This song's not about the people in history, it's about the people that FOLLOWED these historical figures, for good or for ill. The Cult of people who follow personalities, great or small, with devotion unbecoming of independent human beings. I think their point is to trust less in famous leaders and more in your own sense of right and wrong.
Aren't they AMAZING, Van?! Living Colour doesn't get anywhere NEAR the recognition they deserve! Truly talented, with hard-hitting music & lyrics. This song is basically about spin doctors selling a "personality" to suit a political or social agenda; i. e., brain-washing. A few other songs you may want to react to:. "Sunshine Of Your Love", "I Want To Know", & "New Jack Theme". They're a terrific band, & I'm glad you're giving them the exposure they deserve. Thank you, Mr. Van!
great band, great sound, and their album wasn't bad, but really this was their only tune that had any commercial success. I found it a joke that VH-1 listed them in the top 50 greatest rock bands of all time.
I can tell you in my circles back in the day they got every bit of credit they deserved. This song in particular is very intelligently written, their music was great, and their live performances were energetic. Really legitimately awesome band, no gimmicks or filler.
this is a really important term in political science. I've actually used this song to teach it to undergrads before. i always loved that he included leaders who were both "good" and "bad' b/c they all still cults of personality.
Their use of lyrics to get the message of important points from history across was brilliant! Dictators and “Cult” leaders…don’t think for yourself, I’ll tell you what to think.
A "cult of personality" isn't necessarily a bad thing or a good thing. It's about how people will rally behind a charismatic person, for whatever reason.
Perfectly said @Andrew Mize. Sadly Hitler was famous for being charismatic and a powerful speaker and even though he was insane and did horrible things an entire country followed him. He almost took over the entire world and would have if he created the atomic bomb first. The only thing that saved us was the German scientists working on his bomb knew he was crazy and defected to America helping us create it first but as you said a cult of personality can be people following and rallying behind a great leader like MLK or JFK but also a bad leader like Hitler or Stalin. The band is also incredible! The vocals and guitar are next level! 🤘
It's about time you got to this one! I'm so happy for you! I remember seeing these guys open for the Rolling Stones years ago! I discovered them on MTV's 120 Minutes in the '80s. A cult of personality or cult of the leader,[1] arises when a country's regime uses the techniques of mass media, propaganda, the big lie, spectacle, the arts, patriotism, and government-organized demonstrations and rallies to create an idealized and heroic image of a leader, often through unquestioning flattery and praise. A cult of personality is similar to apotheosis, except that it is established by modern social engineering techniques, usually by the state or the party in one-party states and dominant-party states. It is often seen in totalitarian or authoritarian countries.
Oh man but I would absolutely love to see the rolling Stones my uncle has seen them many times just a couple of months ago and it Nashville one thing I wish I could do go to concerts!!!!
"Only YOU can set YOU free"...self reliance, going your own way, mistrust of what you "should" believe. Hands down the most WISE message I've ever heard in a song ❤️
Vernon Reid! Guitar hero! When they came out in '88 they were like nobody else! They hit SO HARD! Great song great players and still a relevant message-love your reaction!
It is criminal that this your first time hearing Cult of Personality...I was in 7th grade when this dropped. I am now 44. Van you have deprived of some excellent jams. You must check out NONPOINT, they have been out since 97'. Puerto Rican metal with bars! Song to start you with "MILESTONE"! Please do check them out. My favorite band!
Yeah, even Gandhi. One of the messages of the song is that even when the iconic leader is good, when the myth dwarfs the human, their influence can be perverted into evil.
The singer is also an actor. He was in the movie Platoon along with some other movies. They totally ROCK!!! Glad you finally got around to these guys. This song is still played on the radio today. ❤
This one not only rocks, it’s deep. The lyrics for me have evolved. When I was a teenager I thought I totally understood it. Now in my 40s I find it’s even deeper than that! Love it!!
The lead singer is wearing a yellow body glove wet suit usually used for boogie boarding /surfing.But also worn for comfort,fashion too.80’s/90’s fashion always worn with high tops and a leather jacket.
