Guitarist is Vernon Reid. Excellent guitarist, doesn’t get enough recognition.

@brentkhack6404

Ай бұрын

Absolute beast on this song

@peterwilks4391

Ай бұрын

Vernon!

@staceyneedscoffee

Ай бұрын

He is SO incredibly talented!

@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec

Ай бұрын

Yes, his approach is very unique and totally off the wall. Everyone in the band is exceptionally talented.

@body_by_depuy

Ай бұрын

Without Vernon Reid, we wouldn't have Tom Morello

This song is a warning...

@NativeNYerChicHK

Ай бұрын

One we just didn’t heed 😩

@riopato2009

Ай бұрын

More like a reminder than a warning. We as a people tend to repeat history because we never learn.

@sarahdixon1943

Ай бұрын

Unfortunately, they didn't take that warning seriously.

@billc.5861

Ай бұрын

Yeah it is. They take some silly politician, and they try to turn them into a demigod and usually the guy is just an idiot. If you elect me, I could stop global warming just by my very existence, were the ones you’ve been waiting for, i’m the one who can cure all your healthcare problems. be serious clown ! . That’s why I never get caught up in the BS of a politician. I just look at the balls and strikes,

@jaymilu6384

Ай бұрын

Absolutely

How RELEVANT & TRUE is this SONG TODAY HUH??

@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec

Ай бұрын

More than ever.

@Wolfsblood1138

Ай бұрын

Too few of us heeded the warning that they shouted at us. 😔

It's timeless. It fit when it came out and still does.

@kiwixstyle

Ай бұрын

So very true. We live in an era where thinking for yourself feels like work. It's wild to think about.

@J3nJ3nl0llip0p

Ай бұрын

Teen years. Don't miss 'em, but DAMN, this MUSIC we had!

@christinahosey9746

11 күн бұрын

Yes! I was 16 when this came out. Will always be a relevant song.

Vernon Ried is really one of the most under-rated and never thought of masters of the guitar. He really is fantastic.

@J3nJ3nl0llip0p

Ай бұрын

He made this sh!t look EFFORTLESS

@cindydriscoll1796

Ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more!❤

@douglasvankammen2916

Ай бұрын

He's a Beast

@maryreilly5092

4 күн бұрын

Yes, Vernon is!!

Vernon Reid is probably THE most underrated guitarist of my time. (I'm gen X, was 13 when this song came out) This song was huge in 88 and still resonates today.

Why is it that this song came out 35 years ago, and we are still in the same f***ing place?

@sunshynff

29 күн бұрын

Because history doesn't repeat, but it almost always rhymes. The bigger question I want to know is, why are so many acting like we're living in unprecedented times, like the stuff that's happening is new? I swear if I hear another fool say something like...... "OMG if you sang that song/told that joke today Eminem/George Carlin/Patrice O'Neil would have gotten canceled in a heartbeat!!" No they wouldn't have, people got canceled 20yrs ago, it just didn't have a catchy name, and social media wasn't as prevalent for every tom dick and hairy to post their opinion...lol.

" You gave me fotune You gave me fame. You gave me power in your Gods name."

Written by very intelligent men of my generation. This song is a warning about the leaders and political party you THINK is your friend. "I exploit you. You still love me. I tell you 1 and 1 makes 3." This comment section STILL won't listen. SMH.

Vernon is a verified shredder. Not enough people know. Respect

The MOST underrated band of all time.

@kathleenmurphy6220

Ай бұрын

I totally agree.

@brentkhack6404

24 күн бұрын

Right band, wrong time

The singer, Corey Glover, played Francis in the 1986 movie Platoon.

@J3nJ3nl0llip0p

Ай бұрын

NUH-UH! THAT WAS HIM????

@bmboytx7082

Ай бұрын

YEP!!! We gonna get Hi Hi 😂

You get it! Don't follow the cult of personality!

When the mirror speaks, the reflection lies

Glad you listened - and understood the point of the song. Vernon Reid’s playing sounds so masterful & out of control at the same time!

"When a leader speaks, that leader dies". Yes, but only when that leader speaks the TRUTH.

They’re still touring - saw them just a few weeks ago and they still bring it. Vernon Reid is a bad, bad man 🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏

@larryzigler6812

Ай бұрын

Was Doug on bass !!!!!!!!!!!!! ?

@Kim-hc5si

Ай бұрын

@@larryzigler6812 Yes! 🔥

@larryzigler6812

Ай бұрын

@@Kim-hc5si He is epic playing with TARJA too !!!!!!!!

