Fuzigish

Fuzigish

Fuzigish
Background information
Origin Johannesburg, South Africa
Genres Punk
Ska
Rock
Years active 1997 – present
Labels Red Ambulance
[R]evolution Records
Associated acts Rambling Bones
Last Bout
The Slashdogs
Death Valley Blues Band
Website http://www.fuzigish.com/
Members Jay Bones (vocals, guitar)
Malcolm King (Bass Guitar)
William Bishop (trombone)
Thomas Hughes (drums)
Past members Mike Martin (drums)
Lee Thomson (trumpet)
Jevon O'Donovan (trumpet)
Ampie Omo (trombone)
Ryan Tarboton (trumpet)
Adriaan Van Vuuren (keyboards)
Alistair Crouch (guitars)
Matt Laubscher (bass)
Mike Martin (drums)
Leander Coetzee (drums)

Fuzigish is a ska punk band from Gauteng, South Africa established in 1997. [1] They are noted for their high energy performances[2] and have released five full-length albums and one compilation since their inception. The band retain a strong DIY ethos, having released all their albums independently through their own Red Ambulance record label, as well as setting up Punk Safari, their own touring company.

History

Fuzigish was officially formed in 1997[3] with Jay Bones ( Jean-Pierre du Preez) on guitar and vocals, Capt. Rudabar (Mike Martin) on Drums, Alistair Crouch on Guitars & Matt 'Loppy' Laubscher on bass.

During this period the band released the How Rude! E.P. containing the songs "Louise", "How Rude!", "Drivin'" & "No.17" amongst others. These early years culminated in headlining slot at Oppikoppi in 1998.[4]

The band later disbanded for various reasons including creative differences and members travelling abroad, later reforming in 1999 with Jay Bones on guitar and vocals, Capt. Rudabar on drums, Chest Rockwell (Malcolm King) on bass & Skankin' Daddy (Ryan Tarboton) on trumpet.

In 2000 the band recorded "Skankers Union" at B-Sharp Studios with JP de Stefani, a recording partnership that has seen the release of all the Fuzigish albums.

The 2002 album "Southern Ska Stomper" saw the band exploring more varied influences and darker themes, whilst still retaining their trademark ska & punk sound. The album was recorded at B-Sharp Studios, and saw new arrivals Rob Dog on Drums and Lord Zoltan (Adriaan Van Vuuren) on organs.

At this time Fuzigish played regular shows with South African bands such as Leek & The Bouncing Uptones, Hog Hoggidy Hog, The Vendettas (later The Vendetta Cartel), Crossing Point, Sibling Rivalry, Tidal Waves, 340ml Shifty, Dunnaway, Humphry The Teacup, Ill Audio, All This For Nothing, New World Inside, The Rudimentals, Flat World Society, Neshamah, Still Thinking, Groinchurn, Scabby Annie, Ethel My Love, Miss September & The Slashdogs amongst others.

The band toured across extensivily across South Africa & Europe in 2003.[5] Towards the end of the year Skankin' Daddy and Lord Zoltan left the band. New addition The Rude Chef (Jevon O'Donovan) took over trumpet duties. Lee Lips (Lee Thompson) from popular Cape Town band Hog Hoggidy Hog, also filled in during this period.

After an August 2003 tour in Australia with Fat Wreck Chords band Frenzal Rhomb,[6] Fuzigish returned to the studio to record the album "Exploited & Distorted". Drummer Rob Dog was replaced by Leander Coetzee (aka Lee). This album was also released in Japan.

2005 saw another line-up change with The Rude Chef leaving the band, and trombonist Big Willy (William Bishop) taking over brass duties.

2005–2012 was Fuzigish's most stable period and saw the release of the album "Roll With The Punches" with Ampie Omo joining the line-up between from late 2006–2010 on trumpets and percussion. The album featured guest spots from Joey Cape & Fokofpolisiekar. During this period they featured in the 2007 'Footskating 101' Film Soundtrack directed by Thomas Ferreira and Brendan Jack.[7]

In 2011 the band released the 25 track album "Setlist" which featured two new songs, and 23 songs from all four previous albums that were played at live shows, hence the title. Also in 2011, they featured in the musical/cultural documentary Punk In Africa directed by Deon Maas and Keith Jones.[8][9]

In early 2012 drummer Lee announced that he would be leaving the band along with long time band tour manager Nick Davidson due to external factors. In July 2012 Thomas Hughes took over drum duties.

Style

Fuzigish is considered to be a punk ska band, but draws on a huge variety of influences including swing, reggae, blues, rockabilly, hardcore, country, dancehall, mowtown & soul. The band was pivotal in bringing bands such as NOFX.

Other notable international bands that Fuzigish has shared the stage with include The Violent Femmes, Q and Not U, The Selector & New Model Army.[10]

The band has released all their albums through their own record label Red Ambulance.

Skankers Union was released in partnership with [R]evolution Records. The record label is now defunct, whilst [R]evolution has become a successful apparel importer, manufacturer & distributor. 2012 saw the Fuzigish skate deck released under [R]evolution's Verb, and illustrated by well known local artist Merwe.

Members

Discography

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Fuzigish". bands.co.za.
  2. ↑ Nel, Jaco (11 March 2007). "Op Soek Na Fuzi Klank". Rapport Tydskrif: 10–11.
  3. ↑ "Fuzigish". entertainment-online.
  4. ↑ Chislett, David (2010). One, Two, One, Two. Cape Town: 20yearsentence. pp. 88, 99, 153. ISBN 978-1-920222-42-0.
  5. ↑ Chislett, Dave. "Fuzi-who?". SL Magazine.
  6. ↑ "Fuzigish Touring Australia With Frenzal Rhomb". SA Rock Digest. Retrieved 3 August 2003.
  7. ↑ "Fuzigish". allmusic.
  8. ↑ "Punk In Africa". Plot Summary. IMDB.
  9. ↑ "Punk in Africa (2011) - Film Review". Louder Than War.
  10. ↑ "Fuzigish". entertainmentafrica.
  11. ↑ "Discogs".
  12. ↑ "Fuzigish". Discography. jukebo.com.