Seminal ska-funk outfit Fishbone celebrated 40 years of their debut album “In Your Face” with a limited run of performances, including a standout set at the Brooklyn Bowl on April 25, 2026. Hailing from Los Angeles, the band has delivered a unique combination of ska, funk, and punk rock to audiences worldwide since keyboardist Chris Dowd and vocalist Angelo Moore started the band in junior high with brothers/rhythm section Philip and John “Norwood” Fisher circa 1979. The group experienced a tumultuous split in 2024, shortly following a tour with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, leaving Moore and Dowd as the only two remaining original members. Dowd took some time post tour to reflect on the transition, and how to remain true to himself in the current socio-political climate.
“I think we have an obligation as creative people to be a platform for thought and conversation — that’s what art does and that’s how it touches people,” said Dowd in an exclusive interview with the Amsterdam News via Zoom. “You know that song ‘Rumble’ [by Link Wray]? How they banned that song because it caused riots — I think I always wanted to be involved in that energy. It would be the ‘music for the revolution.’”
In the past, the members of Fishbone haven’t been shy in expressing their beliefs socially or politically, penning songs beloved by fans and punks that include “Post Cold War Politics,” and “Party at Ground Zero.” “I try to be true to myself and that as I’m honoring a part of my artistic legacy and simultaneously writing a new record.” Dowd rejoined Fishbone in 2018 after a 25-year absence. The group released “Stockholm Syndrome” in 2025, their first album since Dowd’s return, first album in nine years, and first ever without Norwood Fisher, featuring tunes like “Racist Piece of Sh–,” and “Secret Police.” Reflecting on his feelings as he pens the new record, Dowd recited a line from a tune he is working on:
“Never gonna give in, never gonna play the game
Never gonna conform, never gonna kiss the ring.”
“I think that’s who we’ve been since inception,” Dowd explained. “We’ve always written from that perspective of being Black and American.” Dowd feels a responsibility to espouse his beliefs, as he considers his art an extension of himself. “There are some things that happened in my absence,” Dowd said, reciting the words from The Specials’ “Racist Friend.”
“If you have a racist friend, now is the time for your friendship to end.”
“They inspired me, I stand by that statement. In my absence, those types of people came around and helped lower the intelligence of the band and what we stood for,” Dowd said. “I’m not playing “Let Dem Hoes Fight,” I don’t look at women as being that — that’s not me, that’s not what I stand for as a man, and I don’t think you should stand for that either. Especially when we’re trying to inspire our people.”
During a period where the public often raises questions about the role of art in relation to politics and social beliefs, Dowd has no qualms about using his platform to express himself. “You got one life — decide what you’re going to stand for. I stand with the people, always.”
Fishbone will return to NYC for a special performance at Maker Park on August 1. Score tickets at Dice.fm and stay up to date with the band at fishbone.net