@Kim-hc5si

Ай бұрын

@@larryzigler6812 He is an absolute BEAST!

Listen to them play “Open Letter to a Landlord”. It’s absolutely spectacular.

@courtnayzeitler8564

Ай бұрын

My fave LC song!

@Raynabobayna1

Ай бұрын

@@courtnayzeitler8564 … Me too! So special!!

@antoniozayas9822

Ай бұрын

Awesome song! Another favorite of mine. Thanks for recommending it.

@NO1AEROFAN

Ай бұрын

Love Open Letter

@karlmosher6291

Ай бұрын

Yes, yes, yes!

EXTREMELY intense lyrics, you can study this one for ages. One of the absolute best jams of the past.

I'm 50, so I loved this year's ago. Glad to see youngins finding it.

@taralaw1933

Ай бұрын

Well I am the one who got this on the Amazing ABs desk for review. I’m about the same age as you. I was annoyed that this song has been forgotten and pushed to the side. Let’s go show the younger generation that we can rock! ❤Tara

@J3nJ3nl0llip0p

Ай бұрын

RIGHT THERE WITH YA 50 in Jan. '25

The only way to truly react to this song and video! Thank you, AB! You get it, man. Powerful song, powerful message. A true classic ❤

I saw Cult of Personality and clicked immediately. Think I have this on cassette. Hehe

Corey Glover, Vernon Reid, Will Calhoun, and Muzz Skillings are amazing musicians in their own right. Well, well respected throughout the music community. But when you put them together. Wheeeew! What a powerhouse. I was a teenager when this came out in the late 80's. There music is still on my everyday Playlist. Amazing lyrics with a powerful message. And they're still playing.

Still love this song after so many years. And it eerily still rings true in its message today. Beware of the cult of personality and whomever has its power.

They've been playing since 70s but only gained pop culture fame with this song in 80s. Still their biggest hit though they've got many more albums since and a smal but dedicated fan base. They are well respected as musicians within the rock community

@riopato2009

Ай бұрын

Yeah these guys are older than they look but officially formed in the mid 80's. Highly underrated group even though they blew up in the late 80's early 90's. Cult of Personality being their most iconic song.

@Vyan00

Ай бұрын

No, they were formed in 1987.

@krtaust5

Ай бұрын

@@Vyan00 Ty for correcting my mistake..I think it was 84 when they formed though. Don't know why I thought 70s

@fraymond3

Ай бұрын

You might be thinking of a band called "DEATH".

@sunshynff

29 күн бұрын

@@fraymond3 ...Facts!! That's what I was thinking, they made a great documentary about DEATH.

I’m 50…this song is probably why I’m neither democrat nor republican.

@paulamccarthy9511

Ай бұрын

Yep I’m neither either former Michigander born in the “cereal bowl”

@danf2

22 күн бұрын

People try to politicize everything these days.

@KendraMorgan-ob2fr

16 күн бұрын

Same. I see the corruption on both sides

@detroitpolak9904

16 күн бұрын

@@KendraMorgan-ob2fr I just don’t get it. When the U.S. was 13 million people, there were 9 justices and two candidates for president (basically). Now it’s 330 million…9 & 2…do they really cover a range that large? But hey, at least we get one more choice than the Soviet Union had.

@KendraMorgan-ob2fr

16 күн бұрын

@@detroitpolak9904 i don't understand American. We are literally destroying ourselves

I'm so glad you get it!!! Most people miss the message!! Unfortunately it's a timeless message because we don't seem to learn lessons from the past or present!! Love from western NC❤❤❤❤

Vernon Reid, arguably one of the greatest rock song guitar solos ever...

The 90's.....greatest time in race relations. EVERYONE was cool with each other. White people listening to rap and black dudes playing metal!

@stephaniewheeler4626

Ай бұрын

Don't forget laughing at jokes too..

@Charli1996

Ай бұрын

Straight Facts!

@healing344

Ай бұрын

Is this sarcasm?

@jubithorne7442

5 күн бұрын

Oh yeah, nothing happed in L.A. in the 90s, everyone was just being cool. Especially the Police.

People in POWER tend to say one thing -BUT-do the opposite!!...They think they are above the Law of mankind..Props for this band.

@dicktrickle741

Ай бұрын

That's why we need Trump back, he will drain the swamp once and for all.

I just knew you were gonna dig this jam! So powerful, lyrically intense and profound. Also, more proof that in music, all walks of life can transcend any and all genres. One of my very favorite bands! This song still hits hard and it's still very relevant today!

