As a white mid-40s Australian, I can say this song blew my mind back in the 90s, and the older I get, the more relevant it seems. Great music, timeless lyrics. Still one of my favorites. Banger!
I’m around your age too man. When this came out it hit me hard. My greatest memory of this song is when my father drove me to the record store to pick this up. I got the cassette. On the way home I popped it in. My fathers mind was blown too. He was a rock lover and the joy in the car that day in the car is seared in my brain. Lost my father few months ago and so glad I have this memory, among so many more.
The Roots is an “acoustic” Hip Hop Group from Philly, heralded as one of the best of all time. They’re also the house band for Jimmy Fallon’s late night show. Are you talking about THAT The Roots?
Judi Dipillo They’ve been making albums for the better part of three decades now, not constantly but steadily. Their 2002 album kaleidoscope is well worth listening to.
This band and this song was, is, and forever will be ahead of their time. The lyrics to this song are beyond truth. Vernon Reid doesn't just play a guitar, he makes it scream. You have to see them live in order to fully appreciate them.
My 36 y.o. white mind is blown and I have no idea why I never looked into who performed this song. Just amazing..."smiling face on your TV" etc eye opener fr
I am a white boy from Boston, Massachusetts. Living Colour taught me that a person can never judge a book by it’s cover. I heard Living Colour for the first time on late night tv. I first thought they were a Reggae group or a Reggae Rap group? My mouth dropped when the guitarist hit his first chord. I rushed out and bought their album. Great Heavy Metal group! Jimmy Hendrix would be proud. GOD Bless!
straight out of rockport up there in cape ann white central, this band blew my mind but i was already onto steel pulse and such. didn’t know this was not a reggae band until i pushed play hahaha
Amen to that! I saw them on their Vivid 25th Anny tour at a small club and I dare say they sounded just as good or even better than the late 80s. Absolutely incredible band
"Cult of Personality" is smartly written, excellently performed, and just as relevant today as it was then. Living Colour should be in the HOF on the merits of this song alone.
This may be my best reaction EVER. Your expressions were PRICELESS! I literally laughed out loud. Just goes to show great rock can be produced by any race (Chambers Bros, Living Color) , gender (Heart) nationality or age. Welcome to the family!
I am a 52-year-old black man and I have been a Huge Living Colour fan since the late '80s. But it has always baffled me as to why they don't have a HUGE black fan base. This band is 110% Pro-Black and all of their lyrics speak directly to POC. I'm so glad that you had such a Positive reaction to the song and the band and yes definitely dive deeper into their catalog and the song you should react to next is "Open Letter to A Landlord" it's about gentrification.
im a 60 year old white boy that loves this album, open letter is just so right in your face but not in a hard way my friends look at me like what the hell. and most of them have never heard of Living Colour
you: " It has always baffled me as to why they don't have a HUGE black fan base" me: "It has always baffled me as to why they don't have a massive fan base"
Don't forget these lyrics: _We are the children of concrete and steel_ _This is the place where the truth is concealed_ _This is the time when the lie is revealed_ _Everything is possible, but nothing is real._
Yep. Free Brittany. Don’t kill Brittany. Can’t just one be allowed ? She done her time. While not guilty. Like MLK. Did not do any drugs but what she was made to.
@Nick Johnsen anybody blaming racism adds to it. That’s all to get votes. There is no racism. All that is is economic Do not fight racism. Ignore it and be kind to others. If they’re unkind because they think you’re racist with no evidence of it. They themselves are racist. If they’re unkind cuz you have more opportunity they don’t realize a lot of misery goes with all the so called “rights” and the so called income. All of it is made up. Has been. To get votes.
Since when is selling millions, being on TV all the time, winning Grammys and opening for the Stones (amd selling out their own shows) UNDERAPPRECIATED? WHAT?!
One of my favorite heavy rock bands of all time… my Son’s band & I (I played bass & booked him) opened for Corey Glover on two of his solo tour stops in Texas… he’s an outstanding human… he talked to my Son one on one about how impressed he was with his voice, songwriting & stage presence… Love Corey…❤️
Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. The band currently consists of guitarist Vernon Reid, lead vocalist Corey Glover, drummer Will Calhoun and bassist Doug Wimbish (who replaced Muzz Skillings in 1992). Stylistically, their music is a creative fusion 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 so far. The band rose to fame with their debut album Vivid in 1988. Although they scored a number of hits, Living Colour is best known for their signature anthem "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990. They were also 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, Living Colour reunited in late 2000, and has released three more studio albums since then: Collideøscope (2003), The Chair in the Doorway (2009) and Shade (2017). The band has been in the process of working on new material for the follow-up to Shade.
This is one of those songs that blew us rockers away. We did not care what color they were. We just wanted the album. Great is great no matter what the color of the skin is.
Seriously, man. I was so lucky to see them at The Boathouse in Norfolk, VA after Vivid released....and they freaking SHREDDED. Everyone left that show tired, with a smile.
@@shawnh8498 So true man! So frikking true!! I remember when this song came out, my mom would yell at me to turn it down. lol. And today, no speaker can get loud enough to match the intensity of the music flowing from it.
