Such a treat to learn more about one of the greatest bands ever. The comments from their contemporaries are priceless - and getting to know Angelo and Norwood on such a personal level was so insightful. My only complaint about the movie is it tended to paint a rather bleak picture of the band's existence and didn't focus enough on the great things they've continued to accomplish like their continued success touring in Europe or their album "Still Stuck in your Throat". In fact - this album was skipped altogether - which is sad - as it is a "later career" record - and is surely one of their top 3 of all time. Nonetheless - Fishbone certainly deserves far greater praise and success than they enjoy today. Let us hope this film helps push them higher, as there is no band on the planet more deserving.
19 Reviews
Go See This Film!
djqwisp25 August 2011
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!
Do yourself a favor and go see this film!
Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone at 14 Pews in Houston
ajohnkim29 October 2011
Watching Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone at 14 Pews in Houston, you get the feeling you're in the right place to watch this particular movie. The church-converted movie theater is a beautiful venue with warm, red planks of wood lining the walls and ceiling as well as artwork displaying oil spills in vibrant contrasting colors.
Five minutes prior to screen time, though, the venue is less than quarter-full and on the same day the media were falling over themselves singing the praises of the soon-to-be-open Sundance Theater downtown, you also get the feeling that more people really ought be here to appreciate a fine independent film and local art house. You can't help feel the same about Fishbone.
The film is essentially a tribute to unfulfilled promises, or as Angelo Moore characterizes in the film, "famous but not rich." On some level, this film could have been about any brilliant, genre-challenged African- American band pre-2K, like Living Colour or Bad Brains. It just happened to be about the craziest.
Central to the film is the relationship between Moore and Norwood Fisher, with Fisher at times debating between Moore's hyper-creativity and sometimes overbearing disruptive behavior, and Moore talking about every damn single thing he can. While the film mostly portrays the two separately in interviews, it's when the two are together fighting over the future direction of the band that you get a true sense of how much admiration and enmity exist between the two. It's a scene virtually every band or family plays out, but the shared history and stature of the two make the familiar argument more significant. It's like the first time you realize your father is human after all.
However, the arc of the movie hinges on Kendall Jones. The events surrounding his tenure in and out of the band as well as the band's efforts to reach out to their friend bring an unexpected emotional pull from a seemingly care-free, everyone-else-be-damned band. It's here where I have my only criticism of the film in that Jones's account of events feels unfinished and unresolved.
Still, as the film closes with the title song of the film, you get an understanding of what makes this band really great. It is and always has been in the performance. Sitting in the pews of the once-church with the gospel-inspired coda of the song bouncing against the walls, I could imagine a history of what this former place of worship might have been and what it could be with just a little promotion and recognition. In seeing the band on screen performing one of its best known, you could say the same for this collection of individuals both blessed and cursed by their unwillingness to do anything less than what they want for themselves and their art. And in leaving that night under a slight rainfall, I found myself rooting and hoping that a little sunshine would fall both on Fishbone and the neighborhood movie house.
Five minutes prior to screen time, though, the venue is less than quarter-full and on the same day the media were falling over themselves singing the praises of the soon-to-be-open Sundance Theater downtown, you also get the feeling that more people really ought be here to appreciate a fine independent film and local art house. You can't help feel the same about Fishbone.
The film is essentially a tribute to unfulfilled promises, or as Angelo Moore characterizes in the film, "famous but not rich." On some level, this film could have been about any brilliant, genre-challenged African- American band pre-2K, like Living Colour or Bad Brains. It just happened to be about the craziest.
Central to the film is the relationship between Moore and Norwood Fisher, with Fisher at times debating between Moore's hyper-creativity and sometimes overbearing disruptive behavior, and Moore talking about every damn single thing he can. While the film mostly portrays the two separately in interviews, it's when the two are together fighting over the future direction of the band that you get a true sense of how much admiration and enmity exist between the two. It's a scene virtually every band or family plays out, but the shared history and stature of the two make the familiar argument more significant. It's like the first time you realize your father is human after all.
However, the arc of the movie hinges on Kendall Jones. The events surrounding his tenure in and out of the band as well as the band's efforts to reach out to their friend bring an unexpected emotional pull from a seemingly care-free, everyone-else-be-damned band. It's here where I have my only criticism of the film in that Jones's account of events feels unfinished and unresolved.