One of the most iconic songs of all time

The band actually sued the TV show over copyright infringement, but lost.

You immediately got the message they were sending to us in our youth. They were telling us that we didn't have to follow what we were told, that we didn't have to fall in line just because it was expected.

@greglr19751

Ай бұрын

That's not very accurate. It was about not becoming a cult and blindly following false prophets, like Trump.

First time joining you, thanks for pausing, and reacting in real time. I find it far more meaningful when someone stops to appreciate the lyrics along the way. This song is ever timely. Cheers

I saw them live back in the day when they were touring with the Rolling Stones as the opening act. They nearly stole the whole show. Great stage presence & tremendously talented.

One of the most underrated bands ever. I was lucky enough to see them live in 1991. Still one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

These are your favorites musicians’ favorite musicians.

This song is relevant today

I've always loved how smart and educated the lyrics are. I was in high school when this song came out and spent an awful lot of time in the library reading up on personality cults to get a handle on this one song.

Corey Glover also sings some great gospel in old solo albums. Vernon Reid, lead guitar, has one of the most unique playing styles out there. Extremely underrated.

These retro reactions are great and take me back. Reactors are finding out how diverse 90's music was without being controversial. Cult of personality isn't only about leaders. It's about groups that are in control, those who make or break leaders. AB should check out 311, it's more chill and existential.

Such a timeless song. Their biggest hit but they have a ton of great songs. React to Open Letter to a Landlord, Type, Flying , Nightmare City, Sacred Ground, Holy Roller, Pride, Love Rears its ugly Head, information Overload, Glamour Boys, etc. Not sure why didn’t get bigger as far as world wide popularity because they deserve it.

@Pcytripper

Ай бұрын

I think it's because they refused to keep making this song over and over; each album almost felt like a new band. It throws off a lot of folks who want to hear the same sound each time, like AC/DC. In Living Color really stretch their musical ability and aren't afraid to try new things, which leads to a small, insanely loyal fan base, but doesn't help for airplay sadly.

@72KingDavid

Ай бұрын

@@Pcytripper You may be on to something there.

GREAT reaction! This is a protest song in the Bush the Elder years following Reagan. This was a call, a yell, a scream to get off our asses, and pay attention. Some of us did, but many of us didn't. 😔 Vernon Reid absolutely KILLED that guitar. All of them were so immensely talented. This was all over radio, and MTV back when it came out. Predictably they received a LOT of push back for being Black men playing "white man's" hard rock/ metal. They should have lasted longer, because they were fantastic. The issues they warned us about are the same ones we need to be aware of today. If you believe that your chosen leader is always right, you've already been misled and have become part of a cult. 😔

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country" John F. Kennedy Inaugural address 1961. "You have nothing to fear but fear itself" Franklin Delano Roosevelt Inaugural address 1933 just before WWII.

This song is still requested and playing on classic rock stations. I love it

Vernon Reid is one of the GREATEST guitar players ever. This band is fantastic. They all should get more love. BTW, this song is absolutely a warning. I remember when it came out. I was in like 8th or 9th grade. It still smokes!

Living Colour, One of The GREATEST HARD ROCK BANDS EVER, LEARN FROM THEIR LYRICS, IF You HAVE SPIRITUAL EYES TO SEE & EARS TO HEAR!!!

I purchased this when I was 14 years old. I'm 50 now. This whole album is *fire*.

Loved this song when it came out... Still just a great.

A crazy underrated band from the 90s

So true. There are people out there that want to be our "leaders". They smile and smile and all the while are villians. It's hard to tell them apart from the good guys. There is a saying, "Villians who twirl their moustaches are easy to spot. But those that clothe themselves in good deeds are well camoflaged". That's how people like Adolph Hitler got to their positions. They had personalities that attrated the public. Look at the person inside not the show on the outside. And sometimes the people we think are bad, turn out to be the good guys.

Truly a timeless song... Probably more true today than when it was written. Only you can set YOU free!

Great reaction!!! Thank you

Vernon Reid's tone on the guitar, is one of my favorites. He is so underappreciated as a talent. Not mentioned enough in history.

You are correct, in that you do not need to follow somebody if you do not believe in the message. Problem becomes people do end up following a message they believe in. All too many times when the person speaking that message, does not believe it themselves.

@terriertz5134

Ай бұрын

The leader not only doesn't believe the message they are speaking, they don't live their own message either but they expect their followers to live their message. A "Do what I say, not what I do" situation. Watch out so you're not following a natural born hypocrite.