Vivid is one of the greatest albums of all time . These guys are superb musicians. Corey’s vocals , Vernon on guitar and Wil Calhoun drumming , all exceptional. Check out all the tracks on that album . Open letter to a landlord is epic .
Amazing fucking song. "Cult of Personality" is a term that refers to the near deification of political figures - i.e., leaders cultivate a false image of themselves to the point where their followers treat them like living gods. What's really striking here is the juxtaposition of "good" leaders like JFK and Gandhi with leaders that many would consider "evil" like Stalin and the fascist Mussolini. Really makes you think. Regardless of what you think about these leaders, they all share on thing in common - the cult-like following that achieved: JFK was the political equivalent of royalty; Stalin and Mussolini were totalitarian dictators; Gandhi was revered as a living saint... But even the best political figures have their darker sides - even MLK wasn't exempt. The upshot of the song is: "Think for yourself."
Exactly how I see it. They are given power and let loose by the people. They are given so much power, that followers put them on a pedestal, and the cult of personality is almost worshipped. To the point where the masses see them as a virtue and aspire to be like them, hence "I am everything you want to be". And that "reflection" can lie to and exploit you, and you will still love them.
Basically it's a song about being devoted, obsessed or loyal to a powerful person in leadership and being blind to the dangers that can cause and when people stand up to that ideal, they can be silenced because the person in power doesn't want everyone to think, speak live for themselves and know the truth.
They are still touring with 'burnin Vernon', one of the most criminally underrated guitarists. They are coming to Memphis in March, ya'll ❤❤❤ another leader- Lincoln.
All I'm gonna say, is as underrated as Living Colour is, you should check out the Bad Brains. They were a major influence on Living Coulour, a black punk rock/reggae band.
This song is just as lit as it was the first time I heard it in 88. I’ve listened to this song for over 30 yrs and it never disappoints. I’ll never change the station… I’ll always turn that shit up. I saw them live at Shea Stadium when they opened for The Rolling Stones (Steel Wheels Tour 89)
A cult of personality uses various techniques, including mass media, propaganda, the arts, patriotism, and government-organized demonstrations and rallies to create a heroic image or leader...Living Color was so amazing, a great breakthrough in rock...Such a great song...Thanks, Peace
♥ *It means; when a person/leader is placed in power of a country and is presented (or portrayed) as a Great Person to be admired. Not always true...but as I type this, I hear you speaking on it and answering your own request...and you nailed it. He gives you names in each of those lines, of those perceived; one good and one bad....I think he does this so you question yourself or your own belief and you are likely to make judgement on him as well.* ♥
I think he said "When a leader speaks, that leader lies". Vernon Greene is an awesome guitarist, and this song is about blindly following, like sheeple. "I'm every person you need to be, only you can set me free"... get it. Profound and thought provoking.
The term "Cult of Personality" was first coined in 1956 (I think) by Nikita Khrushchev. He was referring to the "cult" following of Stalin. Hope that helps!
OH MG you are so cool. WHU forever. Born there, lived there, my daughter was conceived and born within shouting distance of the Upton Park ground. Yes indoors! Cool dude. Watched you a lot but am now subscribed. Irons fans stick together!
Vernon Reid is the guitarist, dudes a beast!!!! They should of been bigger than they were. They did a great tribute when Chris Cornell passed. Corey Glover the singer couldn’t finish singing he broke down crying, but Reid had a crazy solo. Glover been in a few movies, Platoon & a few others
Rock music knows no colour. And anyway, I grew up with Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Ray Charles and Motown as a white kid in the 80s and 90s in Canada thanks to my Welsh mom, so none of this surprises me. I’m just glad a band like Living Colour (spelled the Canadian way) broke through and we got to appreciate their music. Everyone in the comments is going to mention CM Punk for good reason, but I knew of this song before. Vernon Reid is a ridiculously talented guitarist. The guy is up there with Prince for insane guitar solos. Hope you’re doing well and got your Christmas shopping done early. All the best.
