Living Colour: Difference between revisions

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*{{cite book|author=Mark Katz|title=Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zv8JzuFW-l8C&pg=PA180|date=April 3, 2012|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-991301-5|page=180}}</ref>
*{{cite book|author=Mark Katz|title=Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zv8JzuFW-l8C&pg=PA180|date=April 3, 2012|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-991301-5|page=180}}</ref>
*[[alternative metal]]<ref>The following sources refer to Living Colour as alternative metal:
*[[alternative metal]]<ref>The following sources refer to Living Colour as alternative metal:
*{{cite web|title=Alternative Metal|url=http://www.allmusic.com/style/alternative-metal-ma0000012328|website=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|access-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223033528/http://www.allmusic.com/style/alternative-metal-ma0000012328|archive-date=December 23, 2015}}
*{{cite web|title=Alternative Metal|url=http://www.allmusic.com/style/alternative-metal-ma0000012328|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223033528/http://www.allmusic.com/style/alternative-metal-ma0000012328|archive-date=December 23, 2015}}
*{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/one-of-living-colours-hits-illustrates-an-era-in-t-99872 |title=One of Living Colour's hits illustrates an era in transition |last=Heller |first=Jason |date=July 9, 2013 |newspaper=AV Club |access-date=April 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030150853/http://www.avclub.com/article/one-of-living-colours-hits-illustrates-an-era-in-t-99872 |archive-date=October 30, 2016 }}</ref>
*{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/one-of-living-colours-hits-illustrates-an-era-in-t-99872 |title=One of Living Colour's hits illustrates an era in transition |last=Heller |first=Jason |date=July 9, 2013 |newspaper=AV Club |access-date=April 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030150853/http://www.avclub.com/article/one-of-living-colours-hits-illustrates-an-era-in-t-99872 |archive-date=October 30, 2016 }}</ref>
}}
}}
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* [[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]]  
* [[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]]  
* [[Epic Records|Epic]]
* [[Epic Records|Epic]]
}}
| associated_acts  = {{Flatlist|
* Free Form Funky Freqs
* Headfake
* [[Jungle Funk]]
* Masque
* Vice
* Wood Brass & Steel
* Yohimbe Brothers
}}
}}
| current_members  = * [[Vernon Reid]]
| current_members  = * [[Vernon Reid]]
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| location= Edinburgh
| location= Edinburgh
| pages= 580–581
| pages= 580–581
| isbn= 1-84195-017-3}}</ref> Although they scored several hits, Living Colour is best known for their signature song "[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]", which won a [[Grammy Award]] for [[Best Hard Rock Performance]] in 1990 and has been consistently used as the entrance theme for professional wrestler [[CM Punk]] since 2011.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last1=Wilkening |first1=Matthew |title=Why Living Colour's 'Cult of Personality' Is CM Punk's Theme Song |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/cm-punk-cult-of-personality/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=13 April 2023}}</ref> They were named Best New Artist at the 1989 [[MTV Video Music Awards]], and won their second Grammy Award for their follow-up album ''[[Time's Up (Living Colour album)|Time's Up]]'' (1990). Their third album, ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'' (1993), was also well received by music critics. After disbanding in 1995,<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Living Colour reunited in late 2000,<ref>{{cite web|title= Living Colour singer Corey Glover looks back on 25 years of 'Vivid'|author= Dustin Schoof|url= http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2013/03/living_colour_singer_corey_glo.html|work= LehighValleyLive.com|date= March 29, 2013|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105959/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2013/03/living_colour_singer_corey_glo.html|archive-date= March 4, 2016}}</ref> and has since released three more studio albums: ''[[Collideøscope]]'' (2003), ''[[The Chair in the Doorway]]'' (2009) and ''[[Shade (Living Colour album)|Shade]]'' (2017). The band has been working on new material for the follow-up to ''Shade''.<ref name="newmaterial">{{cite news|url=https://spotlightreport.net/on-the-spot-2/interview-corey-glover-of-living-colour-talks-oz-tour|title=Interview: Corey Glover of Living Colour Talks Oz Tour|website=spotlightreport.net|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref>
| isbn= 1-84195-017-3}}</ref> Although they scored several hits, Living Colour is best known for their signature song "[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]", which won a [[Grammy Award]] for [[Best Hard Rock Performance]] in 1990 and has been consistently used as the entrance theme for professional wrestler [[CM Punk]] since 2011.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last1=Wilkening |first1=Matthew |title=Why Living Colour's 'Cult of Personality' Is CM Punk's Theme Song |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/cm-punk-cult-of-personality/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=13 April 2023}}</ref> They were named Best New Artist at the 1989 [[MTV Video Music Awards]], and won their second Grammy Award for their follow-up album ''[[Time's Up (Living Colour album)|Time's Up]]'' (1990). Their third album, ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'' (1993), was also well received by music critics. After disbanding in 1995,<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Living Colour reunited in late 2000,<ref>{{cite web|title= Living Colour singer Corey Glover looks back on 25 years of 'Vivid'|author= Dustin Schoof|url= http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2013/03/living_colour_singer_corey_glo.html|work= LehighValleyLive.com|date= March 29, 2013|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105959/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2013/03/living_colour_singer_corey_glo.html|archive-date= March 4, 2016}}</ref> and has since released three more studio albums: ''[[Collideøscope]]'' (2003), ''[[The Chair in the Doorway]]'' (2009) and ''[[Shade (Living Colour album)|Shade]]'' (2017). The band has been working on new material for the follow-up to ''Shade''.<ref name="newmaterial">{{cite news|url=https://spotlightreport.net/on-the-spot-2/interview-corey-glover-of-living-colour-talks-oz-tour|title=Interview: Corey Glover of Living Colour Talks Oz Tour|website=Spotlightreport.net|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===Early years (1984–1986)===
===Early years (1984–1986)===
