| Barry Melton | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Fish |
| Born | 14 June 1947 Brooklyn, New York, US |
| Genres | Rock, psychedelic rock, acid rock |
| Occupations | Musician, Songwriter, Attorney |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1965–present |
| Associated acts | Country Joe and The Fish, The Dinosaurs |
| Website | Website |
| Notable instruments | |
| Gibson SG | |
Barry "The Fish" Melton (born June 14, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York City) was the co-founder (1965) and original lead guitarist of Country Joe and The Fish. Barry appears on all the Country Joe and The Fish recordings and he also wrote some of the songs that the band recorded. He appeared in the films made at Monterey Pop and Woodstock, and also appeared as an outlaw in the neo-Western film, 'Zachariah,' and other films in which Country Joe and the Fish appear. Melton is also a founding member of The Dinosaurs, the Bay Area's only psychedelic music "supergroup."
Instead of attending law school, he completed the correspondence program of La Salle Extension University,[1] Melton has been a criminal defense lawyer for over 25 years. He retired in 2009 as the Public Defender of Yolo County, California, to enter private practice. He is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law (the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization).
Barry also continues to be active in music. Since 2001 he has performed in Italy, England, France and Russia (he appeared with the Russian band, Crossroadz, in Moscow). He often appears with his own band, mainly around Northern California, and generally tours Europe briefly in the summer. Peter Albin of Big Brother and The Holding Company has continued to play with Barry for over 40 years.