You should give the whole album a listen. Its amazing. Such an under appreciated band. Its a shame they came into the scene late in the 80's just in time to be killed by the grunge craze.
On many many levels this band was/is groundbreaking. Insane Talent as players … check, Meaningful lyricism … check, Innovative fusion of musical styles … check Instantly recognizable … check Bad ass, knowing it, and taking no prisoners with their art … check One of THE best bands ever formed.
Cult of Personality is a phenomenon where a person's large personality becomes a cult following in of itself, not necessarily a love of but a cult of. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_personality
“Cuz with the nuthuggers singing about some serious stuff!” 😂😂😂 love this vid. Check out their song/video “Love Rears it’s Ugly Head.” It’s the funkiest shit you’ll hear all week!
JELL-O? No! What you meant to say is that he airbrushed his pants on. LOL, I don`t want to hear nobody talk about appropriation ever again. Thank you, Bill Burr, for pointing that out. God Bless the freest Nation in the world. America
They released this in 1988 and I was hooked. The wife and I saw them again a couple years ago and Corey Glover, the lead singer may have aged and doesn't have nearly the hair he had back then but he sure as heck still has that voice! And he's wearing a surfing suit made by Body Glove in the video. They were the 💩 in the 80's.
Fantastic musicianship. I’ve played guitar since before this song came out and Vernon Reid is a hero of mine even though it’s literally impossible to replicate his style. But Will and Muzz didn’t get the credit they deserve on these 80's tracks. They hold that shit down tight.
33 years later the lyrics still kick a$$ and take names. Still relevant to this day. I put this song on par with Revolution Calling by Queensryche ... interestingly enough ... both songs came out in 1988 ...
It is my humble but unchangeable opinion that in this song Vernon Reid performs the greatest guitar solo in rock and roll history. It's not the longest or fastest, but it hits the hardest. Also Van, that background music you played during your post-analysis was awesome.
My favorite band - my HEROES! As a young, black guitarist I was looking for ANYBODY that looked like ME, playing rock music!! Vernon Reid was and IS still everything to me This is their breakout hit, checkout THE REST of the music as well. Peace.
Always loved this song, firstly just for being such a kickass rock song. Secondly for the lyrics. It mentioned how History's best & worst leaders had devoted followers. Even Hitler & Stalin (& a few others I can think of) had their damned groupies.
Dude, I'm psyched you're covering this one! They're one of my favorite bands - they just knock the house over. And as far as I'm concerned, Vernon Reid should have his face on currency, with all he's contributed to the art of music.
When I opened a retail music (CDs) store in 1988, there were 3 albums that year that (I felt) changed the direction of popular music: Living Colour - Vivid, Guns N Roses - Appetite for Destruction, and Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien, and an honorable mention to Melissa Etheridge and her first album. All 4 are still great listens today. This one has one of my favorite lyrics: You gave me fortune You gave me fame You gave me power In your God’s name Great job with Cult of Personality, Van. Thank you. Enjoyed it! I have seen these guys open for The Rolling Stones and another time as headliners. Incredible band!
This whole album was AMAZING. They sang about some deep things and they were ON POINT with the voice and the guitar and drums. That guitar solo!!!! OMGOSH
Exactly! Cult of Personality can work either direction. The followers get caught up in the frenzy of the moment. Maybe they are faithful to their promises ... maybe they aren't. This is why its important to "look behind the curtain" to see who's really pulling the strings. You're right. It shouldn't be rocket science - but just watch politics. People root and cheer like it's their favorite sports team. They're not really paying attention to what really is (or isn't) going on. They're just jumping on the bandwagon they think they are in tune with.