This is a lyrical masterpiece. The riff, guitar work, drums, this is also masterful instrumentals. When future civilizations dig us up 5000 years from now I hope they find this song and see we get it. We just couldn't stop it.
That song is so well thought out. From the deep lyrics to Vernon's chaotic solo that symbolizes the turmoil in cults. I was a freshman in high school when this came out and I immediately bought the album at the mall.
These guys are incredible! This song is on my playlist of music for when I need energy to get work done; it's an adrenaline rush. So glad you enjoy it too. But it's not so much a "head bobbin'" song as it is a "head bangin'" song - MTV Headbanger's Ball 1989!
Somebody should buy the rights to Headbanger's Ball and broadcast it like in the day. We know MTV doesn't play music anymore but that show was priceless and IT'S TIME !!!
the cult of personality is cancel culture b4 it was a thing. i'm brown, i dont look it. no one makes me feel like just another frivolous white guy more than blacks do. i refuse to say african american. elon musk is an african american. many indigenous ppl are not african. say what u mean. mean what u say
@@tonyb7615 agreed. I am as white as a ghost, and you will _never_ catch me saying "African American" or "person of color" Here's an insider tip: when you see a white person use either of those terms, theres a 95% chance they view black people as lesser
@@tonyb7615 I think part of using those terms help people pretend that they understand them better. Like nah, y'all don't understand shit. And that should get people to shut up and listen. But I think people use names to try to feel like they understand something better. It's all pretend. We gotta listen to each other, then we'll understand. This is why I, as a white man, don't try to speak up for black people. Like nah, I'll let them speak for themselves
It was all these things in their time (~1989), in this time (2020), in the '60s which it directly references, and possibly throughout all human history. That's one of the things that makes this song so great.
Amazingly (and sadly) still as relevant today as it was 30+ years ago. Still a kick-ass song though which has barely dated sound-wise. Always thought these guys should have been bigger than they were.
I love this song so much. I listen to it almost every day. This song was the first song that made me really listen to lyrics and, even at an early age, it moved something inside of me for the first time. And the bike shorts are a core memory
@@joelhusbands3838 'Cult of Personality' gave the band huge exposure and tons of airplay but the rest of their songs were mediocre to garbage. If they would have had SOMETHING to back up that song they would have been bigger but they didn't. That's great if you like them, don't be ashamed, but don't fool yourself into thinking they were overlooked or not given a chance. In the grand scheme of things they were a sub par band.
One of the best shows i've ever seen. they played at the Fineline in Minneapolis some years ago. Played for almost two hours. I got to shake hands with the band and tell them how much they've meant to me for years. Definitely a highlight of my life. Waaaay... underrated band.
I remember when I was a kid in '88, I ran out and bought the tape of the album, and literally played it until the tape broke. Such awesome lyrics, and Vernon Reid is a phenomenal guitarist.
what we needed, and didn't get, or perhaps won't get, would be both bands together as one. Imagine the singer trading verses with any one of the Beasties? Yowza
I think maybe the TV show confused people, but I remember listening to them on KROQ and KLOS in L.A. back in the mid to late '80s. They crossed over pretty well Metal with New Wave.
Bought the cassette in 1988, wore the damn thing out. This song still gives me chills as they just lay the hammer down. And the messages in the lyrics. Damn!
I never got in to their other songs / but I remember when this song was Ruling the air on MTV AND RADIO STATIONS. /// LIVING COLOR really smashed this song in to the Heavens /// More than just a Bad Ass Rock Song /// it holds a message if you listen. 😎
My dad and I were driving somewhere and this came on the local rock station. We immediately drove to the record store and bought the album. Hard to believe that was like 30 years ago.
@@Null_Glow I am a trump supporter, but you raise a really interesting point. I think it is safe to say that Trump is a cult of personality. It makes me realize that is this tension often comes from things far beyond normal issues like policy and ostensible goals and platforms of parties. Trump or no Trump, I hope we get past this tough spell.
@Coach Craig cannot agree. Their songs didn't get lots of airplay because they changed the sound of their albums and radio stations didn't know what to do, but that doesn't mean they didn't write a lot of great songs.
This track blew my mind. I remember watching it debut on MTV (when they played music) and we just sat there not knowing what to say because we were all just dumbfounded. I idolized Vernon Reid. The whole back l band is mind blowing.
The entire band is extremely talented! The singer! The drummer! The bassist! Mr. Vernon Reid DESTROYING that guitar!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 The little girl throughout the video IS KEY! You see her watching TV, as the band plays the song, she becomes mesmerized, completely engrossed. Just as the song comes to a close, she leans forward to shut off the TV. This song is an indictment of the industrial complex that is the mainstream media.....ALL platforms of media. It is the 'Cult of Personality' that you can not take at face value. This song is around 30 years old... Relevant then...even more so now. ✌️✌️
So, as a white kid from the midwest, it was a cultural awakening seeing these guys and Suicidal Tendencies (two ethnically diverse bands) rocking out to music and lyrics we could relate to. Definitely one of those moments where you're thinking "We're all the same" when American popular culture sent a different message. These lyrics were so on point then...and now. Plus, monster playing from Vernon (guitar) and Muzz (bass). Thank you guys for putting this out at a time when everyone was telling us we were so different...when we are all the same.