British-born guitarist [[Vernon Reid]] had formed several bands in the years before forming Living Colour in New York in 1984, using the [[British spelling]] of "colour".<ref>{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Joseph |title=Cult of Personality: An interview with Will Calhoun (Living Colour) |url=https://willnotfade.com/2017/04/30/will-calhoun-living-colour-interview/ |website=Will Not Fade |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616211504/https://willnotfade.com/2017/04/30/will-calhoun-living-colour-interview/ |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |date=April 30, 2017 |quote=Band founder Vernon Reid is English, so made a deliberate choice to spell 'colour' correctly with the 'U' included. But most Americans spell many words incorrectly out of ignorance. It's not much of an issue.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Burgess |first1=Mick |title=We chat to Corey Glover from Living Colour ahead of Newcastle Riverside gig |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/corey-glover-living-colour-interview-13670041 |work=[[ChronicleLive]] |date=September 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109073550/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/corey-glover-living-colour-interview-13670041 |archive-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref> Reid assembled several bands under the name Vernon Reid's Living Colour from 1984 to 1986.<ref name="rs">{{cite magazine|title=Living Colour's Time Is Now|author=David Fricke|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/living-colours-time-is-now-19901101|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=November 1, 1990|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912232142/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/living-colours-time-is-now-19901101|archive-date=September 12, 2017}}</ref>  Reid was well known on the downtown New York jazz scenes because of his tenure in [[Ronald Shannon Jackson]]'s Decoding Society.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fricke |first1=David |title=Back in Black |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/back-in-black-2-95063/ |publisher=Rolling Stone Magazine |access-date=20 May 2021 |date=24 Sep 1987}}</ref>
British-born guitarist [[Vernon Reid]] had formed several bands in the years before forming Living Colour in New York in 1984, using the [[British spelling]] of "colour".<ref>{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Joseph |title=Cult of Personality: An interview with Will Calhoun (Living Colour) |url=https://willnotfade.com/2017/04/30/will-calhoun-living-colour-interview/ |website=Will Not Fade |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616211504/https://willnotfade.com/2017/04/30/will-calhoun-living-colour-interview/ |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |date=April 30, 2017 |quote=Band founder Vernon Reid is English, so made a deliberate choice to spell 'colour' correctly with the 'U' included. But most Americans spell many words incorrectly out of ignorance. It's not much of an issue.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Burgess |first1=Mick |title=We chat to Corey Glover from Living Colour ahead of Newcastle Riverside gig |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/corey-glover-living-colour-interview-13670041 |work=[[ChronicleLive]] |date=September 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109073550/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/corey-glover-living-colour-interview-13670041 |archive-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref> Reid assembled several bands under the name Vernon Reid's Living Colour from 1984 to 1986.<ref name="rs">{{cite magazine|title=Living Colour's Time Is Now|author=David Fricke|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/living-colours-time-is-now-19901101|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=November 1, 1990|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912232142/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/living-colours-time-is-now-19901101|archive-date=September 12, 2017}}</ref>  Reid was well known on the downtown New York jazz scenes because of his tenure in [[Ronald Shannon Jackson]]'s Decoding Society.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fricke |first1=David |title=Back in Black |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/back-in-black-2-95063/ |publisher=Rolling Stone Magazine |access-date=20 May 2021 |date=24 Sep 1987}}</ref>
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===Mainstream success (1986–1991)===
===Mainstream success (1986–1991)===
[[File:Living-colour-live1993.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Living Colour in 1993]]
[[File:Living-colour-live1993.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Living Colour in 1993]]
In 1986 a stable lineup was formed, consisting of vocalist/actor [[Corey Glover]], guitarist [[Vernon Reid]], bassist [[Muzz Skillings]], and drummer [[Will Calhoun]] (who had graduated with honors from [[Berklee College of Music]]).<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> After hiring managers Jim Grant and Roger Cramer, the band hired prodigy [[lighting designer]] Andy Elias in November 1986 to strengthen their live shows with explosive visual productions.<ref>Panebianco, Julie. "Living Colour Rock The Ritz." ''East Village Eye,'' December 1986, p 6.</ref> The band became experienced at touring and performed regular gigs at the club [[CBGB]]. Around this time, their career also benefited from [[Rolling Stones]] singer [[Mick Jagger|Mick Jagger's]] involvement. Jagger's interest in Living Colour was piqued when Vernon Reid auditioned for the album ''[[Primitive Cool]]''; Jagger then arranged to see them live at CBGBs. Jagger went on to produce two of their demos. His endorsement encouraged major record labels to renew their interest in Living Colour, resulting in a recording contract with Epic Records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2013/10/24/living-colours-vernon-reid-on-the-bands-formation-mick-jagger-and-reaching-audiences-through-grand-theft-auto|title = Living Colour's Vernon Reid on the band's formation, Mick Jagger, and reaching audiences through "Grand Theft Auto"| date=October 24, 2013 }}</ref> Interviewed in 2018, Vernon Reid looked back on the deal as a bittersweet triumph; "We had to get the co-sign from a person who literally embodied what rock 'n' roll is, the fact that he had to come see us, and dig us, for us to get at the back of the line is crazy."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2018/5/3/17312688/living-colour-cult-of-personality-vivid-30-years-anniversary|title = How Living Colour Reignited Rock's "Cult of Personality"|date = May 3, 2018}}</ref>
In 1986 a stable lineup was formed, consisting of vocalist/actor [[Corey Glover]], guitarist [[Vernon Reid]], bassist [[Muzz Skillings]], and drummer [[Will Calhoun]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> After hiring managers Jim Grant and Roger Cramer, the band hired prodigy [[lighting designer]] Andy Elias in November 1986 to strengthen their live shows with explosive visual productions.<ref>Panebianco, Julie. "Living Colour Rock The Ritz." ''East Village Eye,'' December 1986, p 6.</ref> The band became experienced at touring and performed regular gigs at the club [[CBGB]]. Around this time, their career also benefited from [[Rolling Stones]] singer [[Mick Jagger|Mick Jagger's]] involvement. Jagger's interest in Living Colour was piqued when Vernon Reid auditioned for the album ''[[Primitive Cool]]''; Jagger then arranged to see them live at CBGBs. Jagger went on to produce two of their demos. His endorsement encouraged major record labels to renew their interest in Living Colour, resulting in a recording contract with Epic Records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2013/10/24/living-colours-vernon-reid-on-the-bands-formation-mick-jagger-and-reaching-audiences-through-grand-theft-auto|title = Living Colour's Vernon Reid on the band's formation, Mick Jagger, and reaching audiences through "Grand Theft Auto"|website=Denverpost.com| date=October 24, 2013 }}</ref> Interviewed in 2018, Vernon Reid looked back on the deal as a bittersweet triumph; "We had to get the co-sign from a person who literally embodied what rock 'n' roll is, the fact that he had to come see us, and dig us, for us to get at the back of the line is crazy."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2018/5/3/17312688/living-colour-cult-of-personality-vivid-30-years-anniversary|title = How Living Colour Reignited Rock's "Cult of Personality"|website=Theringer.com|date = May 3, 2018}}</ref>