Vernon Reid is a killer shredder and widely respected guitarist. A cult of personality, sometimes referred to as a personality cult, is defined as “exaggerated devotion to a charismatic political, religious, or other leader.” Authoritarian figures, such as Benito Mussolini of Italy and Vladimir Putin of Russia, are often associated with cults of personality, as are totalitarian regimes such as the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Germany under Adolf Hitler, and North Korea under Kim Jong-Un. Leaders of cults of personality often use imagery and the manipulation of mass media to form an exalted, even superhuman, version of their persona in the minds of their followers. Their followers accept the leader's persona and authority, which leads to their devotion to the leader and their mission to bring about an imagined future.
Yes! They were amazing and people were originally shocked in the rock world to see that the band was all black. I still love this song to this day! If you haven't listened to them yet, and still want to see bands with amazingly talented black front men, my personal suggestions (and favorites) are To The Fallen Hero by God Forbid, as well as Denial, Praise, or ( and this song actually brings tears to my eyes ) Angel's Son by Sevendust
![Megan Thee Stallion - Roc Steady (feat. Flo Milli) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HozPPyqW0dY/mqdefault.jpg)
This song's not about the people in history, it's about the people that FOLLOWED these historical figures, for good or for ill. The Cult of people who follow personalities, great or small, with devotion unbecoming of independent human beings. I think their point is to trust less in famous leaders and more in your own sense of right and wrong.
"Only you can set you free"
Well said
Nailed it!
I ain’t following no Biden dems. Actually I don’t follow anyone
100%
Don't blindly follow any leader.
Aren't they AMAZING, Van?! Living Colour doesn't get anywhere NEAR the recognition they deserve! Truly talented, with hard-hitting music & lyrics. This song is basically about spin doctors selling a "personality" to suit a political or social agenda; i. e., brain-washing. A few other songs you may want to react to:. "Sunshine Of Your Love", "I Want To Know", & "New Jack Theme". They're a terrific band, & I'm glad you're giving them the exposure they deserve. Thank you, Mr. Van!
great band, great sound, and their album wasn't bad, but really this was their only tune that had any commercial success. I found it a joke that VH-1 listed them in the top 50 greatest rock bands of all time.
Agreed one of my favorite bands of that era and my first concert ever. Stain and Vernon's Mistaken Identity are some of my favorite albums.
I can tell you in my circles back in the day they got every bit of credit they deserved. This song in particular is very intelligently written, their music was great, and their live performances were energetic. Really legitimately awesome band, no gimmicks or filler.
I agree
Also "Open Letter To A Landlord"
This song just gets stronger & stronger every decade.
Vernon is one heck of a guitarist. And Corey's pipes really shine! One under-rated band.
100% truly under rated acts. Talent oozes from these gentlemen.
this is a really important term in political science. I've actually used this song to teach it to undergrads before. i always loved that he included leaders who were both "good" and "bad' b/c they all still cults of personality.
what one was good?
@@hustler666100 Gandhi and Kennedy are usually considered to be "good" especially vis a vis Mussolini and Stalin
@@ladyshar42 Yeah until you really look into Gandhi then you realise he wasn't as good as he is portrayed or maybe thats the point
A cult of personality is someone that is raised up on a pedestal among the public to be praised and followed.
These guys were so good it wasn't believable, even while you were watching them. One of the most BLISTERING bands ever.✌️
Tragically underrated band. Times Up, Desperate People, Postman… so many tracks!!!
They are rocking out their minds spitting some truth. They were decades before their time!
Their use of lyrics to get the message of important points from history across was brilliant!
Dictators and “Cult” leaders…don’t think for yourself, I’ll tell you what to think.
Exactly
Love your Reactions❤
Very much a message for where we are right now in history. Wakie wakie.
Especially in relation to their mouthpieces of the mainstream media
@@erink695 With Trumpers it's very appropriate. They are the sheep that are causing the problems now.
Open letter to a landlord is an overlooked masterpiece by the band. Please listen to it next
That's a powerful song.
100% agree!
Yessssss! Open Letter and Solace of You are amazing
Vivid was a solid disc all around.
I've got to check that out
One of the most uniquely amazing guitar solos and most original tunes of all time!