These guys never got the media exposure they deserved, but they are still doing it. They had the best Chris Cornell tribute when he passed away. Master musicians.
Dude as usual your reaction is priceless! I remember when this came out and it blew me away. As a Southern boy with blues rock roots this was eye opening to say the least! Awesome!!!! Too bad there are not more! Keep up the great work brother!!!!!
First heard this song when CM Punk (Phil Brooks) used it for his entrance to the ring. He couldn't have chose a better song. This song and the band is badass for their time and this time as well. They did a live version years ago on The Arsenio Hall Show (you can find it on RUclips) and the guy on the guitar is just ripping it. Freakin awesome skills. CM Punk is back and he's putting this song back on the map again.
Saw them in concert back in the 80's..... Almost everyone in the crowd was white but it didn't matter..... We were there to rock with these brothers and man can they rock!!! Awesome show!
I was a pasty white teenage girl from Scotland and I remember listening to this and having chills when I first heard it. Corey was so....magnetic. This video is giving me flashbacks. What a great song!
dude, it's so great seeing your overjoyed surprise when the tune started up. this crew is such an amazing powerhouse. like, every dude in there is bringing immense talent - and their songs are bodacious. group is just cold. i hope you check out more from this record and "time's up" too. that record's nuts.
i know this is an old video and you prob dont read the comments.. but as a metalhead when these guys came out... no one was thinking "oh they are pretty good for black guys" they didnt give 2 fcks what shade they came in... these guys were METAL. period! CHROME was the color we saw.... and they earned every bit of respect they get. amazing band from an amazing period in music history. sorely missed in 2023.
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Vernon Reid is such an insane guitarist. Living Color was so underappreciated in their time.
In their time? Excuse me but they are still crankin’ it..
Gran Banda!
I think I was like 9 when this song came out. It was right around when I was getting into Jimi Hendrix too. I wore the casette tape out.
oh yes!
Reid can still lay it down
This song was kick ass in the 80s and it's still kick ass today. These guys were severely underrated.
You are correct 💯
Mostly 90's, although it came out towards the end of the 80's. It didn't gain traction immediately.
Amen to that!!!!
Still kicking it today. Got to hear them live in my home town a couple of years ago. They rocked the roof off!
The Mouse that Roared AMEN!!! These guys were amazing, and this song IS STILL FIRE in 2020!!!!!
"Only you can set you free" people really need to hear their words.
Great line, just made more powerful by the song
@@colinthorn514 It's never been more relevant...
When a leader speaks, that leader dies
“I exploit you still you love me”
And
“You gave me fortune you gave me fame YOU GAVE ME POWER IN YOUR GOD’S NAME”
They’re trying to tell us
It's the most important set of lyrics in the entire song, by a mile, and the lyrics were already outstanding.
This is one of the greatest rock songs ever written. It’s absolutely timeless.
Rumour has it, that guitar is still trying to recover from that solo.
Like Vernon on the guitar, your comment is underrated.
Lol, one of the best compliments Ive ever heard given to a guitarist.
He is still traumatizing guitars to this day. Saw him play live 2 years ago. Wow!
that guitar was wishing it was dead..lol "kill me! kill me now instead!"
ROTFLMAO
Rock n’ Roll doesn’t have a race. It’s just good music
Amen...
Indeed
man people need to stop focusing on a person's color and just enjoy the music
Not all of it.
Haha, loved the song for decades, but this is the first time I realized the whole band was black.
As a white mid-40s Australian, I can say this song blew my mind back in the 90s, and the older I get, the more relevant it seems. Great music, timeless lyrics. Still one of my favorites. Banger!
I’m around your age too man. When this came out it hit me hard. My greatest memory of this song is when my father drove me to the record store to pick this up. I got the cassette. On the way home I popped it in. My fathers mind was blown too. He was a rock lover and the joy in the car that day in the car is seared in my brain. Lost my father few months ago and so glad I have this memory, among so many more.
Arguably one of the best guitar solos in all of rock music.
I'd say goofy goober trump's it
It's funk metal, and there's more
It really is the only other one I can think of is Free Bird
The solo, is even more incredible live...... I've witnessed it.....
@@JohnRock.357with a touch of fusion....
Living Colour was a band ahead of it's time. they broke the sterotype.
Also Sound Barrier from LA.. another great band that somehow fell under the radar..
If I recall, correctly, there was also a (black) rock band, back then, called "The Roots", that sounded really good too
The Roots is an “acoustic” Hip Hop Group from Philly, heralded as one of the best of all time. They’re also the house band for Jimmy Fallon’s late night show. Are you talking about THAT The Roots?
@@PRATERVXEX oooh now that's a cool band. Don't think many people here in the UK know about them. Alot of their stuff is region blocked here on YT.
