Sep 26 2002 @ Pit Pub Vancouver, BC

I caught Fishbone playing last night at a pub on the University of BC campus and although my head is hurting today from lack of sleep, I will attempt a review of the show.

The first band that opened was Grimskunk who have been around forever. This was my first time seeing them and they were tight with a mix of heavier stuff and a few ska pieces. I really enjoyed these guys and wished that it hadn't taken me so long to hear of them. I especially enjoyed hearing the keyboards in their sound.

Next up were a local band by the name of Crowned King. These guys toured across Canada with Fishbone and DOA earlier this year and seem to open everytime they come to town. The first time I saw them was in 2000 and I didn't think they were that great but had a lot of potential. Well, I was shocked at what a change they had gone through from when i saw them in February...their stage presence was insane and they've really worked on their ska/punk sound with some awesome, full sounding horn parts. These guys are only in their early 20's too, so I expect to see lots more from them.

Fishbone didn't take the stage until almost midnight. What a show!!! Each time I see them, they're so tight I figure they can't get any tighter. There should be no more argueing about John...he's the man!!! They played a pretty good mix of new and old stuff but I was kind of disappointed they didn't play anything from Chim Chims. Songs that I can remember in no particluar order:

Critical Times (intro poem) Nuttmeg World Shakey Ground Are You Wid' It Premadawnutt Demon In Here Karma Tsunami Deep Inside Skank N Go Nutz Ma & Pa Party At Ground Zero I Wish I Had A Date Swim Freddies Dead

Encore: Red Hot

I probably missed a few but my head hurts. The highlight was Deep Inside...that song really brought the energy level of the crowd up. I was also impressed with all the merchandise they take on tour now...I remember going to shows a few years ago and they'd only have a few items, some of which they might only have 5 or 6 of. They even have a few N5 releases, including Weapon of Choice's new CD.

Michael Chang

<<<