A "cult of personality" isn't necessarily a bad thing or a good thing. It's about how people will rally behind a charismatic person, for whatever reason.
Perfectly said @Andrew Mize. Sadly Hitler was famous for being charismatic and a powerful speaker and even though he was insane and did horrible things an entire country followed him. He almost took over the entire world and would have if he created the atomic bomb first. The only thing that saved us was the German scientists working on his bomb knew he was crazy and defected to America helping us create it first but as you said a cult of personality can be people following and rallying behind a great leader like MLK or JFK but also a bad leader like Hitler or Stalin. The band is also incredible! The vocals and guitar are next level! 🤘
Your INDIFFERENCE is showing…
This whole album was amazing. At least five different genres from soft rock to progressive to ballads. They have some dope riffs.
1 of the most underrated bands ever.
It's about time you got to this one! I'm so happy for you! I remember seeing these guys open for the Rolling Stones years ago! I discovered them on MTV's 120 Minutes in the '80s.
A cult of personality or cult of the leader,[1] arises when a country's regime uses the techniques of mass media, propaganda, the big lie, spectacle, the arts, patriotism, and government-organized demonstrations and rallies to create an idealized and heroic image of a leader, often through unquestioning flattery and praise. A cult of personality is similar to apotheosis, except that it is established by modern social engineering techniques, usually by the state or the party in one-party states and dominant-party states. It is often seen in totalitarian or authoritarian countries.
Oh man but I would absolutely love to see the rolling Stones my uncle has seen them many times just a couple of months ago and it Nashville one thing I wish I could do go to concerts!!!!
I saw them when they opened for the Stones too! Steel Wheels tour 1989.
This song is in my top 5 all time greatest rock songs! Lyrically and instrumentally it’s incredible. This song is deep
It's the rare blend of great lyrics, and a killer guitar 🎸riff. This song 🎵is pure 🔥fire 🔥Enjoy 😉
This song still hits the point TODAY. 80s Rock will always have meaning
It always still hits currently almost every week this song gets played in a big arena with thousands of people there and a millions people watching
This band is criminally underrated. Every song they make is magic.
Vernon Reid is one of the most unrated guitarist in the industry. Always loved Living Colour. They were so unique and refreshing
WOW!, I can't believe this is your first time hearing this! I'm only a year younger than you, and I have LOVED this song since it first came out.
I'm 45 and can remember watching this video on the MTV top 10 countdown with curt loder.
Same here This song was big on MTV when it dropped.
The song will ring true for as long as they're our personalities that people will fall in line with. Presidents, actors, etc.
Vernon Reid is one of my fave guitarists of all time, love his dirty but still pure sound. This song was amazing for it's time and still needed today.
Ever hear his solo album?
@@BadgerBJJ Yeah, he's a GOAT
Perfectly executed rock song by talented musicians about a topic that will ALWAYS be relevant. It doesn't get better than this!
"Only YOU can set YOU free"...self reliance, going your own way, mistrust of what you "should" believe. Hands down the most WISE message I've ever heard in a song ❤️
Vernon Reid! Guitar hero! When they came out in '88 they were like nobody else! They hit SO HARD! Great song great players and still a relevant message-love your reaction!
It is criminal that this your first time hearing Cult of Personality...I was in 7th grade when this dropped. I am now 44. Van you have deprived of some excellent jams. You must check out NONPOINT, they have been out since 97'. Puerto Rican metal with bars! Song to start you with "MILESTONE"! Please do check them out. My favorite band!
Yeah, even Gandhi. One of the messages of the song is that even when the iconic leader is good, when the myth dwarfs the human, their influence can be perverted into evil.
The singer is also an actor. He was in the movie Platoon along with some other movies. They totally ROCK!!! Glad you finally got around to these guys. This song is still played on the radio today. ❤
This song is more relevant now than back when it was written.
This one not only rocks, it’s deep. The lyrics for me have evolved. When I was a teenager I thought I totally understood it. Now in my 40s I find it’s even deeper than that! Love it!!
Mr. Reid's guitar work is extraordinary!