Still, as the film closes with the title song of the film, you get an understanding of what makes this band really great. It is and always has been in the performance. Sitting in the pews of the once-church with the gospel-inspired coda of the song bouncing against the walls, I could imagine a history of what this former place of worship might have been and what it could be with just a little promotion and recognition. In seeing the band on screen performing one of its best known, you could say the same for this collection of individuals both blessed and cursed by their unwillingness to do anything less than what they want for themselves and their art. And in leaving that night under a slight rainfall, I found myself rooting and hoping that a little sunshine would fall both on Fishbone and the neighborhood movie house.
a lively, energetic and entertaining film about a ground breaking band
nikocaminiti12 April 2011
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.
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.
This is a must see for fans of the band.
raspbury16 July 2010
This is a must see for fans of the band. I found out a lot about things that went on with the band I hadn't heard about previously. Very insightful into the the music industry and how fickle it can be. This film touches on everything from personal infighting to race relations in America during the late 70's and 80's. Why does one band make it big while others are left by the roadside or still struggling after 30 years? This film won't exactly answer that, as there's so many factors that contribute, but it does explore many of the facets of one of the hardest working bands of the last 30 years. Go see it if it's playing near you. Bring a friend or three, even if they aren't fans, they may become one after.
Great movie even if you don't know the band
angelakpires25 August 2011
Someone said this is a must see film for the fans of the band. I respectfully disagree. It is a must see film, period. I saw it during SXSW and I didn't know anything about the band (shame on me!) and I LOVED the movie. The characters are engaging, the story develops as if it was a narrative film, and of course the music is great. Racial issues are presented in a very refreshing tone. It has a great sense of humor that reflects the band's sense of humor and critique. Summing it up: it is a fun, moving and informative film. And then yes, I became a fan of the band. If you have a chance, don't miss it. You will be glad you didn't.
Everyday Sunshine - The Story of Fishbone
nwalan21 June 2011
This is a highly enjoyable film which takes its subject matter and art form seriously without getting over sentimental. Whether you're a fan of the band or not, you should see this. It charts the very brief flirtation with commercial success of one of the most influential but overlooked bands of the last 25 or more years and deals with the often humorous, sometimes painful but overall highly endearing and optimistic efforts of the two main driving forces in the band as they try to keep the show on the road and remain true to their art and mission.
Few music fans ever really get to see what really happens inside a working band apart from the carefully scripted press pieces and PR releases, which as bands move further away from mainstream commercial success, get fewer and father between. Also, folk often say that it's a bad idea to meet your heroes as they rarely live up to your expectations, but through this film, you get to meet the characters vicariously through the eyes and ears of the directors and take a really good long look at what makes a working band tick. The fact that the characters are so completely human, with all the dysfunctional frailties this includes, often writ very large, makes for a fascinating couple of hours.
Many well know musician 'talking heads' eulogise about the influence this band have had on them both musically and through their live performances, which ensure that in spite of all the infighting, members dropping out, dropping back in, drama's, kidnappings and so forth, the band still remain heroes of the day for their uncompromising attitude to play their music on their terms.
This coupled with some great live footage, both old and new to show the viewer what everyone else who's ever seen them knows: this is probably the best, craziest live band in the world, then and now.
Hopefully this film will win the band a bunch of new fans. It should definitely open up a whole load of opportunities for the directors who've tackled a subject with great skill and heart, ensuring that a great story is well told.
Seen at the London Open City Documentary Film Festival – June 2011
Few music fans ever really get to see what really happens inside a working band apart from the carefully scripted press pieces and PR releases, which as bands move further away from mainstream commercial success, get fewer and father between. Also, folk often say that it's a bad idea to meet your heroes as they rarely live up to your expectations, but through this film, you get to meet the characters vicariously through the eyes and ears of the directors and take a really good long look at what makes a working band tick. The fact that the characters are so completely human, with all the dysfunctional frailties this includes, often writ very large, makes for a fascinating couple of hours.
Many well know musician 'talking heads' eulogise about the influence this band have had on them both musically and through their live performances, which ensure that in spite of all the infighting, members dropping out, dropping back in, drama's, kidnappings and so forth, the band still remain heroes of the day for their uncompromising attitude to play their music on their terms.
This coupled with some great live footage, both old and new to show the viewer what everyone else who's ever seen them knows: this is probably the best, craziest live band in the world, then and now.
Hopefully this film will win the band a bunch of new fans. It should definitely open up a whole load of opportunities for the directors who've tackled a subject with great skill and heart, ensuring that a great story is well told.