Yep, you heard that right! There is a choice, but in a cult, not so much. Some people dont know how to think for themselves and im so happy you say NO!

This song has guided how I see the world. Listen to the message, not the person. Good people can have terrible ideas, bad people can have great ones.

Lead singer was in the movie Platoon, fyi.

This blew meaway..i was a 16 yr old suburban white kid in 1988 when this came out😮😮i thought id have to hide that my fave new rock group was an all black group. No need. Everyone liked them. ❤

I come here to see YOUR REACTION! I love it. I can tell when you are gonna pause, and man you said it. If you just want to hear the song, then do so. Much love to you AB.

Love these guys ❤ Still on the playlist 🔥

Stop and start as you wish, that's a reaction! These dudes are fire. Passed under the radar for most people, but they were, and still are, on the pulse of society. Saw them recently here in Paris, and they still rock. All great musicians. Iconic. You seem to have gotten the message, as others have posted below.

Dude, its your channel, stop any time you want.I love the fact that you're listening to lyrics and absorbring the message

This song came out in the late 1980's. Very powerful tune back then. Rocks and Rolls. Those men can jam.

Such an incredible band and song!

Vernon Reid's soloing is on a completely different level on this track.

I love the freaking insights man! It's nice to hear other people's insights and understandings into these songs especially this one!

Being a teen in the 80s I was deffinantly a metal head and these guys blew people's minds! I luved them! Luv the reaction! 🤙

51 and still play this album regularly. Just found your channel. GREAT reaction here. These dudes are amazing still today. Saw em a couple years ago in Charlotte NC. Amazing experience

@ABtheKreator

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

They deserve to get SO much more attention. So much talent

Dude! Me and my friends always played this song before going surfing here in Nova Scotia Canada over 25 years ago :) Great times! Great band!

Fabulous band. So underrated! They totally rock!

Vernon Reid was the master of the half step. He changed directions faster than cheating woman.

Every time I hear this song I think about CM Punk. The message is true..people need to wake up. Your reaction was awesome and your thoughts are spot on.

@alpha_collectibles9398

10 күн бұрын

Facts I am a huge wrestling fan and this is the greatest theme song ever and when I first sat down and just listened to it I had a sort of mental crisis for like 30 mins

Great Band ! They are touring again

Such a wonderful song to have come out when I was in school! I already had concerns about leadership that dismayed me. But this supported my choice to think and question purported leaders.

🍊🍊🍊

🔥🔥🔥🔥

I ❤your reaction & don't mind you stopping, important stops! Great song & message 👌

This is arguably the greatest rock vid of all time❤❤still relevant 36 yrs later.

New subscriber. Fantastic analysis of the lyrics! I look forward to listening to more of your reactions.

Brother AB, you never heard of Living Colour? Y'all need to get out, more . . . glad you had the opportunity! 😂😂😂🔥🔥🔥

Instant Like 👍 Jimi Hendrix - all along the watch tower

This song is brilliant, they are warning us about the entertainment industry….pay close attention

The first two albums of Living Colour are phenomenal. They have many many great songs, but these two hit me the deepest. Incredibly talented musicians and intelligent, socially conscious lyrics. Incredible!

Still elicits goosebumps and such a visceral reaction for me for many more reasons today than overlooked insane musical talent and worldly/humanitarian messages even I picked up on as a GEN X young teen of the early 90's 😢

Just recently seen them at the house of blues New Orleans. They haven’t lost a damn step!

Love this shit!!!!

Legitimately some of the best musicians of the era. Vernon Reid's playing inspired me to start learning how to play guitar as a kid.

Vernon Reid solo in this song is considered as one the best solos of all time

I only know this song because of wrestling but it's a banger af ❤

Vernon Reid is one of the best rock guitarists ever. I saw Living Color at the first Lollapalooza and they were amazing.

I saw them twice last year opening up for extreme and they were fantastic!!!! He still has an amazing set of pipes on him and he sounds identical even today I was blown away!!!

One of the most unique and talented guitarists of all time...definitely under recognized

Dude, you are one of the few who got this song upon first hearing it. I was 20 when it was released and it is even more relevant today than it was then

I loved your reaction!!!

Love this song, I clicked so fast it's been on my playlist for years

These guys have been making damn good music for a loooong time. Yes...to this day they are STILL out there. Great music. Great lyrics. I strongly suggest giving 'Time's Up', 'This is the Life', 'Open Letter to a Landlord' and 'Wall' a good listen.

These guys were way ahead of their time. Visionary!! Bad ass rock!!