That nearly minute long FAST & FURIOUS guitar solo, to me, is iconic!
IMO... THE. BEST. SOLO. EVER.
Good morning Van
Great reaction. This is one of the only all black rock bands, and they Rock. Thanks for being so entertaining.
It's CRIMINAL how underrated this band is and it's the first time I've ever heard this song. LIT!!!
The lead singer is wearing a yellow body glove wet suit usually used for boogie boarding /surfing.But also worn for comfort,fashion too.80’s/90’s fashion always worn with high tops and a leather jacket.
Vivid is one of the greatest albums of all time . These guys are superb musicians. Corey’s vocals , Vernon on guitar and Wil Calhoun drumming , all exceptional. Check out all the tracks on that album . Open letter to a landlord is epic .
And Muzz on bass!!!
Terribly underrated band.
Amazing fucking song. "Cult of Personality" is a term that refers to the near deification of political figures - i.e., leaders cultivate a false image of themselves to the point where their followers treat them like living gods. What's really striking here is the juxtaposition of "good" leaders like JFK and Gandhi with leaders that many would consider "evil" like Stalin and the fascist Mussolini. Really makes you think. Regardless of what you think about these leaders, they all share on thing in common - the cult-like following that achieved: JFK was the political equivalent of royalty; Stalin and Mussolini were totalitarian dictators; Gandhi was revered as a living saint... But even the best political figures have their darker sides - even MLK wasn't exempt. The upshot of the song is: "Think for yourself."
Exactly. Well-said!
Exactly how I see it. They are given power and let loose by the people. They are given so much power, that followers put them on a pedestal, and the cult of personality is almost worshipped. To the point where the masses see them as a virtue and aspire to be like them, hence "I am everything you want to be". And that "reflection" can lie to and exploit you, and you will still love them.
I believe they are singing about how people will follow someone’s perceived personality even if it isn’t in their best interests.
Vernon Reid is a great guitarist
Alex Lifeson couldn't have played any better solo than that.....radical perfection.
Basically it's a song about being devoted, obsessed or loyal to a powerful person in leadership and being blind to the dangers that can cause and when people stand up to that ideal, they can be silenced because the person in power doesn't want everyone to think, speak live for themselves and know the truth.
Man, you BETTER applaude for Vernon! That brother can melt your FACE with his guitar solos!! XD great reaction,Bro!
Vernon Reid is just a spectacular guitarist, just an unreal talent.
They are still touring with 'burnin Vernon', one of the most criminally underrated guitarists. They are coming to Memphis in March, ya'll ❤❤❤ another leader- Lincoln.
All I'm gonna say, is as underrated as Living Colour is, you should check out the Bad Brains. They were a major influence on Living Coulour, a black punk rock/reggae band.
Saw them open for Guns n Roses and The Rolling Stones 1987 LA Coliseum. Great band.
This song is just as lit as it was the first time I heard it in 88. I’ve listened to this song for over 30 yrs and it never disappoints. I’ll never change the station… I’ll always turn that shit up. I saw them live at Shea Stadium when they opened for The Rolling Stones (Steel Wheels Tour 89)
A cult of personality uses various techniques, including mass media, propaganda, the arts, patriotism, and government-organized demonstrations and rallies to create a heroic image or leader...Living Color was so amazing, a great breakthrough in rock...Such a great song...Thanks, Peace
The guitar players name is Vernon Jones. He is STILL rockin' out to this day!
♥ *It means; when a person/leader is placed in power of a country and is presented (or portrayed) as a Great Person to be admired. Not always true...but as I type this, I hear you speaking on it and answering your own request...and you nailed it. He gives you names in each of those lines, of those perceived; one good and one bad....I think he does this so you question yourself or your own belief and you are likely to make judgement on him as well.* ♥
Vernon Reid lead guitar....one of the greatest rock song solos ever
I think he said "When a leader speaks, that leader lies". Vernon Greene is an awesome guitarist, and this song is about blindly following, like sheeple. "I'm every person you need to be, only you can set me free"... get it. Profound and thought provoking.
