Fishbone at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale in June 2025 delivered a performance that was equal parts explosive, chaotic, and utterly exhilarating. From the opening chords of “Skankin’ to the Beat” to the soulful, acapella tribute to Sly Stone at the end, the band reminded everyone why they remain one of the most uniquely compelling acts in the American music landscape. Fishbone’s blend of ska, funk, punk, and rock has always been difficult to categorize, but live, it makes perfect sense: a chaotic, high-energy party that feels as immediate as it does timeless. The Fort Lauderdale crowd responded with a combination of reverence and abandon, clearly ready to be carried along on whatever musical journey the band intended.
The night kicked off with “Skankin’ to the Beat,” a track that perfectly sets the tone for any Fishbone performance. The band launched into it with precision and verve, immediately igniting the audience. The rhythm section locked in tightly, creating a groove that was irresistible, while the horns punctuated the song with bursts of energy that punctuated the danceable ska beats. Lead vocals cut cleanly through the mix, dynamic and expressive, while each band member added personality and presence, creating an unmistakable chemistry on stage. The audience didn’t hesitate—they were skanking, jumping, and moving in time with the infectious rhythm, a clear sign that the band had everyone’s full attention from the first note.
From there, the show moved into “Subliminal Fascism,” and the energy shifted into a more pointed, intense mode. Fishbone has always been as political as they are playful, and “Subliminal Fascism” highlights that balance perfectly. The song’s aggressive riffs, punchy horn lines, and compelling vocal delivery demanded engagement. The crowd responded with enthusiastic head-nods, clapping along, and full-on moshing in the pit. There was an intensity in the band’s performance that matched the weight of the song’s message, and yet it never felt didactic—it was fiery, urgent, and entertaining all at once. The pacing of the set allowed for this contrast to feel deliberate, giving the audience time to digest the heavier themes before the band swung back into lighter, more exuberant territory.
“Deep Inside” followed, adding a funk-driven groove to the proceedings. This track allowed Fishbone to flex their versatility, combining intricate rhythms with playful horn lines and melodic flourishes. The interplay between the musicians was remarkable—tight yet loose in all the right ways, giving the performance a sense of spontaneity while still remaining musically precise. The crowd mirrored this energy, bobbing and dancing in unison, caught in the infectious momentum of the music. Fishbone has always excelled at creating that communal feel at their shows, and here it was in full effect, every person in the room responding to the syncopated beats, funky basslines, and horn accents.
“Last Call in America” continued this funk-ska fusion while adding an edge of punk urgency. The track’s high-energy riffing and driving rhythms kept the audience fully engaged, and the vocals carried a sense of urgency that perfectly complemented the instrumental attack. The interplay between horns and guitars added a dynamic texture that kept the performance vibrant, while the rhythm section’s precision allowed the band to shift effortlessly between breakdowns and full-throttle grooves. The crowd was fully engaged, responding to call-and-response sections, clapping, and dancing, feeding off the energy the band projected.
“Cubicle” provided a moment of structured chaos, a track that is both playful and biting, satirical yet deeply musical. Its combination of ska rhythm, punk-infused guitar work, and dynamic horn arrangements created a layered soundscape that felt alive and immediate. The audience responded with a mixture of laughter, movement, and excitement, perfectly reflecting the song’s blend of humor and intensity. Fishbone’s ability to combine social commentary with pure musical energy was fully on display here—the performance was clever, sharp, and incredibly engaging.
“Ma and Pa” slowed things down slightly, but only just enough to let the band showcase its breadth. The song’s melodic richness and layered harmonies gave the audience a chance to catch their breath while still remaining captivated. The horns added both warmth and punch, complementing the rhythm section’s groove perfectly. It was a reminder of the depth of Fishbone’s catalog, the way they can move seamlessly from high-energy ska-punk into more introspective or melodically nuanced moments without losing momentum or engagement. The crowd swayed and cheered, clearly enjoying the shift in pace while waiting for the inevitable burst of energy that would follow.
“Racist Piece of Shit” was as confrontational and powerful live as it is on record. The band’s performance carried the weight of the song’s message with both anger and precision. The audience’s reaction was immediate, with cheers, shouts, and fists raised in solidarity. The horns cut through with sharp, cutting lines, and the guitars provided a biting edge that made every word hit with impact. Fishbone’s ability to address heavy topics without losing their playful energy or musical prowess was fully evident here. The track reminded everyone that beneath the infectious grooves and chaotic performances, Fishbone has always been a band unafraid to tackle serious issues head-on.
