Fishbone is one of the most original and talented bands to ever grace the world of music. Over the last 25 years, the band has been through their share of ups and downs, but has always persevered. Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone is a documentary by Lev Anderson and Chris Metzler.
In a recent interview with Chris Metzler (co-director, co-producer), he discussed the new documentary, which took almost four years to film. He and Anderson talked about filming a music documentary, but both agreed that most music documentaries aren’t that good, with a few exceptions. They came up with a short list of ideas, but when Fishbone came up, they decided that was the one. “It seemed like a great story…they (Fishbone) is such an oddball crew. There was also the desegregation, the band’s outsider status and interesting people. I fell in love with their music while filming and became a bigger fan than in the beginning (of the filming process),” Metzler said.
Metzler said that he and Anderson went to one of Fishbone’s shows and talked to them about the idea. Of their reaction, he said they were friendly, but a little skeptical with Norwood Fisher (bassist) said, “We’re not dead yet…our story’s not over”; however, they finally decided to give the filmmakers a chance.
The documentary is a fascinating story, which will take you through the bands ups and downs. At the heart of the story is bassist Norwood Fisher and lead singer Angelo Moore. They have overcome many things to re-invent themselves in the face of dysfunction and ghosts from a painful past.
Fishbone first met and created their unique sound in their home in South Central, Los Angeles. The documentary is very well put together and takes the viewer from the band’s beginning, which included the desegregation efforts of the Los Angeles School District. The young boys were bused from South Central to a school in San Fernando Valley, and this is where they all came together.
Metzler said the first time the members of Fishbone saw the documentary, they were “surprised, they laughed and were uncomfortable at times”. In part one of the interview, Norwood Fisher said that he felt it was all true and the filmmakers did a great job of telling their story.
Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone features several artist interviews such as Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Branford Marsalis, among others. “We thought (getting the interviews) was going to be the biggest challenge, but so many people wanted to be a part of it once they found out,” Metzler said.
Metzler wants people to take away positive things after watching the documentary. “Follow your own path and pursue your own dreams. Keep your integrity and stay true to yourself. Know the risks when you follow your own path. Forgive and don’t harbor resentments,” he said.
At the conclusion of the interview, Metzler said this: “The guys were so open on tour. They have good hearts and make interesting music. There’s a Fishbone song for everybody.”
Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone will be released on DVD on February 21st. The band will be performing in Denver on May 26th. For more information about the band, documentary and tour dates, please visit their website HERE.
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