mash up of styles, but not enough was actually shown.

As well I felt the end portion of the movie seemed overly dire. I know they had to focus on one story so they chose the initial lineup, but I think the current band is much better off than it seemed. Yes, their greatest successes with publicity and sales were with the original lineup ... but half of their career has been with other players. The current members have been performing together since 2003 to rave reviews.

I'm not saying it should have been a "love letter" to the band, ... I just feel it wasn't exactly accurate. Maybe a few extra minutes of live footage clearly mentioning that it is from the current lineup should have been highlighted. One of the reasons that they continue to persist is that they still put on an intense and passionate live show.

Anyway, glad to see that someone put the time and effort into getting the almighty Fishbone the extra attention they truly deserve.

I was very pleased on how raw and real this documentary was. I was surprised at how much detail the director was able to get about this remarkable band in under 2 hours. I appreciate the director including the stories of all the original band members and focusing on the relationships and difficulties they have all faced and continue to face while being able to focus on the originality of their music. It was funny, informative, and gives these talented men the recognition they deserve. This movie was well overdue and fans will love it. It brought back so many nostalgic memories about how Fishbone helped shaped my teenage years by opening my eyes to new and refreshing rock, ska, reggae mix of music. No one does it like Fishbone, and no one ever will.

I'll keep it short. This band hanged my life when I thought I was the only black kid who "thought different". Have been a hardcore fan since 86'. Have gotten to know them and the film nails the vibe between Angelo and Norwood. I think the absence or even mention of John Bigham of Miles Davis fame, was a disappointment as he was the 7th member and not a founding member who thickened their sound on Reality of My Surroundings. The narration was Excellent by Lawrence Fishburne and the animations were a cool throwback to Fat Albert days. The ups and downs and the adventured of recovering a wayward guitarist (I won't spoil it), would make a great screenplay actually. I've turned a few friends on to this movie who had know idea of their influence and range that are now new fans twenty something years later. It is an excellent labor of love by the directors who took a lot of time with the band and the people who they have influenced, Flea, Gwen Steffani, George Clinton, Questlove, Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello to name a few, Great film making