How a Rolling Stones legend helped a genre-defying New York band find its voice

Music · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Formed in 1984, Living Colour fused everything from jazz and funk to heavy metal. Despite their eclectic sound, they struggled to break through until Mick Jagger caught a live performance. His endorsement secured their record deal, launching a career defined by Grammy wins and a lasting cultural footprint in wrestling.

Guitarist Vernon Reid founded Living Colour in New York City in 1984, drawing on his background in the downtown jazz scene. The group spent years experimenting with various lineups and sounds, ranging from instrumental jazz-funk to punk rock. By 1986, the band solidified its core with vocalist Corey Glover, bassist Muzz Skillings, and drummer Will Calhoun. Their live shows at the club CBGB became increasingly polished, aided by the addition of a dedicated lighting designer.

The band's fortunes shifted when Mick Jagger attended one of their shows after hearing Reid audition for his solo project. Jagger produced two demos for the group, an act that prompted major labels to take notice and led to a contract with Epic Records. Their 1988 debut, Vivid, became a commercial success, propelled by the hit "Cult of Personality." The song earned them a prestigious industry award for hard rock performance in 1990, the same year they released their follow-up, Time's Up.

Following the departure of Skillings in 1992 and the addition of bassist Doug Wimbish, the band released Stain in 1993. Internal friction over musical direction led to a breakup in 1995, but the group reunited in late 2000. Since then, they have continued to record and tour, releasing albums like The Chair in the Doorway and Shade. Their signature track remains a cultural touchstone, famously serving as the entrance music for professional wrestler CM Punk across multiple promotions, including his high-profile appearances at WrestleMania events in 2013 and 2025.

Living Colour's legacy is marked by their refusal to fit into a single category, blending diverse influences like delta blues, hip-hop, and thrash metal. While their commercial peak occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they remain active, with plans for a seventh studio album announced in 2022. Their journey from the New York club circuit to global stages highlights the enduring impact of their unique, genre-bending approach to rock music.

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