''[[Vivid (Living Colour album)|Vivid]]'', released on May 3, 1988, gathered sales momentum when, later that year, [[MTV]] began playing the [[music video|video]] for "[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]". The album reached #6 on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart. On April 1, 1989, the band performed on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''. Four months later, the band gained further exposure as an opening act, along with [[Guns N' Roses]], for [[The Rolling Stones]]' [[Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour]].
''[[Vivid (Living Colour album)|Vivid]]'', released on May 3, 1988, gathered sales momentum when, later that year, [[MTV]] began playing the [[music video|video]] for "[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]". The album reached No. 6 on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart. On April 1, 1989, the band performed on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''. Four months later, the band gained further exposure as an opening act, along with [[Guns N' Roses]], for [[The Rolling Stones]]' [[Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour]].


In 1990, the band's second full-length album, ''[[Time's Up (Living Colour album)|Time's Up]]'', featured songs in a variety of musical contexts; [[jazz fusion]], punk rock, [[Delta blues]], hip hop (cameos by [[Queen Latifah]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]]), funk, thrash metal, [[Jive (genre)|jive]], and hints of [[electronica]] were all represented.<ref>{{cite web |title= Living Colour Time's Up |author= Greg Prato |url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/times-up-mw0000315449 |work= [[AllMusic]] |access-date= August 21, 2015 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150806185836/http://www.allmusic.com/album/times-up-mw0000315449 |archive-date= August 6, 2015 }}</ref> The album reached #13 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> and won a [[Grammy Award]] for Best Hard Rock Performance. Other guests included [[Maceo Parker]] and [[Little Richard]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>
In 1990, the band's second album, ''[[Time's Up (Living Colour album)|Time's Up]]'', featured songs in a variety of musical contexts; [[jazz fusion]], punk rock, [[Delta blues]], hip hop (cameos by [[Queen Latifah]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]]), funk, thrash metal, [[Jive (genre)|jive]], and hints of [[electronica]] were all represented.<ref>{{cite web |title= Living Colour Time's Up |author= Greg Prato |url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/times-up-mw0000315449 |work= [[AllMusic]] |access-date= August 21, 2015 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150806185836/http://www.allmusic.com/album/times-up-mw0000315449 |archive-date= August 6, 2015 }}</ref> The album reached No. 13 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> and won a [[Grammy Award]] for Best Hard Rock Performance. Other guests included [[Maceo Parker]] and [[Little Richard]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> The title track was "inspired" by pioneer punk group [[Bad Brains]], Vernon Reid said in 2025 during a performance on [[NPR]]'s [[List of Tiny Desk Concerts|Tiny Desk Concerts]], with Corey Glover joking that "we stole it (the song) from them."<ref>{{cite web |title=Living Colour: Tiny Desk Concert |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzAI4F_ks5s&list=RDbzAI4F_ks5s&start_radio=1 |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=[[NPR]] |access-date=27 June 2025 |date=25 June 2025}}</ref>


In 1991, Living Colour joined the inaugural [[Lollapalooza]] tour, and released an EP of outtakes entitled ''[[Biscuits (EP)|Biscuits]]''.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>
In 1991, Living Colour joined the inaugural [[Lollapalooza]] tour, and released an EP of outtakes entitled ''[[Biscuits (EP)|Biscuits]]''.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>


===Second lineup and breakup (1992–1995)===
===Second lineup and breakup (1992–1995)===
In 1992, Skillings left the band and was replaced by [[Doug Wimbish]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> This new lineup released their third full-length album, ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'', in March 1993. The album reached #26 in the U.S., a further drop since its debut.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Despite retaining their strong fan base, Living Colour disbanded in January 1995 after failing to settle on common musical goals during their fourth studio album sessions.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Four of these tracks were included on the compilation ''[[Pride (Living Colour album)|Pride]]''. Following the breakup, individual band members released a variety of solo efforts.
In 1992, Skillings left the band and was replaced by [[Doug Wimbish]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> This new lineup released their third album, ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'', in March 1993. The album reached No. 26 in the U.S., a further drop since its debut.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Despite retaining their strong fan base, Living Colour disbanded in January 1995 after failing to settle on common musical goals during their fourth studio album sessions.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Four of these tracks were included on the compilation ''[[Pride (Living Colour album)|Pride]]''. Following the breakup, individual band members released a variety of solo efforts.


===Reunion and subsequent events (2000–present)===
===Reunion and subsequent events (2000–present)===
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The band performed a week-long European Tour starting on December 12, 2006. In May 2007, the band released their first live DVD – ''[[On Stage At World Cafe Live]]''. On July 11, 2008, the band performed at the 1980s hard rock-themed [[Rocklahoma]] festival at [[Pryor, Oklahoma|Pryor]], Oklahoma. Once again, Skillings performed with them in August 2008 for a Black Rock Coalition [[Band of Gypsys]] tribute in Harlem. They performed "Them Changes" and "Power of Soul".
The band performed a week-long European Tour starting on December 12, 2006. In May 2007, the band released their first live DVD – ''[[On Stage At World Cafe Live]]''. On July 11, 2008, the band performed at the 1980s hard rock-themed [[Rocklahoma]] festival at [[Pryor, Oklahoma|Pryor]], Oklahoma. Once again, Skillings performed with them in August 2008 for a Black Rock Coalition [[Band of Gypsys]] tribute in Harlem. They performed "Them Changes" and "Power of Soul".


On October 25, 2008, MVD Audio and CBGB Records released ''CBGB OMFUG Masters: August 19, 2005 The Bowery Collection'', a soundboard collection of songs from the Save CBGB's benefit show. On November 25, 2008, Inakustik and MVD released ''The Paris Concert'', a [[DVD]] recorded at [[New Morning (club)|New Morning]], in Paris, France, during their 2007 European Tour. The band released their fifth studio album, ''[[The Chair in the Doorway]]'', on September 15, 2009, on Megaforce Records. The album sold approximately 2,800 copies in its first week and landed at #161 on the ''Billboard'' 200. This was the band's first album to chart since ''Stain'' in 1993. The band toured the world in support of the record.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268175/living-colour-back-with-fifth-studio-album Living Colour Back With Fifth Studio Album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423122206/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268175/living-colour-back-with-fifth-studio-album |date=April 23, 2013 }} Billboard.com. Retrieved on July 8, 2009.</ref>
On October 25, 2008, MVD Audio and CBGB Records released ''CBGB OMFUG Masters: August 19, 2005 The Bowery Collection'', a soundboard collection of songs from the Save CBGB's benefit show. On November 25, 2008, Inakustik and MVD released ''The Paris Concert'', a [[DVD]] recorded at [[New Morning (club)|New Morning]], in Paris, France, during their 2007 European Tour. The band released their fifth studio album, ''[[The Chair in the Doorway]]'', on September 15, 2009, on Megaforce Records. The album sold approximately 2,800 copies in its first week and landed at No. 161 on the ''Billboard'' 200. This was the band's first album to chart since ''Stain'' in 1993. The band toured the world in support of the record.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268175/living-colour-back-with-fifth-studio-album Living Colour Back With Fifth Studio Album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423122206/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268175/living-colour-back-with-fifth-studio-album |date=April 23, 2013 }} Billboard.com. Retrieved on July 8, 2009.</ref>


