LIVING COLOUR played epic show at HOB Anaheim July 9
More than thirty years after originally forming in New York City, Living Colour showed that rock n’ roll is by no means a young man’s game, delivering an animated, powerful and musically tight show at the House of Blues in Anaheim on July 9.
Each member of the band, Corey Glover (vocals), Vernon Reid (electric guitar), Doug Wimbish (bass) and Will Calhoun (drums), showcased their musical virtuosity repeatedly throughout the 90 minute musical set.
Over an evenly mix of covers and original hits, Living Colour provided the audience with a canvas of different styles ranging from funk and hard rock to heavy metal and the blues. Much of the crowd, composed primarily of middle aged couples with the exception of a few parents and their kids, didn’t arrive until a few minutes before the show due to the absence of an opening act.
However, by the time the band walked out on stage and kicked the show off with a cover of Notorious B.I.G’s “Who Shot Ya?,” the concert hall was in full swing. Glover’s somewhat scornful delivery of the late rapper’s lyrics quickly got the near sell-out crowd bobbing their heads and moving side to side.
Following a cover of Robert Johnson’s blues classic “Preachin’ Blues”, the band began a medley of their own songs including “Middle Man”, “Desperate People” and “Funny Vibe.” Well known for their often political and socially conscious lyrics, Living Colour added a “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!” section to “Funny Vibe” which got the crowd to follow suit and form a wave of erect arms.
Vernon Reid’s stunning, crisp guitar playing and Doug Wimbish’s funky bass rhythms were most evident during a performance of “Bi” at the midway point of the show. At one point, Wimbish maneuvered to the center of the stage, lifted up his bass and played a brief solo—with his teeth.
Drummer Will Calhoun didn’t let the spotlight escape him either, concluding a cover of James Brown’s “Get on Up” with a captivating nine minute drum solo. With his fellow band members off stage, lights dimmed and red glow in the dark drum sticks in hand, Calhoun let out a furious display of his drumming prowess.
When the crowd called for an encore, Living Colour responded with two songs—“Cult of Personality” and a cover of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” Glover created a deafening roar from the crowd and a few nervous security guards when he jumped off stage and walked through the audience while singing the group’s trademark and Grammy-award winning 1988 hit.
Simultaneously giving high fives and belting out lyrics, Glover found his way to the second floor of the venue standing next to comedian George Lopez before returning back to the center of the stage for the conclusion of the song.
The show marked the final headlining concert for Living Colour before they joined Aerosmith’s Blue Army Tour the following day as the opening act.