P. Fluid Dies: Peter Forrest, known onstage as P. Fluid, the charismatic lead singer and frontman of the groundbreaking Black rock band 24/7 Spyz, passed away tragically at the age of 64. On January 14, 2025, his body was discovered in the back of an abandoned ambulette bus in the Bronx, where he worked as a driver. The New York Police Department confirmed that Forrest suffered trauma to his body and is investigating the incident as a homicide. Stay tuned with Pedrammusic!
P. Fluid Dies at 64
P. Fluid emerged in the 1980s as a key figure in the Black rock movement, which sought to challenge stereotypes limiting Black musicians to hip-hop and R&B. Alongside bands like Living Colour and Fishbone, 24/7 Spyz fused hardcore, metal, and funk, reshaping the boundaries of rock music. Forrest’s energy, genre-blending vocal style, and electrifying stage presence made him a trailblazer, inspiring future rap-rock acts and carving a unique legacy in the music world.
The Legacy of 24/7 Spyz
Formed in the late 1980s, 24/7 Spyz gained acclaim for their albums Harder Than You (1989) and Gumbo Millennium (1990). The band’s innovative approach shone through in their reimagining of Kool & the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie,” among other hits. Forrest, known for his passionate performances, often pushed creative boundaries. “He brought a sense of reckless abandon, but in a fun way,” recalled guitarist Jimi Hazel, comparing Forrest to iconic performers like Chuck Mosley of Faith No More and Angelo Moore of Fishbone.
Challenges and Departure from 24/7 Spyz
Forrest’s tenure with 24/7 Spyz was as turbulent as it was groundbreaking. Creative and personal tensions between Forrest and his bandmates arose, particularly over the direction of the band’s politically charged songs. During a 1990 tour with Jane’s Addiction, Forrest shocked fans and bandmates by announcing his departure mid-performance. The band continued without him, but his absence marked the end of an era for 24/7 Spyz.
A Sporadic Post-Spyz Career
Following his departure, Forrest pursued several musical ventures. He formed the short-lived P. Fluid Foundation and briefly reunited with 24/7 Spyz for the 1995 album Temporarily Disconnected. In 2008, he joined forces with Corey Glover of Living Colour and Angelo Moore of Fishbone for a side project called AFC. It released the politically charged single “Election Day.” Despite these efforts, Forrest’s post-Spyz career was sporadic. It left fans longing for the raw energy he brought to his early work.
P. Fluid’s influence on rock music and his role in the Black rock movement remain undeniable. His innovative style and fearless approach paved the way for countless artists, challenging industry norms and expanding the possibilities for Black musicians in rock. As investigations into his tragic death continue, fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of a visionary artist whose contributions to music will not be forgotten.