In 2013, Living Colour performed "Cult of Personality" live during CM Punk's entrance at [[WrestleMania]] [[WrestleMania 29|29]] for his match against [[The Undertaker]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mirmina |first1=Graham |title=WWE WrestleMania 33: 5 Most underrated musical performances in the event's history |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-wrestlemania-33-5-most-underrated-musical-performances-in-events-history |website=Sportskeeda |date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=13 April 2023}}</ref>
In 2013, Living Colour performed "Cult of Personality" live during CM Punk's entrance at [[WrestleMania]] [[WrestleMania 29|29]] for his match against [[The Undertaker]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mirmina |first1=Graham |title=WWE WrestleMania 33: 5 Most underrated musical performances in the event's history |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-wrestlemania-33-5-most-underrated-musical-performances-in-events-history |website=Sportskeeda.com |date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=13 April 2023}}</ref>


On July 2, 2014, Living Colour announced on their official website that they were putting the finishing touches on their upcoming sixth album ''[[Shade (Living Colour album)|Shade]]'', which was released on September 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-shade-album-in-september-cover-artwork-unveiled/|title=LIVING COLOUR To Release 'Shade' Album In September; Cover Artwork Unveiled|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 12, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515024742/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-shade-album-in-september-cover-artwork-unveiled/|archive-date=May 15, 2017}}</ref> "''Shade'' is the sound of a band coming to terms with its shadows and light, From the blue pulpit of Robert Johnson to the mean red streets of Brooklyn to the golden lure of Hollywood, ''Shade'' is the next chapter of a unique American journey," Reid stated on the official website. The album includes ten originals and three covers: [[Robert Johnson]]'s "Preachin' Blues", [[The Notorious B.I.G.]]'s "[[Who Shot Ya?]]" and [[Marvin Gaye]]'s "[[Inner City Blues]]" available on CD, MP3, and vinyl.
On July 2, 2014, Living Colour announced on their official website that they were putting the finishing touches on their upcoming sixth album ''[[Shade (Living Colour album)|Shade]]'', which was released on September 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-shade-album-in-september-cover-artwork-unveiled/|title=LIVING COLOUR To Release 'Shade' Album In September; Cover Artwork Unveiled|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 12, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515024742/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-shade-album-in-september-cover-artwork-unveiled/|archive-date=May 15, 2017}}</ref> "''Shade'' is the sound of a band coming to terms with its shadows and light, From the blue pulpit of Robert Johnson to the mean red streets of Brooklyn to the golden lure of Hollywood, ''Shade'' is the next chapter of a unique American journey," Reid stated on the official website. The album includes ten originals and three covers: [[Robert Johnson]]'s "Preachin' Blues", [[The Notorious B.I.G.]]'s "[[Who Shot Ya?]]" and [[Marvin Gaye]]'s "[[Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)|Inner City Blues]]" available on CD, MP3, and vinyl.


On August 19, 2016, the band released a cover of The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya?" from an upcoming EP entitled ''Mixtape'' which was released on September 9.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-mixtape-featuring-reinvention-of-notorious-b-i-g-s-who-shot-ya/|title=LIVING COLOUR To Release 'Mixtape' Featuring Reinvention Of NOTORIOUS B.I.G.'s 'Who Shot Ya'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 19, 2016|access-date=August 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822041658/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-mixtape-featuring-reinvention-of-notorious-b-i-g-s-who-shot-ya|archive-date=August 22, 2016}}</ref> It features appearances from Chuck D, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Prodigal Sunn, and Kyle Mansa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/67631-living-colour-enlist-chuck-d-black-thought-more-for-notorious-big-who-shot-ya-remake-listen/|title=Living Colour Enlist Chuck D, Black Thought, More for Notorious B.I.G. "Who Shot Ya" Remake: Listen – Pitchfork|website=pitchfork.com|date=August 18, 2016|access-date=May 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122102435/https://pitchfork.com/news/67631-living-colour-enlist-chuck-d-black-thought-more-for-notorious-big-who-shot-ya-remake-listen/|archive-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref> Also in 2016, the band performed "Cult of Personality" on [[The Howard Stern Show]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXHFNw3fSw|title=Living Colour "Cult of Personality" on the Stern Show (2016)|website=youtube.com|date=May 1, 2021|access-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref>
On August 19, 2016, the band released a cover of The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya?" from an upcoming EP entitled ''Mixtape'' which was released on September 9.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-mixtape-featuring-reinvention-of-notorious-b-i-g-s-who-shot-ya/|title=LIVING COLOUR To Release 'Mixtape' Featuring Reinvention Of NOTORIOUS B.I.G.'s 'Who Shot Ya'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 19, 2016|access-date=August 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822041658/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-to-release-mixtape-featuring-reinvention-of-notorious-b-i-g-s-who-shot-ya|archive-date=August 22, 2016}}</ref> It features appearances from Chuck D, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Prodigal Sunn, and Kyle Mansa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/67631-living-colour-enlist-chuck-d-black-thought-more-for-notorious-big-who-shot-ya-remake-listen/|title=Living Colour Enlist Chuck D, Black Thought, More for Notorious B.I.G. "Who Shot Ya" Remake: Listen |website=Pitchfork.com|date=August 18, 2016|access-date=May 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122102435/https://pitchfork.com/news/67631-living-colour-enlist-chuck-d-black-thought-more-for-notorious-big-who-shot-ya-remake-listen/|archive-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref> Also in 2016, the band performed "Cult of Personality" on [[The Howard Stern Show]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXHFNw3fSw|title=Living Colour "Cult of Personality" on the Stern Show (2016)|website=Youtube.com|date=May 1, 2021|access-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref>


