Feb 21 1998 @ Rialto Theather Tucson, AZ

After being somewhat lulled by perhaps the oddest opening act I've yet to see at a Fishbone show -- The Blazers: a Rockabilly/Chicano band from East LA. Ever heard a cumbia before a Fishbone show? "It's too bizarre...." -- Angelo wanders out with his sax and starts a tootin'. The boys take their positions and start a little groove. Walter calmly asks if we're in the mood for some ska. "Fishy Swa Ska.... Fishy Swa Ska.... bamm. Some technical difficulties stop it for a second and then a 2 hour feeding frenzy begins when the party at ground zero begins with an abrupt blast and Walter's ever popular "Rock the fuck out y'all". Covered with the first of several glasses of beer tossed randomly into the air I join the small but rowdy mass stomping happily to our favorite sound: freaky fishes fucking it up. The energy instantaneously returns. Ugly.... Question of Life.... Ma and Pa.... The new one "Just Allow" -- that puppy just might get our boys where they belong at the head of this new fascination with ska. I dug it. And if we can get whatever record label who signs them to actually *promote them properly* and get them the respect deserved who knows what the next year could hold for our beloved 'Bone -- Housework.... Wish I had A Date.... Cholly.... Behavior Control Tech.... Sunless Saturday.... Give it Up.... Lemon Meringue (whoa).... The Goose.... Lyin' Ass Bitch (dedicated quite amusingly to "the muthafuckin' record biz").... Skankin' to the Beat.... Swim (had the pleasure of floating atop my familyhood bros. and sistas for a goodly portion of this one-- thanks y'all)... Riot.... encore with Alcoholic..... oof-da. Despite some sound problems (Angelo was clearly pretty pissed about this) and some stupid-ass security pendejos who took it upon themselves to toss anyone who got on stage headlong to the floor, rather than "just allow"ing us to do what we always do -- get down with the boys for a moment and take a dive into the pool -- this show was a definate ass-kicker. I almost dragged one of the security shmucks in once when I got up there during "Lyin' Ass Beeyatch" and during Alcoholic one courageous bro. grabbed *two* of the bozos and dragged 'em over the edge and clunking to the floor. Hope they remember it. heh. They just don't get it, man. After the show one of 'em wouldn't even hand me the set list taped to the monitor right beside him. I'm like, "bro. it's tradition. This is a FISHBONE show!" I instead watch him take it and throw it backstage. Ah well.

"Please have no fear, cuz Fishbone is here to stay....."

They never cease to amaze me. Don't miss 'em if they come your way in the next few weeks.

Talked to the merchandise dude before the show and he told me that they hadn't reached any record deal with anyone and it sounded like it wasn't going all that well. Hmm.... Was hoping they would play some more new stuff cuz I heard that they had a bunch of it. Next time. Also talked for a sec. with Angelo and gave him my band's demo! Hopefully a little return on all the booty shakin' bad ass toons they've given US.

peace.

-Jeff Albuquerque, NM

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