The Grammy Museum hosted another incredible public program, this time with special guests Fishbone. The band sat down with comedian and television host W. Kamau Bell to discuss their new album Stockholm Syndrome and their creative process, followed by a performance.

For over four decades, Fishbone has been an unstoppable force in music, fusing punk, ska, funk, and soul into an explosive sound. Emerging from the Los Angeles punk scene, the band quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy performances and fearless engagement with political and social issues. 46 years later, not much has changed. The band is set to release their ninth studio album, Stockholm Syndrome, on June 27, the group’s first record since their 2006 album Still Stuck in Your Throat. The upcoming album includes the new single “Racist Piece of Shit,” which the band has openly dedicated to President Donald Trump.

On June 27, Fishbone will release their highly anticipated ninth studio album, Stockholm Syndrome, marking their first full-length LP in over 20 years. The album, a raw and powerful statement on modern life, picks up where the band left off in 1995—packed with infectious melodies, pure chaos, and politically charged anthems alongside reflections on life, relationships, and redemption. The first single, “Racist Piece of Shit” (aka “RxPxOxS”), dropped in November 2024, delivering a searing critique of global racism with Fishbone’s signature intensity. Their latest single, “Last Call In America,” co-written by original members Christopher Dowd and Walter “Dirty Walt” Kibby is a groove-driven commentary on the nation’s current economic and social struggles. “This song is a warning call to humanity to recognize the inflection point that is tearing the soul of this country and world apart,” shares Christopher Dowd.

Despite lineup shifts over the years, Fishbone’s spirit remains unwavering. 2024 saw significant changes as founding members Norwood Fisher and Walter Kibby stepped away, leaving the band in the capable hands of frontman Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones) and longtime collaborator Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals). The current lineup also features James “Jimmy” Jones (bass), Hassan “Hot Sauce” Hurd (drums), John “JS” Williams II (trumpet, vocals), and the return of former Fishbone guitarist Tracey Spacey T Singleton. This evolution signals not just a continuation, but a reinvigoration of Fishbone’s legacy.

The discussion portion of the night included several walks down memory lane as Moore and Dowd spoke on the origins of Fishbone and reminisced on how the band found their signature sound. The two mentioned artists such as Funkadelic, Prince, James Brown, and Led Zeppelin. The band spoke on the new album and the political messages it carries. Fishbone revealed that Stockholm Syndrome holds a track titled “Secret Police,” a song about Kyle Rittenhouse who shot three men during an anti-racism protest in Wisconsin.

“We’ve been political!” said Moore. “When both of your eyes are open and your third eye is open at the same time, how can you not see what the fuck is going on in your society—” “And not speak on it,” added Dowd.

The newer members of the group were asked to share their thoughts when a fan says Fishbone is no longer Fishbone without the original lineup. Williams immediately took the mic to state “That’s ridiculous,” and asked fans to be fair and listen to the music first before making any judgments.

Following the 50 minute panel and a 10 minute intermission, Fishbone took the stage. The band put on an electric performance of seven songs. The performance kicked off with “Party at Ground Zero,” followed by “Skankin’ to the Beat” featuring Moore’s daughter Cheyanne. Next, Dowd dedicated the first single, “Racist Piece of Shit,” from the upcoming album to  President Donald Trump. The band also performed their latest release “Last Call in America.” The night concluded  with a soulful performance of “Love Is Love.”

Fishbone heads on tour this summer with a special appearance at Warped Tour on July 26. For more dates and information visit here. Check out images of the night below:

Photo credit: Conny Chavez