Seen at the London Open City Documentary Film Festival – June 2011
Must See!
krispy7325 August 2011
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
Always Still Stuck in my heart,
Kris
Excellent
brucejt18 May 2011
Yo, I just saw this documentary regarding Fishbone and it is a must see for anyone whoever bought an album or saw them live. As big a fan as I've been the last 20 years I have to admit the access and interviews they granted really shed a light on their thoughts, impact on the industry, struggles that continue till this day. It was really interesting and while I was pumped and thumping to the beats as they spoke I found it sad this band never really got its rewards financially or the acclaim they deserve. Angelo is a musical maniac genius who will be misunderstood forever and that's the way it goes....by the way, they should be a lock for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame!!!!!!!!!!!!! Their influence on so many bands aside from their ground breaking music on its own makes them worthy.
Raw and Powerful
ryan-189-1981318 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Fans will appreciate the look inside the band, but even those outside the Fishbone community will enjoy this well-crafted story. Great vintage footage and insightful current interviews that illustrates the band's current struggles. Sure, there's an element of love note to the band in this - I'm not sure a documentary film crew would have tackled such an eclectic topic, even in the post-"Behind the Music" world. But Fishbone's music and struggle deserves to live on, and this documentary takes it all in and presents an excellent package.
I caught this film at a film festival, so you're going to have to look and keep in touch with the filmmakers to find out where you can catch this.
I caught this film at a film festival, so you're going to have to look and keep in touch with the filmmakers to find out where you can catch this.
Brilliant Documentary
beerbohmtastic19 April 2012
You hear stories about unrealized potential and wasted talent... But the Fishbone story is about realized talent reaching full potential and elevating music beyond record company categories, labels and musical genres. Even as teenagers these guys were amazing musicians! Sadly, as Angelo says, "money does matter..." But he says this after 25 years of struggle and ultimately, record sales and revenues are how success is measured.
Fishbone offered the world a tremendous gift in the most honest and creative way possible, unfortunately the world just didn't understand it or wasn't ready for it.
Chris, Lev, this is one of the best music documentaries I've ever seen. Beautiful, sad, inspiring and so f**king real! I know I'll watch it again... In the meantime, all Fishbone is back on my everyday play list.
Fishbone offered the world a tremendous gift in the most honest and creative way possible, unfortunately the world just didn't understand it or wasn't ready for it.
Chris, Lev, this is one of the best music documentaries I've ever seen. Beautiful, sad, inspiring and so f**king real! I know I'll watch it again... In the meantime, all Fishbone is back on my everyday play list.
A must see documentary for all fans of punk, ska and funk.
licraig28 June 2014
You don't have to be a Fishbone fan to appreciate this documentary, you just have to love music and people and magic and life. The story of these beautiful, brilliant, clever and funny boys finding each other and going on to create such incredible, groundbreaking and enduring music is wonderful and heart-warming. It gives you faith. The way this film shows the joys and strains of friendships and personalities as they grow and change within a long-running band is just brilliant. On top of that you feel the artistic struggles of integrity versus compromise, and the cruel industry that so often packages for the masses at the expense of creative genius. We've never seen a better music documentary. You come away loving the people and caring about them really deeply. And you hear their music and have to buy the albums. Brilliant! This is a sensitive, poignant, highly charged, yet incredibly touching snapshot of a really brilliant and beautiful bunch of guys. The film is funny, moving, painful, entertaining
. It's hard for a non-filmmaker to explain why this film works so well: It's just so honest and so 'real'. It's cleverly crafted, with brilliant scene-setting cartoons, and as the story unfolds you don't feel the joins as the ages pass or the people come and go; there's nothing clunky, staged or forced, you just get caught up in the love, the journey, the genuineness of the people, and the fun and passion of the music.
"Your favorite bands favorite band" see this and become a Fishbone Soldier!
tnevhsc6 December 2011
Everyday Sunshine showcases a truly inspirational story of a group whose unwillingness to compromise their artistic beliefs helped shape the careers of countless other musicians. Fishbone is a criminally underrated band as far as popular culture goes, but as you will see, their contributions are well respected by others in the music industry. There is no way you can watch this film without becoming a Fishbone fan. It's heartbreaking to see that these guys have yet to really get what is due to them, while so many acts who have aped them achieved more mainstream success. The numerous appearances by A-list musicians really help make the case that every Fishbone soldier has been pleading for years: These guys should have been the biggest band in the world. Watching the film really brings a lot of clarity to their situation, chronicling everything from the very beginning of the band in South Central L.A. to now. It helps the viewer to understand what made Fishbone such a groundbreaking and influential band and how those same things may have limited their appeal to the masses. I would encourage anyone who isn't familiar with Fishbone to see this film. Following Norwood and Angelo through their realities really makes you feel a full range of emotions because their life has been such a series of ups and downs, and it continues to be. The passion that Fishbone has for music jumps off the screen, just as it does in their recordings, and you realize that these guys have nothing in their nature but to innovate. This documentary clearly demonstrates the power of adversity as a creative catalyst. It is comforting to know that the members of Fishbone are on some level content to have had the success that they have while also remaining true to their artistic ambitions. After all that Fishbone has done for music, they deserve to have their story heard. It made not be told enough, but Everyday Sunshine does a masterful job of telling it.