Bad Brains.
Vernon Reid is a MONSTER with a guitar.
Marc _from_Seaside,CA untouchable.
Their drummer is a beast. He outshined about 20 other bands during a ship rocked trip I was on years ago. Completely stomped everyone
Judi Dipillo
They’ve been making albums for the better part of three decades now, not constantly but steadily. Their 2002 album kaleidoscope is well worth listening to.
Listen to Elvis is Dead, 2 step 2.0
Marc _from_Seaside,CA Undrerated
This band and this song was, is, and forever will be ahead of their time. The lyrics to this song are beyond truth. Vernon Reid doesn't just play a guitar, he makes it scream. You have to see them live in order to fully appreciate them.
we saw them in a small night club in San Francisco called the I-Beam. The crowd there didn't really appreciate hard rock though.
When this band first broke onto the scene they were groundbreaking. Still relevant today and so under appropriated.
Seeing someone's facial journey when they discover a song from my childhood is one of the purest things in the world.
For real. Can't help but smile. Spread the word.
It’s like watching your baby takes it’s first steps, right?! 🥰🥰🥰
Oh yes. I love how what I loved in my teens and early 20's still garners the same reaction in the next generation.
OMG! You read my mind, love it
He was like 😳! 😅😅😅
As a black man I heard this song when it first came out and it blew my mind. I can't believe that thanks to Jamel it just blew my mind again.
They won two Grammy Awards..... Black people created Rock & Roll..
My 36 y.o. white mind is blown and I have no idea why I never looked into who performed this song. Just amazing..."smiling face on your TV" etc eye opener fr
same
As a 12 year old white kid, this blew my mind when it first came out too. People breaking down barriers with music, is a beautiful thing.
@miya butthurt like the Yesterday movie lol
I am a white boy from Boston, Massachusetts. Living Colour taught me that a person can never judge a book by it’s cover. I heard Living Colour for the first time on late night tv. I first thought they were a Reggae group or a Reggae Rap group? My mouth dropped when the guitarist hit his first chord. I rushed out and bought their album. Great Heavy Metal group! Jimmy Hendrix would be proud. GOD Bless!
straight out of rockport up there in cape ann white central, this band blew my mind but i was already onto steel pulse and such. didn’t know this was not a reggae band until i pushed play hahaha
I just watched a live performance they did in September 2022. They have not lost anything. Corey still sounded great. Really underappreciated band.
Amen to that! I saw them on their Vivid 25th Anny tour at a small club and I dare say they sounded just as good or even better than the late 80s. Absolutely incredible band
30 years later this joint still give me chills
Same here!!!! This song is absolutely EPIC - pure genius!!!
Right!? Part of what makes this song timeless is how relevant it will always be...
I have NEVER met a person that doesn't like this song.
Me either.
And if you ever do......please run away from that person fast!!!!
As you never should.
it certainly kick-ass.
I met one person who didn't like that song. That's the last time i saw that guy
"I'll tell you one and one makes three" These guys were rock prophets. Insane guitarwork. Loved it in '88 and '22
A lot of profound lyrics in this song, as well as exceptional performances from everyone. One of the greatest hits from the 80's.
Vernon Reid is the lead guitarist, He's incredibly talented and underrated.
Burnin' Veron - he's great!
And his one-of-a-kind 48th. Street NY ESP always got my attention too.
I heard that his guitar solo in this song is even better on one of the Guitar Heroes it was featured on.
Anytime someone brings up Tosin Abasi, I bring up Vernon Reid. Tosin's talented, but people need to put that respeck on Vernon's name.
@@cmdrpranqster5099 the reissue felt soo fucking great and and sounded full and aggressive
"Cult of Personality" is smartly written, excellently performed, and just as relevant today as it was then. Living Colour should be in the HOF on the merits of this song alone.
RA Williams agreed!
YES! And the same could be said of the ENTIRE "Time's Up" album. I listen to it today with the same level of awe as I did in the 90's. Love this band.
Yes, absolutely. This track is one of the ACTUALLY best rock recordings of all time
@@115640 I thought I was the only one! Cheers. 😉🔥🍷
Totally agree RA!!!!
Vernon Reid’s guitar solo makes me cry - it’s so inspired and emotional it’s as though he taps into the secret bloodstream of the f#^*ing universe.
This may be my best reaction EVER. Your expressions were PRICELESS! I literally laughed out loud.
Just goes to show great rock can be produced by any race (Chambers Bros, Living Color) , gender (Heart) nationality or age.
Welcome to the family!
I am a 52-year-old black man and I have been a Huge Living Colour fan since the late '80s. But it has always baffled me as to why they don't have a HUGE black fan base. This band is 110% Pro-Black and all of their lyrics speak directly to POC. I'm so glad that you had such a Positive reaction to the song and the band and yes definitely dive deeper into their catalog and the song you should react to next is "Open Letter to A Landlord" it's about gentrification.
im a 60 year old white boy that loves this album, open letter is just so right in your face but not in a hard way my friends look at me like what the hell. and most of them have never heard of Living Colour
I am a 53 yr old white Tattooed mutt who FUCKING LOVE these guys.👍🤟🤟🤟🥃🥃🥃😎
They should have a strong base in every race and culture. They're that good.
