Reid assembled a number of bands under the name of Living Colour from 1983-1986. Alex Mosley, Jerome Harris, Carl James, Greg Carter, Pheeran Aklaff, J.T. Lewis, Gere Allen, D.K. Dyson, Mark Ledford were some of the early members of Living Colour. Reid would occassionally sing lead in the band. The Band's sound was different back then before their major recordings.
In 1986, Living Colour consisted of Vocalist Corey Glover, bassist Muzz Skillings, drummer Will Calhoun, and Reid. Living Colour became experienced in touring, did performances at the seminal club CBGB. Mick Jagger aided Living Colour in producing demo. Afterward, Living Colour scored a record deal with Epic Records and release their first album 'Vivid' in 1988. 'Vivid' hit #6 on the Billboard 200. The album gathered a increase of sales when MTV began playing the video to 'Cult Of Personality.
On April 1, 1989, Living Colour performed on 'Saturday Night Live' (NBC). Four months later, Living Colour gained an increase in exposure as an opening act for groups like Guns N' Roses, and the Rolling Stones.
In 1992, Skillings left the group due to creative differences. Skillings was replaced by Doug Wimbish.
In 1993, Living Colour released their third album 'Stain'. The album revealed an emotionally darker and personal side of the group. The album reached #26 in the U.S.
In January of 1995, Living colour disbanded after failing to settle on a common music goal for their fourth album. Following the break up, each individual band members released a variety of solo efforts.
Living Colour Between 2000-Present
- Living Colour reformed on December 22, 2000 at a gig called 'Head Fake w/special guests' at the CBGB.
- In 2003, Living Colour released another record 'Collideoscope'. 'Collideoscope' didn't make it on the charts though the album was highly praised.
- In 2005, Sony released 'Live From CBGB', a live album recorded on December 19, 1989 at the legendary CBGB. Sony later released a 'best of' compilation 'Everything Is Possible: The Very Best Of Living Colour'.
- In August 2006, Glover took the role of Judas in tour of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.
- On September 22, 2006, Skillings joined the band for the first time in 14 years.
- On December 12, 2006, Living Colour performed a week long tour in Europe.
- In May of 2007, Living Colour released their first live DVD, 'On Stage At World Cafe Live'.
- On July 11, 2008, Living Colur played at the 1980's hard rock-theme, Rocklahoma, in Pryor, Okalahoma.
- In Augst of 2008, Living Colour in a tribute to Harlem called BRC Band of Gypsys. Skillings performed with them.
- On October 25, 2008, MVD Audio and CBGB's records released 'CBGB OMFUG MASTERS: August 19 2005 The Bowery Collection. It was collection of songs from the Saved CBGB's benefit show.
- On November 25, 2008, Inakustik and MVD released 'The Paris Concert'. 'The Paris Concert' is a DVD recorded at New Morning, in Paris, France, during Living Colour's Summer 2007 European Tour.
- Currently, the band is writing and recording songs for their new album 'Chair in the Doorway'. The album will be released between mid to late 2009.
Acclaim and Legacy
- Living Colour's biggest hit, 'Cult of Personality', is part of the repertoire of radio songs at Radio X in 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'.
- Professional wrestler, CM Punk, uses 'Cult of Personality' as his theme song.
- The 'Cult of Personality' was the very first song to be confirmed for the tracklist of 'Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock'. The band had to re-record the song for the game because sony never responded to Guitar Hero's reguest for a license. Living Colour was happy to re-record the song because they were admittedly fans of the gane and it allowed Living Colour to issue the master use license directly.
Awards
- 1989 - Best New Artist ("Cult of Personality")
- 1990 - Best Hard Rock Performance ("Cult of Personality")
- 1991 - Best Hard Rock Performance (Time's Up)
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