I think it is more like when we get a real leader and that leaders speak the truth that leaders dies.
I'm 53 and remember being in 9th grade when this came out. There wasn't many black rock and roll dudes now it's a classic.
The term "Cult of Personality" was first coined in 1956 (I think) by Nikita Khrushchev. He was referring to the "cult" following of Stalin. Hope that helps!
or TRUMP.
I was lucky enough to see them in 1988!Now i'm 50.What a great band!!!!
Check out the live version on the Arsenio Hall show
One of the best rock songs EVER. These guys were awesome. Dammit you got my head bobbing now.
Me and the Hubby jam out to this everytime we hear it. Excellent song
OH MG you are so cool. WHU forever. Born there, lived there, my daughter was conceived and born within shouting distance of the Upton Park ground. Yes indoors! Cool dude. Watched you a lot but am now subscribed. Irons fans stick together!
Vernon Reid is the guitarist, dudes a beast!!!! They should of been bigger than they were. They did a great tribute when Chris Cornell passed. Corey Glover the singer couldn’t finish singing he broke down crying, but Reid had a crazy solo. Glover been in a few movies, Platoon & a few others
Rock music knows no colour. And anyway, I grew up with Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Ray Charles and Motown as a white kid in the 80s and 90s in Canada thanks to my Welsh mom, so none of this surprises me. I’m just glad a band like Living Colour (spelled the Canadian way) broke through and we got to appreciate their music. Everyone in the comments is going to mention CM Punk for good reason, but I knew of this song before. Vernon Reid is a ridiculously talented guitarist. The guy is up there with Prince for insane guitar solos. Hope you’re doing well and got your Christmas shopping done early. All the best.
This theme song was made and one specific person got this song made for the dome. He is a WWE superstore called CM punk.
You should give the whole album a listen. Its amazing. Such an under appreciated band. Its a shame they came into the scene late in the 80's just in time to be killed by the grunge craze.
The Professional Wrestler CM Punk uses this song as his entrance music 🎶🎶🎶.
On many many levels this band was/is groundbreaking.
Insane Talent as players … check,
Meaningful lyricism … check,
Innovative fusion of musical styles … check
Instantly recognizable … check
Bad ass, knowing it, and taking no prisoners with their art … check
One of THE best bands ever formed.
That guitar layer from this band..... one word ...... UNDERRATED!!!!!!!
Cult of Personality is a phenomenon where a person's large personality becomes a cult following in of itself, not necessarily a love of but a cult of. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_personality
“Cuz with the nuthuggers singing about some serious stuff!” 😂😂😂 love this vid. Check out their song/video “Love Rears it’s Ugly Head.” It’s the funkiest shit you’ll hear all week!
Loved this album in1990
JELL-O? No! What you meant to say is that he airbrushed his pants on. LOL, I don`t want to hear nobody talk about appropriation ever again. Thank you, Bill Burr, for pointing that out. God Bless the freest Nation in the world. America
🤘🤘🏿🤘🏼 I've loved these guys since I was a teenager.
And that was 100 years ago!!!
They released this in 1988 and I was hooked. The wife and I saw them again a couple years ago and Corey Glover, the lead singer may have aged and doesn't have nearly the hair he had back then but he sure as heck still has that voice! And he's wearing a surfing suit made by Body Glove in the video. They were the 💩 in the 80's.
Fire indeed! " You don't have to follow me only you can set you free" Don't blindly follow instead think for yourself.
This was ALL OVER the radio in about 1990. Love these guys.
Opening line is Malcolm X
Fantastic musicianship. I’ve played guitar since before this song came out and Vernon Reid is a hero of mine even though it’s literally impossible to replicate his style. But Will and Muzz didn’t get the credit they deserve on these 80's tracks. They hold that shit down tight.
Mick Jagger seen them then he took them on tour with the rolling stones.
Lucky enough to see that tour.They rocked it!!