Fuck.Color. They rock their asses off!!!! I'm a huge fan!
you: " It has always baffled me as to why they don't have a HUGE black fan base"
me: "It has always baffled me as to why they don't have a massive fan base"
the message of the song is probably more relevant today than it's ever been
Could insert FAUCI for any of those names.
Don't forget these lyrics:
_We are the children of concrete and steel_
_This is the place where the truth is concealed_
_This is the time when the lie is revealed_
_Everything is possible, but nothing is real._
💯 percent
Yep. Free Brittany. Don’t kill Brittany. Can’t just one be allowed ? She done her time. While not guilty. Like MLK. Did not do any drugs but what she was made to.
@Nick Johnsen anybody blaming racism adds to it. That’s all to get votes. There is no racism. All that is is economic Do not fight racism. Ignore it and be kind to others. If they’re unkind because they think you’re racist with no evidence of it. They themselves are racist. If they’re unkind cuz you have more opportunity they don’t realize a lot of misery goes with all the so called “rights” and the so called income. All of it is made up. Has been. To get votes.
This is definitely one of the most killer riffs in rock history
"Where the hell I been!?"- I love Jamel's honesty & enthusiasm! Also, I feel old, as I remember the single and video coming out at the time...:-)
This song won a Grammy the year it came out.
Back when a grammny still meant something
It actually took the Grammy win in 1990, 2 years after they released the song.
They won two Grammys
@@edhardwick2538 💯💯💯💯
deservedly so which is rare for the Grammy's
Living Color was extremely under-appreciated during their time, even with this hit song. And Vernon Reid was an absolute monster on the lead guitar.
No they weren't.
All time is Living Colour time. They reformed years ago. Newer stuff stomps too
Dude straight up monster.
Since when is selling millions, being on TV all the time, winning Grammys and opening for the Stones (amd selling out their own shows) UNDERAPPRECIATED? WHAT?!
@@fuggetaboutit70 dig. 🙃
This band is still crushing it on the festival circuit 37 years later. Rock on brother.
One of my favorite heavy rock bands of all time… my Son’s band & I (I played bass & booked him) opened for Corey Glover on two of his solo tour stops in Texas… he’s an outstanding human… he talked to my Son one on one about how impressed he was with his voice, songwriting & stage presence… Love Corey…❤️
Man, the lyrics of this song are accurate in every age of politics, and it's just as relevant in 2020 as it was when it came out.
More so....
This is because history repeats itself perpetually until the cycle is broken, and we haven't broken that cycle yet unfortunately.
The cult of Trumpinality!
Came out in 1988. I first heard this song when I was 5. Rocking to it ever since.
@@Geohovahs_Hand so true unfortunately. Trying to start ww3 doesn't care about the terrible consequences at all
Vernon Reid is one of THE sickest guitarists that ever lived. He can do it ALL. One of the most underappreciated talents that music has ever seen.
damn straight.
I caught this a few months back.. Pretty good interview with Vernon Reid
ruclips.net/video/86-XStrP_0w/видео.html
Agreed
💯
damn i heard norwood fisher of fishbone praise him many times ;)
That solo always gives me chills. Just the way he hits those notes sends shivers down my spine.
Check out Vernon's Jazz stuff...so good !!!! With Ronald Shannon Jackson long before Living Colour !!!
Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. The band currently consists of guitarist Vernon Reid, lead vocalist Corey Glover, drummer Will Calhoun and bassist Doug Wimbish (who replaced Muzz Skillings in 1992). Stylistically, their music is a creative fusion 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 so far. The band rose to fame with their debut album Vivid in 1988. Although they scored a number of hits, Living Colour is best known for their signature anthem "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990. They were also 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, Living Colour reunited in late 2000, and has released three more studio albums since then: Collideøscope (2003), The Chair in the Doorway (2009) and Shade (2017). The band has been in the process of working on new material for the follow-up to Shade.
They weren’t just a “black metal band” dude was one of THE BEST GUITARISTS OF THAT DECADE
Metal? Bad Brains is a black metal band. These guys were pop. Good pop but pop nonetheless.
Will Calhoun was in the very top tier of pro drummers too. Bad ass.
Pop? They’re a rock/metal band.
He's amazing to this day. He's a jazz monster; so's Will Calhoun.
Living Color is not pop. Main stream yes but not pop
This is one of those songs that blew us rockers away. We did not care what color they were. We just wanted the album. Great is great no matter what the color of the skin is.
Seriously, man. I was so lucky to see them at The Boathouse in Norfolk, VA after Vivid released....and they freaking SHREDDED. Everyone left that show tired, with a smile.
and you can't seem to have enough volume at home ever to feel it enough since it's so sweet the sounds they make and the message is deep and honest.