“Everyday Sunshine” shifted the mood once more, bringing a jubilant, celebratory energy to the stage. The song’s optimism and melodic beauty were accentuated live, with the horn lines soaring and the rhythm section laying down a perfectly tight groove. The audience sang along with gusto, caught in the feel-good vibe that the track radiates. Fishbone’s stage presence was magnetic, drawing the crowd into the performance, inviting them to dance, clap, and immerse themselves fully in the music. It was one of those moments where the communal aspect of a live show became undeniable—the energy in the room was contagious, and the band fed off it as much as the audience did.
The set closed with “Everyday People,” a Sly & the Family Stone cover delivered a cappella as a tribute to Sly Stone. This was a masterful choice, highlighting Fishbone’s roots, influences, and their appreciation for musical history. The performance was intimate, raw, and emotional, showcasing the band’s vocal harmonies and the sheer talent of each member without any instrumental accompaniment. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and vocal participation, creating a shared, unifying moment that contrasted beautifully with the high-octane chaos of earlier tracks. It was a fitting finale, leaving the audience both satisfied and uplifted.
Throughout the show, Fishbone’s stage presence was electric. Each member moved with energy and charisma, playing off one another and feeding off the audience’s response. The chemistry between the horn section, rhythm section, and vocalists created a dynamic interplay that made every song feel alive and spontaneous. Fishbone has always been known for their theatricality and unpredictability, and this performance was no exception—the band navigated complex arrangements, improvisational flourishes, and crowd interaction with ease, making the show feel both polished and wildly free.
Musically, the performance was tight but never sterile. The horns, bass, drums, and guitars combined in a way that was rhythmically complex yet immediately accessible. Every instrument was audible and impactful, contributing to a sound that was dense, vibrant, and immersive. The dynamics of the set—alternating between full-throttle energy and melodic introspection—kept the audience engaged and allowed the songs to breathe and land effectively. Fishbone’s ability to translate their intricate studio arrangements into a live setting is remarkable, creating a sound that is simultaneously raw, precise, and exuberant.
The crowd interaction was another highlight of the night. Fishbone knows how to read an audience and respond to their energy, and it was clear that the band was feeding off the excitement of the Fort Lauderdale crowd. Whether through call-and-response sections, playful banter, or encouraging audience participation in dancing and clapping, the band made the audience feel like an integral part of the show. This connection between performers and fans is one of the hallmarks of a great live performance, and Fishbone executed it flawlessly.
The setlist itself was perfectly curated to showcase the breadth of Fishbone’s catalog. Opening with the energetic “Skankin’ to the Beat” set the stage for a high-energy journey, while “Subliminal Fascism,” “Racist Piece of Shit,” and “Cubicle” brought pointed commentary and complex musicality to the forefront. “Ma and Pa” and “Everyday Sunshine” provided contrast and melodic depth, and the final a cappella rendition of “Everyday People” closed the night with a sense of communal celebration and respect for musical history. The pacing of the set, the balance of intensity and melody, and the inclusion of fan favorites alongside deeper cuts made for a compelling, memorable experience.
Lighting and stage design enhanced the performance without overwhelming it. Simple yet effective visual cues highlighted key moments in each song, from bright bursts of color during high-energy tracks to more subdued tones during introspective passages. The visual elements complemented the music perfectly, ensuring that the focus remained on the performance while subtly amplifying the mood and energy of each section.
By the time the last note of “Everyday People” faded, it was clear that the audience had experienced something extraordinary. Fishbone had delivered a set that was musically complex, theatrically engaging, and emotionally resonant. Every band member’s skill, energy, and personality shone through, making the concert feel like a living, breathing entity rather than a simple playback of recorded tracks. The crowd’s energy throughout—cheering, singing, dancing, and moshing—reflected the band’s success in creating a truly interactive, immersive live experience.
In conclusion, Fishbone at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale in June 2025 was a performance that captured everything that makes the band unique: genre-blending musical prowess, theatrical and chaotic energy, social and political consciousness, and an undeniable connection with their audience. From the infectious ska grooves of “Skankin’ to the Beat” to the soulful a cappella tribute at the end, the night was a masterclass in live performance, showing why Fishbone remains a singular force in American music. Fans left buzzing, exhilarated, and fully satisfied, having witnessed a band that is as thrilling live as they are innovative on record.
Setlist:
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Skankin’ to the Beat
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Subliminal Fascism
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Deep Inside
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Last Call in America
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Cubicle
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Ma and Pa
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Racist Piece of Shit
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Everyday Sunshine
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Everyday People (Sly & the Family Stone cover, delivered acapella)
The concert highlighted Fishbone’s enduring energy, musical versatility, and the ability to create a fully immersive experience, making it one of the standout shows of the summer of 2025.