By late 2018, Living Colour had begun working on new material for a possible EP or seventh full-length studio album.<ref name="newmaterial"/> When asked about a month after the release of ''Shade'' if fans would have to wait another four years for the follow-up album, Reid replied, "Well I don't know about all that. It's intriguing to be back in this cycle."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.albumism.com/interviews/vernon-reid-of-living-colour-navigates-the-shadows-and-light|title=INTERVIEW: Living Colour's Vernon Reid Navigates the Shadows and Light|website=albumism.com|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref>
By late 2018, Living Colour had begun working on new material for a possible [[Extended play|EP]] or seventh studio album.<ref name="newmaterial"/> When asked about a month after the release of ''Shade'' if fans would have to wait another four years for the follow-up album, Reid replied, "Well I don't know about all that. It's intriguing to be back in this cycle."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.albumism.com/interviews/vernon-reid-of-living-colour-navigates-the-shadows-and-light|title=INTERVIEW: Living Colour's Vernon Reid Navigates the Shadows and Light|website=Albumism.com|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref>


On September 2, 2022 during a performance at [[Rock in Rio]] in [[Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]], guitarist [[Steve Vai]] joined Living Colour on stage for a rendition of "Cult of Personality."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yDyZrKOV4|title=Living Colour - Cult Of Personality w/ Steve Vai at Rock In Rio 2022|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=August 20, 2023|date=September 15, 2022}}</ref>
On September 2, 2022 during a performance at [[Rock in Rio]] in [[Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]], guitarist [[Steve Vai]] joined Living Colour on stage for a rendition of "Cult of Personality."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yDyZrKOV4|title=Living Colour - Cult Of Personality w/ Steve Vai at Rock In Rio 2022|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=August 20, 2023|date=September 15, 2022}}</ref>
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The band announced on December 10, 2022 that they had entered the studio to begin recording their seventh studio album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/living-colour-check-in-from-the-studio-video|title=LIVING COLOUR Check In From The Studio (Video)|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=December 14, 2022|date=December 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/living_colour_is_in_the_studio_album_could_be_out_in_2023.html|title=Living Colour Is in the Studio, Album Could Be Out in 2023|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=December 14, 2022|date=December 12, 2022}}</ref>
The band announced on December 10, 2022 that they had entered the studio to begin recording their seventh studio album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/living-colour-check-in-from-the-studio-video|title=LIVING COLOUR Check In From The Studio (Video)|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=December 14, 2022|date=December 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/living_colour_is_in_the_studio_album_could_be_out_in_2023.html|title=Living Colour Is in the Studio, Album Could Be Out in 2023|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=December 14, 2022|date=December 12, 2022}}</ref>


In 2023, the band embarked on a US tour with [[Extreme (band)|Extreme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://extreme-band.com/extreme-announce-2023-u-s-tour-with-living-colour-reveal-two-new-songs/|title=Extreme Announce 2023 U.S. Tour With Living Colour, Reveal Two New Songs|website=extreme-band.com|date=April 20, 2023|access-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref>
In 2023, the band embarked on a US tour with [[Extreme (band)|Extreme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://extreme-band.com/extreme-announce-2023-u-s-tour-with-living-colour-reveal-two-new-songs/|title=Extreme Announce 2023 U.S. Tour With Living Colour, Reveal Two New Songs|website=Extreme-band.com|date=April 20, 2023|access-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref>


In 2025, Living Colour performed "Cult of Personality" live during CM Punk's entrance at [[WrestleMania 41]] for his main event match against [[Roman Reigns]] and [[Seth Rollins]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bachar |first=Zach |title=Living Colour Plays 'Cult of Personality' for CM Punk's WWE WrestleMania 41 Entrance |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25188332-living-colour-plays-cult-personality-cm-punks-wwe-wrestlemania-41-entrance |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 2025, Living Colour performed "Cult of Personality" live during CM Punk's entrance at [[WrestleMania 41]] for his main event match against [[Roman Reigns]] and [[Seth Rollins]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bachar |first=Zach |title=Living Colour Plays 'Cult of Personality' for CM Punk's WWE WrestleMania 41 Entrance |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25188332-living-colour-plays-cult-personality-cm-punks-wwe-wrestlemania-41-entrance |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=Bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Acclaim and legacy==
==Acclaim and legacy==
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In early 2009, [[WWE]] used "Cult of Personality" in the video promoting the induction of [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] into its Hall of Fame. Outside of his use of it in professional wrestling.
In early 2009, [[WWE]] used "Cult of Personality" in the video promoting the induction of [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] into its Hall of Fame. Outside of his use of it in professional wrestling.


In 2011, [[WWE]] wrestler [[CM Punk]] returned with [[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]] as his theme song for his highly appreciated Summer of Punk run. Punk had used this song before when he used to perform for [[Ring of Honor]]. Upon joining WWE, he didn't try to get the song as his theme because he believed that WWE won't get a song licensed for a mid-card wrestler. He used the song for his [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]] run as well between 2021 and 2023. CM Punk also entered to the song for his debut [[mixed martial arts]] bout at [[UFC 203]] and subsequently at [[UFC 225]] for his fight versus Mike Jackson.
In 2011, [[WWE]] wrestler [[CM Punk]] returned with [[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]] as his theme song for his highly anticipated Summer of Punk run. Punk had used this song before when he used to perform for [[Ring of Honor]]. Upon joining WWE, he did not try to get the song as his theme because he believed that WWE will not get a song licensed for a mid-card wrestler. He used the song for his [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]] run as well between 2021 and 2023. CM Punk also entered to the song for his debut [[mixed martial arts]] bout at [[UFC 203]] and subsequently at [[UFC 225]] for his fight versus Mike Jackson.


==Members==
==Members==
* [[Vernon Reid]] – lead guitar, guitar synthesizer, programming, laptop, backing vocals <small>(1984–1995, 2000–present)</small>; lead vocals <small>(1984–1985)</small>
* [[Vernon Reid]] – lead guitar, guitar synthesizer, programming, laptop, backing vocals <small>(1984–1995, 2000–present)</small>; lead vocals <small>(1984–1985)</small>
* [[Corey Glover]] – lead vocals, occasional rhythm guitar, tambourine <small>(1985–1995, 2000–present)</small>
* [[Corey Glover]] – lead vocals, occasional rhythm guitar, tambourine <small>(1985–1995, 2000–present)</small>
Line 152: Line 141:
*[[Mark Ledford]] – lead vocals <small>(died; 2004)</small>
*[[Mark Ledford]] – lead vocals <small>(died; 2004)</small>
* [[Muzz Skillings]] – bass, backing vocals <small>(1986–1991, one-off show in 2006)</small>
* [[Muzz Skillings]] – bass, backing vocals <small>(1986–1991, one-off show in 2006)</small>
* [[Doug Pinnick]] – lead vocals <small>(2006; substitute)</small><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-08-16 |title=LIVING COLOUR Guitarist: 'DOUG PINNICK Is An Incredible Vocalist And Bassist' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-guitarist-doug-pinnick-is-an-incredible-vocalist-and-bassist/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Doug Pinnick]] – lead vocals <small>(2006; substitute)</small><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-08-16 |title=LIVING COLOUR Guitarist: 'DOUG PINNICK Is An Incredible Vocalist And Bassist' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/living-colour-guitarist-doug-pinnick-is-an-incredible-vocalist-and-bassist/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en}}</ref>