@@shawnh8498 So true man! So frikking true!! I remember when this song came out, my mom would yell at me to turn it down. lol. And today, no speaker can get loud enough to match the intensity of the music flowing from it.
Us rockers love rock and we don't care who plays is as long as it is KICK ASS like this one!!
That's the truth. Music does not know colour, it just knows sound. Kind of like the soul.
This is a lyrical masterpiece. The riff, guitar work, drums, this is also masterful instrumentals. When future civilizations dig us up 5000 years from now I hope they find this song and see we get it. We just couldn't stop it.
That song is so well thought out. From the deep lyrics to Vernon's chaotic solo that symbolizes the turmoil in cults. I was a freshman in high school when this came out and I immediately bought the album at the mall.
When you said "Never heard of them before". My thought was, he is in for one, hella, surprise. Living Colour is one kick ass band.
I had actually heard the song before but never knew who they were.. Good suprise for me also..
@Jacques Malan OR Guitar Hero 3 lol
For sure. And nobody else has ever make wrestling uniforms look good!
My thoughts exactly!
Vernon Reid=one of the most UNDERRATED guitarists, EVER!!!!!
Oh yeah
How on Earth have I never heard of this person? How does this exist, he's amazing!
Ever!!
Preach!!
He has a few lessons on RUclips!!! Nothing like learning from the master
This is a VERY powerful song. One of my favorites.
These guys are incredible! This song is on my playlist of music for when I need energy to get work done; it's an adrenaline rush. So glad you enjoy it too. But it's not so much a "head bobbin'" song as it is a "head bangin'" song - MTV Headbanger's Ball 1989!
Somebody should buy the rights to Headbanger's Ball and broadcast it like in the day. We know MTV doesn't play music anymore but that show was priceless and IT'S TIME !!!
This song crushes barriers. It's so deep. People need to hear this more today than ever. They are falling for the Cult of Personality.
the cult of personality is cancel culture b4 it was a thing. i'm brown, i dont look it. no one makes me feel like just another frivolous white guy more than blacks do. i refuse to say african american. elon musk is an african american. many indigenous ppl are not african. say what u mean. mean what u say
@@tonyb7615 agreed. I am as white as a ghost, and you will _never_ catch me saying "African American" or "person of color"
Here's an insider tip: when you see a white person use either of those terms, theres a 95% chance they view black people as lesser
@@tonyb7615 I think part of using those terms help people pretend that they understand them better. Like nah, y'all don't understand shit. And that should get people to shut up and listen. But I think people use names to try to feel like they understand something better. It's all pretend. We gotta listen to each other, then we'll understand. This is why I, as a white man, don't try to speak up for black people. Like nah, I'll let them speak for themselves
When they tell us men can get pregnant and people don't stand up and call BS, yeah this song is more relevent today then when it was released.
'Type' is as relevant or more so!
Man, this song was light years ahead of its time. This was a history lesson, a warning, and an awesome band throwing it all out on the table.
It was all these things in their time (~1989), in this time (2020), in the '60s which it directly references, and possibly throughout all human history. That's one of the things that makes this song so great.
Well said, both of you. This music is just ... bad ass, pure and simple.
Kinda a pre Rage Against the Machine
So true!!!
Amazingly (and sadly) still as relevant today as it was 30+ years ago. Still a kick-ass song though which has barely dated sound-wise. Always thought these guys should have been bigger than they were.
I love this song so much. I listen to it almost every day. This song was the first song that made me really listen to lyrics and, even at an early age, it moved something inside of me for the first time. And the bike shorts are a core memory
Living Colour was one of the best bands of their time...great vocals and deep lyrics with great guitar riffs.
Living Colour is one of the most technically gifted and soulful bands I've ever heard play .
And they were/are EVEN BETTER LIVE. Mind-bending.
Bill Hicks!!🏆
Vernon Reid STILL shreds.
These guys are highly underrated and quite often completely overlooked.
This album has such effortless change in styles, no matter how drastic
Paulo Nutini was obviously a fan with Iron Sky
Not really overlooked. They were a one hit wonder!
@@zimfan101 that sir is incorrect
@@joelhusbands3838 'Cult of Personality' gave the band huge exposure and tons of airplay but the rest of their songs were mediocre to garbage. If they would have had SOMETHING to back up that song they would have been bigger but they didn't. That's great if you like them, don't be ashamed, but don't fool yourself into thinking they were overlooked or not given a chance. In the grand scheme of things they were a sub par band.
One of the best shows i've ever seen. they played at the Fineline in Minneapolis some years ago. Played for almost two hours. I got to shake hands with the band and tell them how much they've meant to me for years. Definitely a highlight of my life. Waaaay... underrated band.
Saw them open for The Rolling Stones at Shea Stadium in 1989, and could not get enough of them. What a great live band.
It's damn near criminal that Vernon Reed isn't more of a household name. Great guitarist.
Reid, He was (is ) a bad bad man
Back when this hit it was all over radio, and MTV, Reid had his place in all the guitar mags at the time. American culture just moves fast.
30 years later I still have the lyrics memorized. They are highly overlooked.
not by you they're not
You finally here and hope I don't see everything that you what
Not overlooked .