Ive been Waiting for this !!!!! I lost my mind when this came on MTV as a kid !!!!! Yeah .... they actually played music all day then ! LOL !!!
Criminally underrated band. They were so friggin good!!!
33 years later the lyrics still kick a$$ and take names. Still relevant to this day. I put this song on par with Revolution Calling by Queensryche ... interestingly enough ... both songs came out in 1988 ...
It is my humble but unchangeable opinion that in this song Vernon Reid performs the greatest guitar solo in rock and roll history. It's not the longest or fastest, but it hits the hardest.
Also Van, that background music you played during your post-analysis was awesome.
My favorite band - my HEROES! As a young, black guitarist I was looking for ANYBODY that looked like ME, playing rock music!! Vernon Reid was and IS still everything to me This is their breakout hit, checkout THE REST of the music as well. Peace.
Huge band here still to this day where I live in Iowa!!!! Bad ass band!!!
I love people discover Living Colour, such an underrated band.
Always loved this song, firstly just for being such a kickass rock song. Secondly for the lyrics. It mentioned how History's best & worst leaders had devoted followers. Even Hitler & Stalin (& a few others I can think of) had their damned groupies.
There is no more timely message than this one. Great song, great band, amazing guitarist.....
Dude, I'm psyched you're covering this one! They're one of my favorite bands - they just knock the house over. And as far as I'm concerned, Vernon Reid should have his face on currency, with all he's contributed to the art of music.
When I opened a retail music (CDs) store in 1988, there were 3 albums that year that (I felt) changed the direction of popular music: Living Colour - Vivid, Guns N Roses - Appetite for Destruction, and Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien, and an honorable mention to Melissa Etheridge and her first album. All 4 are still great listens today.
This one has one of my favorite lyrics:
You gave me fortune
You gave me fame
You gave me power
In your God’s name
Great job with Cult of Personality, Van. Thank you. Enjoyed it! I have seen these guys open for The Rolling Stones and another time as headliners. Incredible band!
Definately one of my favorite songs. Thanks for the reaction, awesome.
The lyrics are more relative today than when this song came out. I love this band... my music
Love this group, good memories. The lead singer was in the main foxhole scene at the end of Plattoon.
This whole album was AMAZING. They sang about some deep things and they were ON POINT with the voice and the guitar and drums. That guitar solo!!!! OMGOSH
Exactly! Cult of Personality can work either direction. The followers get caught up in the frenzy of the moment. Maybe they are faithful to their promises ... maybe they aren't. This is why its important to "look behind the curtain" to see who's really pulling the strings. You're right. It shouldn't be rocket science - but just watch politics. People root and cheer like it's their favorite sports team. They're not really paying attention to what really is (or isn't) going on. They're just jumping on the bandwagon they think they are in tune with.
Vernon Reid is a killer shredder and widely respected guitarist. A cult of personality, sometimes referred to as a personality cult, is defined as “exaggerated devotion to a charismatic political, religious, or other leader.” Authoritarian figures, such as Benito Mussolini of Italy and Vladimir Putin of Russia, are often associated with cults of personality, as are totalitarian regimes such as the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Germany under Adolf Hitler, and North Korea under Kim Jong-Un. Leaders of cults of personality often use imagery and the manipulation of mass media to form an exalted, even superhuman, version of their persona in the minds of their followers. Their followers accept the leader's persona and authority, which leads to their devotion to the leader and their mission to bring about an imagined future.
Such a great band. They rocked.
Vernon Reid doesn't get enough recognition for his awesome guitar work
Yes! They were amazing and people were originally shocked in the rock world to see that the band was all black. I still love this song to this day!
If you haven't listened to them yet, and still want to see bands with amazingly talented black front men, my personal suggestions (and favorites) are To The Fallen Hero by God Forbid, as well as Denial, Praise, or ( and this song actually brings tears to my eyes ) Angel's Son by Sevendust
Just saw them here in Savannah GA a couple months ago. They are still as good and tight as ever. Killer live show