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
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Colors =
Colors =
  id:lvocals      value:red        legend:Lead_Vocals
  id:lvocals      value:red        legend:Lead_vocals
  id:bvocals      value:pink        legend:Backing_Vocals
  id:bvocals      value:pink        legend:Backing_vocals
  id:lguitar      value:teal        legend:Lead_Guitar,_Synthesizer,_Laptop
  id:lguitar      value:teal        legend:Lead_guitar,_synthesizer,_laptop
  id:rguitar      value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_Guitar
  id:rguitar      value:brightgreen legend:Additional_guitar
id:aguitar      value:green      legend:Additional_Guitar
  id:bass        value:blue        legend:Bass
  id:bass        value:blue        legend:Bass
  id:drums        value:orange      legend:Drums
  id:drums        value:orange      legend:Drums
  id:perc        value:Claret      legend:Percussion
  id:perc        value:Claret      legend:Percussion
  id:keyboards    value:purple      legend:Keyboards
  id:keyboards    value:purple      legend:Keyboards
  id:samples      value:lightpurple legend:Samples,_Loops
  id:samples      value:lightpurple legend:Samples,_loops
  id:programming  value:lavender    legend:Programming
  id:programming  value:lavender    legend:Programming
  id:album        value:black      legend:Studio_Album
  id:album        value:black      legend:Studio_album
  id:other        value:gray(0.70)  legend:Other_Release
  id:other        value:gray(0.70)  legend:Other_release


LineData =
LineData =
Line 206: Line 194:
  bar:D.K.      text:"D.K. Dyson"
  bar:D.K.      text:"D.K. Dyson"
  bar:Mark      text:"Mark Ledford"
  bar:Mark      text:"Mark Ledford"
bar:Doug_P    text:"Doug Pinnick"
  bar:Corey    text:"Corey Glover"
  bar:Corey    text:"Corey Glover"
  bar:Vernon    text:"Vernon Reid"
  bar:Vernon    text:"Vernon Reid"
Line 223: Line 210:
  width:13
  width:13
  bar:D.K.    from:02/01/1985 till:04/01/1985 color:lvocals
  bar:D.K.    from:02/01/1985 till:04/01/1985 color:lvocals
  bar:Mark    from:04/01/1985 till:06/01/1985 color:lvocals
  bar:Mark    from:04/01/1985 till:08/01/1985 color:lvocals
bar:Doug_P  from:06/01/1985 till:08/01/1985 color:lvocals
  bar:Corey    from:08/01/1985 till:01/01/1995 color:lvocals
  bar:Corey    from:08/01/1985 till:01/01/1995 color:lvocals
  bar:Corey    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:lvocals
  bar:Corey    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:lvocals
Line 246: Line 232:
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:bass
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:bass
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:drums      width:9
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:drums      width:9
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:aguitar     width:7
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:rguitar     width:7
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:programming width:5
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:programming width:5
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:bvocals    width:3
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:bvocals    width:3
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bass
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bass
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:drums      width:9
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:drums      width:9
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:aguitar     width:7
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:rguitar     width:7
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:programming width:5
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:programming width:5
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bvocals    width:3
  bar:Doug    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bvocals    width:3
Line 282: Line 268:


==Awards==
==Awards==
===MTV Video Music Awards===
===MTV Video Music Awards===
*1989 – [[MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist]] ("[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]")
*1989 – [[MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist]] ("[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]")
Line 293: Line 278:
*1991 – [[Best Hard Rock Performance]] (won) (''[[Time's Up (Living Colour album)|Time's Up]]'')
*1991 – [[Best Hard Rock Performance]] (won) (''[[Time's Up (Living Colour album)|Time's Up]]'')
*1994 – [[Best Hard Rock Performance]] (nominated) ("[[Leave It Alone (Living Colour song)|Leave It Alone]]")
*1994 – [[Best Hard Rock Performance]] (nominated) ("[[Leave It Alone (Living Colour song)|Leave It Alone]]")
=== Decibel Hall of Fame ===
* 2015 — [[Vivid (Living Colour album)|''Vivid'']] inducted into the [[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]] Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Nick |date=2015-02-13 |title=Living Colour - "Vivid" |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2015/02/12/living-colour-vivid/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=Decibel Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 15:13, 1 November 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other

Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984.[1] The band consists of guitarist Vernon Reid, lead vocalist Corey Glover, drummer Will Calhoun and bassist Doug Wimbish who replaced Muzz Skillings in 1992. Their music is influenced by heavy metal, funk, jazz, hip-hop, punk, and alternative rock. The band's lyrics range from the personal to the political, including social commentary on racism in the United States.

Living Colour has released six studio albums. The band rose to fame with their debut album Vivid in 1988.[2] Although they scored several hits, Living Colour is best known for their signature song "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990 and has been consistently used as the entrance theme for professional wrestler CM Punk since 2011.[3] They were named Best New Artist at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, and won their second Grammy Award for their follow-up album Time's Up (1990). Their third album, Stain (1993), was also well received by music critics. After disbanding in 1995,[2] Living Colour reunited in late 2000,[4] and has since released three more studio albums: Collideøscope (2003), The Chair in the Doorway (2009) and Shade (2017). The band has been working on new material for the follow-up to Shade.[5]

History

Early years (1984–1986)

British-born guitarist Vernon Reid had formed several bands in the years before forming Living Colour in New York in 1984, using the British spelling of "colour".[6][7] Reid assembled several bands under the name Vernon Reid's Living Colour from 1984 to 1986.[8] Reid was well known on the downtown New York jazz scenes because of his tenure in Ronald Shannon Jackson's Decoding Society.[9]

Early band members included bassists Alex Mosely, Jerome Harris and Carl James, drummers Greg Carter, Pheeroan akLaff and J. T. Lewis, keyboardist Geri Allen, and vocalists D. K. Dyson and Mark Ledford, with Reid occasionally singing lead vocals himself. The band's sound was vastly different from the songs later in their significant label recordings. Material from this period included instrumental jazz/funk workouts, politically pointed punk rock burners, experimental excursions via Reid's guitar synth, and an early version of the song "Funny Vibe", which was reworked for their debut album Vivid.