How, How, How does Living Colour NOT have a dozen hits? Huge sound. Great lead singer. One of rock's mysteries.
I remember when I was a kid in '88, I ran out and bought the tape of the album, and literally played it until the tape broke. Such awesome lyrics, and Vernon Reid is a phenomenal guitarist.
We had Living Colour rocking us out... And we had the Beastie Boys rapping... It was a different and glorious time...
INDEED
It was a glorious time to be alive.
and Abe Vigoda
what we needed, and didn't get, or perhaps won't get, would be both bands together as one. Imagine the singer trading verses with any one of the Beasties? Yowza
YES!!
this band never got the credit they deserved
Cathy Rayano 🙌🏼🙌🏼Amen to that 💯💯💯
Truth!
they were in the wrong era
I think maybe the TV show confused people, but I remember listening to them on KROQ and KLOS in L.A. back in the mid to late '80s. They crossed over pretty well Metal with New Wave.
nor Fishbone.
Bought the cassette in 1988, wore the damn thing out. This song still gives me chills as they just lay the hammer down. And the messages in the lyrics. Damn!
I never got in to their other songs / but I remember when this song was Ruling the air on MTV AND RADIO STATIONS. /// LIVING COLOR really smashed this song in to the Heavens ///
More than just a Bad Ass Rock Song /// it holds a message if you listen.
😎
This song is more relevant than ever.... And Vernon Reid ain't nothin to f*** with.
no its not
For real, Trump's cult of personality is no joke right now
Truth.
yup disturbed open your eyes as well 100 percent accurate of modern western culture
Totally agree! Another great guitarist from back then is Rocky George from Suicidal Tendencies
This song will most likely be relevant forever
Agreed 💯
I was just thinking the same . Damn. Thing!
Ernie the Quiet Doom unfortunately.
Lets hope not :(
Hon, you got that right. Unfortunately, no time more so than the present.
This album’s tour was my first concert (I’m old). Such a good band.
I saw them live opening for the Rolling Stones in 1989, my first concert ever and one of the best times I've had at one!
One of the greatest hard rock songs ever. Period.
When I saw the intro and you said you’ve never heard of Living Colour, the first thing I thought is “his head’s about to explode”. 😃
Exactly what I thought lol
30 years later and these guy's still rock!
My dad and I were driving somewhere and this came on the local rock station. We immediately drove to the record store and bought the album. Hard to believe that was like 30 years ago.
the accuracy of this song is staggering in todays light
Look into the lyrics. This song is just as relevant today as then.
Exactly. Maybe even more so now.
Strongly agree.
Good thing Trump is here to help us fix that!
@@johnq4535 While I am loath to get into an argument on RUclips, I doubt Trump will fix it since he is the problem himself
@@Null_Glow I am a trump supporter, but you raise a really interesting point. I think it is safe to say that Trump is a cult of personality. It makes me realize that is this tension often comes from things far beyond normal issues like policy and ostensible goals and platforms of parties. Trump or no Trump, I hope we get past this tough spell.
I've always said that this band was under appreciated. They are one of the better rock bands of their time.
I love this band, song and video I still remember when you can saw it anytime on MTV in the 90's. "Vivid" is a great album.
“Only you can set you free” - great line in that song. One of many...
"When a leader speaks, the reflection lies" is pretty great, too.
I think this song has a message in common with a lot of songs by crass, such as big a little a
Actually @jamel_aka_jamal you should check out crass especially the song big a little a
Totally underrated band. Lyrics and music are on point. A classic song echoes throughout time and this one stands true today
Last time I saw them, Glover remarked that they looked like the black Mumford and Sons
@Coach Craig cannot agree. Their songs didn't get lots of airplay because they changed the sound of their albums and radio stations didn't know what to do, but that doesn't mean they didn't write a lot of great songs.
This track blew my mind. I remember watching it debut on MTV (when they played music) and we just sat there not knowing what to say because we were all just dumbfounded. I idolized Vernon Reid. The whole back l band is mind blowing.
Such an underrated band! And that riff! It's like hold on tight and watch yer face before it gets ripped off.
What’s their rating?
That Song's message is so critical to understand even more today.
Exactly!💪🤜🤛
Rage Against The Machine is so relevant today it's crazy how history repeats itself.
BGB for real. I’d like to smack a few people across the face with it if I could, but alas 🤷🏻♀️
@Bernie Sanders represents the White Male Patriarchy yeah, RATM blows.
one of the most badass guitar solos ever, man.
It really was amazing.
There isn't anything on this Earth that makes me want to go skateboarding more than that solo
Im 40 years old from Argentina and listen to this band since Im a kid, thanks to my mom who loved them! top 3 favorite band ever
I was 10 years old when this song came out. It was in pretty heavy rotation on MTV for a while and still stands up as a fantastic song decades later.
Ugh, those vocals are so fucking clean! He’s got such a great voice.
