A night of insanity with Fishbone

Legendary alternative rock band Fishbone will play at Downtown Brewing Co. tonight, one of five shows the band will play in the United States before beginning their European tour in France April 5.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve been (in San Luis Obispo), but we have some good memories of playing there and I’ve been to some good parties in San Luis Obispo,” said John Norwood Jones, bassist and founding member of Fishbone. “We’re gonna come with awesome energy, and we expect the same energy from the crowd. I expect insanity.”

Fishbone is considered the first band to meld together the genres of funk, punk, reggae, soul, rock and heavy metal, although it is often categorized simply as “ska.” However, Jones defines the band’s musical stylings as “nuts.”

“We’re like a fox, because it’s a crazy animal and the fox likes to get in the hen house and wreak havoc,” he explained.

The band formed in 1979 and gained popularity for its high-powered live performances. However, the group didn’t release their first album until 1985.

Although the band has been active for almost 30 years, Jones said he doesn’t plan to see a lot of people his age at the show.

“I hope the college kids outnumber everyone so we can get some new experiences,” he said.

In April 2007, Fishbone released its latest album, entitled “Still Stuck In Your Throat.” The band is currently involved in filming a documentary, tentatively titled “Everyday Sunshine,” which it has been working on for the last three years.

Fishbone originally found fame in the 1990s alternative rock scene that grew out of the ghettos of south-central Los Angeles along with bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction. They were frequent headliners of the popular ’90s music festival Lollapalooza.

Since forming, the band has had several transformations and more than 16 musicians have been members. There are currently seven members of Fishbone, but only two of the current members are founders from 1979. Their newest member, John McKnight, was added in 2005 and contributes the keyboard, trombone and guitar to the diverse ensemble.

Several members of Fishbone recently played as part of the house band in the 2006 Outkast feature film “Idlewild.”

Tonight’s show is 21 and over and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $16.50 in advance and are available at Boo Boo Records and Downtown Brewing Co.