Mainstream success (1986–1991)

File:Living-colour-live1993.jpg
Living Colour in 1993

In 1986 a stable lineup was formed, consisting of vocalist/actor Corey Glover, guitarist Vernon Reid, bassist Muzz Skillings, and drummer Will Calhoun.[2] After hiring managers Jim Grant and Roger Cramer, the band hired prodigy lighting designer Andy Elias in November 1986 to strengthen their live shows with explosive visual productions.[10] The band became experienced at touring and performed regular gigs at the club CBGB. Around this time, their career also benefited from Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger's involvement. Jagger's interest in Living Colour was piqued when Vernon Reid auditioned for the album Primitive Cool; Jagger then arranged to see them live at CBGBs. Jagger went on to produce two of their demos. His endorsement encouraged major record labels to renew their interest in Living Colour, resulting in a recording contract with Epic Records.[11] Interviewed in 2018, Vernon Reid looked back on the deal as a bittersweet triumph; "We had to get the co-sign from a person who literally embodied what rock 'n' roll is, the fact that he had to come see us, and dig us, for us to get at the back of the line is crazy."[12]

Vivid, released on May 3, 1988, gathered sales momentum when, later that year, MTV began playing the video for "Cult of Personality". The album reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. On April 1, 1989, the band performed on NBC's Saturday Night Live. Four months later, the band gained further exposure as an opening act, along with Guns N' Roses, for The Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour.

In 1990, the band's second album, Time's Up, featured songs in a variety of musical contexts; jazz fusion, punk rock, Delta blues, hip hop (cameos by Queen Latifah and Doug E. Fresh), funk, thrash metal, jive, and hints of electronica were all represented.[13] The album reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200,[2] and won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Other guests included Maceo Parker and Little Richard.[2] The title track was "inspired" by pioneer punk group Bad Brains, Vernon Reid said in 2025 during a performance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, with Corey Glover joking that "we stole it (the song) from them."[14]

In 1991, Living Colour joined the inaugural Lollapalooza tour, and released an EP of outtakes entitled Biscuits.[2]

Second lineup and breakup (1992–1995)

In 1992, Skillings left the band and was replaced by Doug Wimbish.[2] This new lineup released their third album, Stain, in March 1993. The album reached No. 26 in the U.S., a further drop since its debut.[2] Despite retaining their strong fan base, Living Colour disbanded in January 1995 after failing to settle on common musical goals during their fourth studio album sessions.[2] Four of these tracks were included on the compilation Pride. Following the breakup, individual band members released a variety of solo efforts.

Reunion and subsequent events (2000–present)

Living Colour re-formed on December 21, 2000, at CBGB as a gig billed "Head>>Fake w/ special guests". Head>>Fake was the current drum and bass project headed by Calhoun and Wimbish. Glover was on the bill to sing a few songs, and Reid came on after three songs. The reunion was followed by the release of the band's fourth studio album, Collideøscope, in 2003, their first album not to chart in the United States, although it was critically praised.[15][16] In 2005, Sony Records released Live from CBGB's, a live album recorded on December 19, 1989, as well as another best-of compilation, Everything Is Possible: The Very Best of Living Colour, with songs from Vivid to Collideøscope. On September 22, 2006, Skillings joined the band for the first time in fourteen years when they played at a private party that drummer Jack DeJohnette threw for his wife, Lydia. Wimbish could not come back from his base in London to play for the event, so Skillings agreed to take over for the special private event.

File:Living Colour - Live Madrid 2008.jpg
Corey Glover and Doug Wimbish (2008)
File:Living Colour, live, Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA, March 29, 2013.jpg
Living Colour, San Diego, California, March 2013

The band performed a week-long European Tour starting on December 12, 2006. In May 2007, the band released their first live DVD – On Stage At World Cafe Live. On July 11, 2008, the band performed at the 1980s hard rock-themed Rocklahoma festival at Pryor, Oklahoma. Once again, Skillings performed with them in August 2008 for a Black Rock Coalition Band of Gypsys tribute in Harlem. They performed "Them Changes" and "Power of Soul".

On October 25, 2008, MVD Audio and CBGB Records released CBGB OMFUG Masters: August 19, 2005 The Bowery Collection, a soundboard collection of songs from the Save CBGB's benefit show. On November 25, 2008, Inakustik and MVD released The Paris Concert, a DVD recorded at New Morning, in Paris, France, during their 2007 European Tour. The band released their fifth studio album, The Chair in the Doorway, on September 15, 2009, on Megaforce Records. The album sold approximately 2,800 copies in its first week and landed at No. 161 on the Billboard 200. This was the band's first album to chart since Stain in 1993. The band toured the world in support of the record.[17]

In 2013, Living Colour performed "Cult of Personality" live during CM Punk's entrance at WrestleMania 29 for his match against The Undertaker.[18]

On July 2, 2014, Living Colour announced on their official website that they were putting the finishing touches on their upcoming sixth album Shade, which was released on September 8, 2017.[19] "Shade is the sound of a band coming to terms with its shadows and light, From the blue pulpit of Robert Johnson to the mean red streets of Brooklyn to the golden lure of Hollywood, Shade is the next chapter of a unique American journey," Reid stated on the official website. The album includes ten originals and three covers: Robert Johnson's "Preachin' Blues", The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya?" and Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" available on CD, MP3, and vinyl.

On August 19, 2016, the band released a cover of The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya?" from an upcoming EP entitled Mixtape which was released on September 9.[20] It features appearances from Chuck D, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Prodigal Sunn, and Kyle Mansa.[21] Also in 2016, the band performed "Cult of Personality" on The Howard Stern Show.[22]

By late 2018, Living Colour had begun working on new material for a possible EP or seventh studio album.[5] When asked about a month after the release of Shade if fans would have to wait another four years for the follow-up album, Reid replied, "Well I don't know about all that. It's intriguing to be back in this cycle."[23]

On September 2, 2022 during a performance at Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, guitarist Steve Vai joined Living Colour on stage for a rendition of "Cult of Personality."[24]

The band announced on December 10, 2022 that they had entered the studio to begin recording their seventh studio album.[25][26]

In 2023, the band embarked on a US tour with Extreme.[27]

In 2025, Living Colour performed "Cult of Personality" live during CM Punk's entrance at WrestleMania 41 for his main event match against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.[28]

Acclaim and legacy

Living Colour was ranked No. 70 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.[29]

"Cult of Personality" was re-recorded for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, with an updated solo, as the original masters could not be used.