MCRmyGeneral Seriously, an amazing voice. Recorded with such control.
this riff is one of the fuckin most monster EVER riffs ... and the guitar tone and ambience/reverb is KILLER!
the bass drives and holds this song together. I would say the bassist is overlooked here
The hair on the back of my neck stands up every time
@@letsgetlit2829 me too! EVERY time! ...and I've heard it THOUSANDS of times! 🥰
Ikr! They're so underrated!
And the vocals!
The entire band is extremely talented!
The singer!
The drummer!
The bassist!
Mr. Vernon Reid DESTROYING that guitar!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The little girl throughout the video IS KEY!
You see her watching TV, as the band plays the song, she becomes mesmerized, completely engrossed.
Just as the song comes to a close, she leans forward to shut off the TV.
This song is an indictment of the industrial complex that is the mainstream media.....ALL platforms of media.
It is the 'Cult of Personality' that you can not take at face value.
This song is around 30 years old...
Relevant then...even more so now.
✌️✌️
My dad use to listen to this when I was younger. The man has impeccable taste when it comes to music! And now I still listen to this still.
I was drunk for most of the 80's but I remember this!!!!
I'm 29 years sober folks. Life is SO good.
@MP 81,16,18 CATS Good for you! Life is mostly good.
@Hydin Biden Yup. That's me! ;)
Ain’t about you Wendy but congrats on your sobriety
@@nycbren64 It's always about me, Cody. Thanks.
@@wenbren stay cold centered Wendy. You rock team player
"I exploit you, still you love me" Truer today than ever before.
Absolutely.
Truth right there
No it's not truer today. It's just more apparent that it's happening to you specifically today. It's always been happening.
Sadly true
I couldn't agree more!!!
You are one of the few persons that i have seen that gets Vernons guitar solo and how awesome he is...! Respect brother 👍🏻
My brother is 9 years older than me, so i heard these guys when i was about 8 or 9. I've always loved this song!
One of the most underrated metal songs EVER. This has always been on the top of every rock mix I've ever made. It goes so hard every time I hear it...
This isn't metal
Lyrically I was always impressed that he throws the "good" cults in with the "bad": the pathology is the worship itself.
brovold72 Right. He mentions Kennedy. Idol worship is idol worship.
So, as a white kid from the midwest, it was a cultural awakening seeing these guys and Suicidal Tendencies (two ethnically diverse bands) rocking out to music and lyrics we could relate to. Definitely one of those moments where you're thinking "We're all the same" when American popular culture sent a different message. These lyrics were so on point then...and now. Plus, monster playing from Vernon (guitar) and Muzz (bass). Thank you guys for putting this out at a time when everyone was telling us we were so different...when we are all the same.
This band came out close to 45 years ago now. We need many more like them.
These guys never got the media exposure they deserved, but they are still doing it. They had the best Chris Cornell tribute when he passed away. Master musicians.
Got a link? I'd like to hear that.
We all know if they were white they'd have blown up like crazy!
@@johncrawford5225 facebook.com/coreyglovermusic/posts/our-tribute-to-chriscornell-soundgarden-blow-up-the-outside-world-may-19-perth-a/10154650965460678/
@@ambersmith3328 Total racist bull crap you're spewing. This band shot out of a cannon and toured with the Rolling Stones.
"When a mirror speaks, the reflection lies."
That lyric is extremely deep!
This song is so topical today it hurts. I hope people wake up and realize this IS STILL HAPPENING.
Dude as usual your reaction is priceless! I remember when this came out and it blew me away. As a Southern boy with blues rock roots this was eye opening to say the least! Awesome!!!! Too bad there are not more! Keep up the great work brother!!!!!
First heard this song when CM Punk (Phil Brooks) used it for his entrance to the ring. He couldn't have chose a better song. This song and the band is badass for their time and this time as well. They did a live version years ago on The Arsenio Hall Show (you can find it on RUclips) and the guy on the guitar is just ripping it. Freakin awesome skills. CM Punk is back and he's putting this song back on the map again.
Saw them in concert back in the 80's..... Almost everyone in the crowd was white but it didn't matter..... We were there to rock with these brothers and man can they rock!!! Awesome show!
I was a pasty white teenage girl from Scotland and I remember listening to this and having chills when I first heard it. Corey was so....magnetic. This video is giving me flashbacks. What a great song!
scotty aye : gaelic for a minute or 2... then i insult u. and i'm forgetting something.
Are You Still Pasty
@@shastealyomeal it's still fuckin cold so probably
@@shastealyomeal wtf😂
@@shastealyomeal lol
dude, it's so great seeing your overjoyed surprise when the tune started up. this crew is such an amazing powerhouse. like, every dude in there is bringing immense talent - and their songs are bodacious. group is just cold. i hope you check out more from this record and "time's up" too. that record's nuts.
i know this is an old video and you prob dont read the comments..
but as a metalhead when these guys came out...
no one was thinking "oh they are pretty good for black guys"
they didnt give 2 fcks what shade they came in...
these guys were METAL. period!
CHROME was the color we saw....
and they earned every bit of respect they get.
amazing band from an amazing period in music history.
sorely missed in 2023.