Imagine there was no country …
Living Colour (“Freedom Sounds”)
Washington D.C.
Sept. 24, 2016
Ending a day that had begun with Barack Obama delivering one of his last major speeches as president of the United States, Living Colour played a set in the late-afternoon shadow of the Washington Monument, on the “Freedom Sounds” stage that had featured music throughout the day. It was all to celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
It seemed appropriate (almost righteous) to have The Roots, Public Enemy, and Living Colour close the historic day. All were subjects of exhibits inside the museum.
(((VIDEO)))
“Imagine” (Introduction)
“TWO SIDES” (VIDEO)
w/ photographs of the day, on and around the the Washington Mall, that the museum opened. (September 24, 2016)
“Should I Stay Or Should I Go” (Up front selfies)
$10 shoes
Sound Check (Sugarhill short)
LIVING COLOUR*
WASHINGTON D.C. @ FREEDOM SOUNDS
SET LIST
Time’s Up
Sex Machine
Cult of Personality
“Two Sides”
Living Colour
2017 — Shade
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I’m still living this shit everyday, Corey Glover says of his life as a singer in a Rock N Roll band. Living Colour, as relevant today, as it ever was.” — Corey Glover (2026)
Talking about Living Colour, after 40 years of continuous music and activism, so often being billed as a “classic” Rock N Roll band.
“F.O.X.”
Freedom Of Expression
Living Colour*
2017 — Shade
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Time Tunnel (1989)
Always socially conscious and politically active, Living Colour was thrust into the universal spotlight when Mick Jagger invited the band to open for the Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels (resurrection) tour in 1989. Here, members of the band discuss the tour, which is well represented with clips from the North American run in 1989, including the “It’s Only Rock N Roll” encore in Montreal, where Vernon Reid* wears a “BURN BABY BURN,” American flag T-shirt.
“Back In The U.S.S.R.”
Living Colour*
2014 — Music For Linda (McCartney)
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Bernard Fowler
(vocals)
Working with old friend Paul McCartney, Bernard Fowler and Living Colour played and produced a record of Beatles classics to honor McCartney’s wife, Linda, and to raise money for breast cancer research. The record was released on the 50th anniversary of the 45 RPM record, and The Beatles’ 50th anniversary.
“Two Sides”
Living Colour
2017 — Shade
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“Only Time Will Tell”
Living Colour
2017 — Shade
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Living Colour
LiIvViInNgG coOlLoOuUrR
Vernon Reid (G.UITAR)
Corey Glover (V.OCALS)
Will Calhoun (D.RUMS)
Muzz Skillings (1985-1992)
Doug Wimbish (B.ASS)
aldridge
Living Colour
Tribute To Linda w/Paul McCartney
Fifty years ago, renowned British illustrator, Alan Aldridge, AKA “The man with kaleidoscope eyes,” designed the ‘Beatles Illustrated Lyrics book, and now, to celebrate the book, the 65th anniversary of the “45,” and The Beatles’ 50th anniversary, Aldridge has created a 2014-2015 eighteen-month (2014-2015) calendar, using unreleased images out of his archive that depict Beatles milestones and a number of song titles: ‘ All You Need is Love,’‘Blue Jay Way,’ ‘Day Tripper,’ and many more illustrated in Aldridge’s psychedelic style.
This 7″ box also contains an EP entitled Music For Linda, Beatles and McCartney Classics, which boasts five impressive covers. Guitarist/arranger Robert Johnson (Flying Mojo Productions) helmed the diverse arrangements and played guitar on four of the five cuts. ‘Come and Get It’ is the leader of the pack. The warm, sonorant voice of Caroline Pennell presides, and it’s definitely a far cry from the rhythmic Badfinger version but no less effective. ‘I’m Looking Through You’ features Tack>>Head and lead vocals by Bernard Fowler, a 30-year recording and performing vocalist with the Rolling Stones, including on numerous solo projects with KEITH RICHARDS, CHARLIE WATTS, RON WOOD, as well as with Little Axe and Steve Lukather(Toto). Fowler’s blissful baritone forges a fascinating edge to this contemplative classic. The McCartney-penned Peter and Gordon hit, ‘World Without Love’ is interpreted by the legendary “Little Anthony” Gourdine. When fronting the do-wop group, the Imperials,’ ‘Tears on My Pillow’ became their first million-seller, followed by another big hitter, ‘Shimmy Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop.’ Since 1975, this 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has worked as a solo performing artist, songwriter and actor. His vocals on this essential track prove that the Brooklyn-bred entertainer gets better and better with time. ‘Back in the U.S.S.R.’ features Living Colour. In another departure from tradition, Corey Glover’s exciting voice and Vernon Reid’s bright riffs remake this tune into a riveting rollercoaster ride full of jolting stops and starts. Then, McCartney’s ‘Mrs. Vandebilt,’ pumped up by Rapper’s Delight, featuring Wonder Mike and Master Gee, of Sugarhill Gang, comes in for the kill. With zany music effects by DJ Rampage and humorous freestyle references, the standard morphs into a brilliant new animal. (By the way, ‘Rapper’s Delight’ recorded in 1979 by the Sugarhill Gang has been considered by many to be the quintessential song which globally popularized hip hop.) Most importantly, this Reviver Records project, in conjunction with the Arizona-based The Women and Cancer Fund, will use funding to raise awareness and provide much-needed financial support to cancer patients. Sir Paul McCartney has offered his “whole hearted” blessings to the foundation in honour of his late wife, Linda McCartney. But the other reason to purchase this collection is that it is a visual, aural and sensorial treat of the highest order. Aldridge’s images are evocative, whimsical and nostalgic. The covers are wildly imaginative and make brilliant use of modern recording techniques without sacrificing quality or authenticity, and the vivid contrasts between the vocalists also impress. My only wish is that it could have gone on a bit longer…
CoLors*…
This is a Voyage into Sound.
inst. of change THE ELECTRIC GUITAR
the players
INSTRUMENTS OF NOISE.
take it to the bridge
BLUE. The Original Color of Sin.
the bridge
BLUE: THE ORIGINAL COLOR OF SIN
INST. OF CHANGE
FUSION GUITAR
Skip McDonald (guitar)
Doug Wimbish (bass)
Keith LeBlanc (drums)
Living Colour
Tack>>Head
Little Axe (Skip McDonald)
Bernard Fowler (vocals)