In October 2006, "Love Rears Its Ugly Head" was ranked and voted 303 out of the 2006 songs featured in the Triple M Essential 2006 Countdown.

Rolling Stone have called the band "funk metal pioneers."[30]

In early 2009, WWE used "Cult of Personality" in the video promoting the induction of Stone Cold Steve Austin into its Hall of Fame. Outside of his use of it in professional wrestling.

In 2011, WWE wrestler CM Punk returned with Cult of Personality as his theme song for his highly anticipated Summer of Punk run. Punk had used this song before when he used to perform for Ring of Honor. Upon joining WWE, he did not try to get the song as his theme because he believed that WWE will not get a song licensed for a mid-card wrestler. He used the song for his AEW run as well between 2021 and 2023. CM Punk also entered to the song for his debut mixed martial arts bout at UFC 203 and subsequently at UFC 225 for his fight versus Mike Jackson.

Members

  • Vernon Reid – lead guitar, guitar synthesizer, programming, laptop, backing vocals (1984–1995, 2000–present); lead vocals (1984–1985)
  • Corey Glover – lead vocals, occasional rhythm guitar, tambourine (1985–1995, 2000–present)
  • Will Calhoun – drums, percussion, keyboards, samples, loops, programming, backing vocals (1986–1995, 2000–present)
  • Doug Wimbish – bass, drums, guitar, programming, backing vocals (1992–1995, 2000–present)
Former members

Timeline

<timeline> ImageSize = width:900 height:400 PlotArea = left:90 bottom:110 top:10 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1984 till:12/20/2025 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1984 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1984

Colors = 

id:lvocals      value:red         legend:Lead_vocals
id:bvocals      value:pink        legend:Backing_vocals
id:lguitar      value:teal        legend:Lead_guitar,_synthesizer,_laptop
id:rguitar      value:brightgreen legend:Additional_guitar
id:bass         value:blue        legend:Bass
id:drums        value:orange      legend:Drums
id:perc         value:Claret      legend:Percussion
id:keyboards    value:purple      legend:Keyboards
id:samples      value:lightpurple legend:Samples,_loops
id:programming  value:lavender    legend:Programming
id:album        value:black       legend:Studio_album
id:other        value:gray(0.70)  legend:Other_release

LineData = 

color:other     layer:back
at:01/01/1994
at:01/11/2005
at:02/05/2005
at:10/28/2008
at:03/10/2009
at:11/14/1995
at:01/27/1998
at:04/28/1998
at:04/05/2005
at:01/17/2006
at:06/16/1991
at:09/09/2016
color:album     layer:back
at:05/02/1988
at:08/28/1990
at:03/02/1993
at:10/07/2003
at:09/15/2009
at:09/08/2017

BarData = 

bar:D.K.      text:"D.K. Dyson"
bar:Mark      text:"Mark Ledford"
bar:Corey     text:"Corey Glover"
bar:Vernon    text:"Vernon Reid"
bar:Alex      text:"Alex Mosley"
bar:Jerome    text:"Jerome Harris"
bar:Carl      text:"Carl James
bar:Muzz      text:"Muzz Skillings"
bar:Doug      text:"Doug Wimbish"
bar:Geri      text:"Geri Allen"
bar:Greg      text:"Greg Carter"
bar:Pheeroan  text:"Pheeroan akLaff"
bar:J.T.      text:"J.T. Lewis"
bar:Will      text:"Will Calhoun"

PlotData = 

width:13
bar:D.K.     from:02/01/1985 till:04/01/1985 color:lvocals
bar:Mark     from:04/01/1985 till:08/01/1985 color:lvocals
bar:Corey    from:08/01/1985 till:01/01/1995 color:lvocals
bar:Corey    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:lvocals
bar:Corey    from:08/01/1985 till:01/01/1995 color:rguitar     width:7
bar:Corey    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:rguitar     width:7
bar:Corey    from:08/01/1985 till:01/01/1995 color:perc        width:3
bar:Corey    from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:perc        width:3
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/1984 till:01/01/1995 color:lguitar
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:lguitar
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/1984 till:02/01/1985 color:lvocals     width:3
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/1984 till:08/01/1985 color:rguitar     width:9
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/1984 till:01/01/1995 color:programming width:7
bar:Vernon   from:02/01/1985 till:01/01/1995 color:bvocals     width:3
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:programming width:7
bar:Vernon   from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bvocals     width:3
bar:Alex     from:01/01/1984 till:08/01/1984 color:bass
bar:Jerome   from:08/01/1984 till:04/01/1985 color:bass
bar:Carl     from:04/01/1985 till:01/01/1986 color:bass
bar:Muzz     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1992 color:bass
bar:Muzz     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1992 color:bvocals     width:3
bar:Doug     from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:bass
bar:Doug     from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:drums       width:9
bar:Doug     from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:rguitar     width:7
bar:Doug     from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:programming width:5
bar:Doug     from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1995 color:bvocals     width:3
bar:Doug     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bass
bar:Doug     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:drums       width:9
bar:Doug     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:rguitar     width:7
bar:Doug     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:programming width:5
bar:Doug     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bvocals     width:3
bar:Geri     from:01/01/1984 till:01/01/1986 color:keyboards
bar:Greg     from:01/01/1984 till:08/01/1984 color:drums
bar:Pheeroan from:08/01/1984 till:04/01/1985 color:drums
bar:J.T.     from:04/01/1985 till:01/01/1986 color:drums
bar:Will     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1995 color:drums
bar:Will     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1995 color:perc        width:11
bar:Will     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1995 color:keyboards   width:9
bar:Will     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1995 color:samples     width:7
bar:Will     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1995 color:programming width:5
bar:Will     from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1995 color:bvocals     width:3
bar:Will     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:drums
bar:Will     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:perc        width:11
bar:Will     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:keyboards   width:9
bar:Will     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:samples     width:7
bar:Will     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:programming width:5
bar:Will     from:01/01/2000 till:end        color:bvocals     width:3

</timeline>

Discography

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Awards

MTV Video Music Awards

Grammy Awards

Decibel Hall of Fame

References

Template:Reflist

External links

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Template:Living Colour Template:MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist

Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ These sources refer to Living Colour as a rock band:
    • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
    • Template:Cite magazine
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  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Panebianco, Julie. "Living Colour Rock The Ritz." East Village Eye, December 1986, p 6.
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Living Colour Back With Fifth Studio Album Template:Webarchive Billboard.com. Retrieved on July 8, 2009.
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Fricke, David (November 13, 2003). Living Colour: Collideoscope : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 12, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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