The Destructive Capacity of Creativity
EephusPitch12 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I saw Fishbone twice in the mid-to-late '80's; once at the I-Beam, and once when a band I crewed for opened for them at some half-assed club in San Rafael. Both times they tore the place apart. The second gig, the band I worked for played their best show ever. Most of that was down to the drummer giving up coke for the weekend (on a bet; he was planning on spending his winnings on a couple of grams) but I have also put it down to the jolt of adrenaline (fear) which Fishbone's soundcheck inspired in them. I can't imagine how bands must have felt going on after Fishbone. This film focuses on the music and the personal dynamics of the band over the past 25 years, during which time much less talented, more derivative bands have vaulted to stardom. The band, as originally constituted, was six strong individuals, all of equal importance; their unwillingness to compromise propelled them creatively, and held them back commercially. Time and personality conflicts have winnowed Fishbone down to the Apollonian/Dionysian duo of Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore, who are trapped in a marriage which they are keeping together for "the children", i.e. the music.
In human endeavor, failure is inevitable; Fishbone, in the manner of the most inspirational artists and athletes, have managed to fail on their own terms, which is all you can ask of anyone. This is the greatest Rock film since ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL.
In human endeavor, failure is inevitable; Fishbone, in the manner of the most inspirational artists and athletes, have managed to fail on their own terms, which is all you can ask of anyone. This is the greatest Rock film since ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL.
Inspiring
wesley-j-anderson12 December 2011
I had only heard about Fishbone because I knew my favorite bands were heavily influenced by them (311, The Urge, etc...). However, I've become a huge fan and seeing this movie makes you really respect them for everything they've done for the music industry. It's so inspiring as an aspiring musician to see a band that has stayed true to themselves and their fans and never sold out, despite their successors like the Chili Peppers becoming superstars. The movie does a great job depicting the Fishbone story showing highs, lows, infighting, their views on the industry, and looks into their personal lives. To sum it up, the reason I love this movie and Fishbone so much is because they define success as being original, not fame. Mr. Anderson did a great job of portraying that message.
One of the best rock docs ever!
dougdenada21 November 2011
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
A Must See For Music Lovers!!!
jrozof217 January 2012
Fishbone is one of the great treasures of the American music scene. It is cliché to state that they are a band that transform boundaries and genres.
What more can I say? I love this band and I love this movie (so much in fact, I saw it twice on the same weekend!). However, you don't need to be a Fishbone fan to appreciate this documentary. This is a must see for anyone interested in music, bands, or West Coast culture in general.
It is a rare thing that true originators get any amount of respect and recognition that they should while they are around to appreciate it. Fishbone are a force to be reckoned with and this movie capitalizes on insight to band members and history that few people normally get a chance to see into.
Fishbone is still, to this day, the best live band in the world. Long live Fishbone, and thank you, thank you, thank you for this doc.
What more can I say? I love this band and I love this movie (so much in fact, I saw it twice on the same weekend!). However, you don't need to be a Fishbone fan to appreciate this documentary. This is a must see for anyone interested in music, bands, or West Coast culture in general.
It is a rare thing that true originators get any amount of respect and recognition that they should while they are around to appreciate it. Fishbone are a force to be reckoned with and this movie capitalizes on insight to band members and history that few people normally get a chance to see into.
Fishbone is still, to this day, the best live band in the world. Long live Fishbone, and thank you, thank you, thank you for this doc.
Outstanding documentary
raphaelafrancis11 December 2011
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.
Long overdue respect for Fishbone!
obitocci21 March 2012
Fishboooonneee! Great documentary featuring the most underrated band in the world. For lovers of punk/ska/reggae/funk/metal/pop music. Shows you exactly how hard it is to be a success in the (at times pathetic) music industry. When you get Flea, Gwen Stefani, Tim Robbins, George Clinton, Mike Watt and many others talking you up, you know you are doing something right. Unfortunately the suits at the top of the dung pile that are record companies could not recognize the brilliance of Fishbone. Too often thrown in the 'too hard to categorize basket. Too far ahead of their time, hopefully people will finally catch up and see how good Fishbone are and give them the respect they deserve. Watch it now!!!!
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