Living Colour, Auckland NZ, 2018

Living Colour

12th December 2018
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.

Living Colour can be summed up in three simple words; A Class Act. And once again at Auckland’s Powerstation they proved why. From the sheer musicianship of all four members down to the comedic banter between lead vocalist Corey Glover and guitarist Vernon Reid, Living Colour once again delivered a show that was a straight ten from start to finish.

Sadly, due to the questionable addition of the secondary support act ‘Known Associates’ and an unavoidable weekday curfew their set had to be cut short; Auckland audiences missing out on the opportunity of seeing classic tracks such as ‘Time’s Up’, their spectacular cover of Soundgarden’s ‘Blow Up the Outside World’ and what would have sure to have been an epic drum solo from the unparalleled Will Calhoun.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal 1988 debut album Vivid, it was more than appropriate for the set to kick off with ‘Middle Man’, Glover’s vocals immediately coming through not only loud and clear but showcasing an impressive and varied octave range. A clear indication of a seasoned musician is one that can make playing look effortless and watching both Reid and bassist Doug Wimbish as they framed Glover centre stage it was the ease with which they handled their instruments that struck most.

Living Colour however aren’t averse to entertaining their fans, Reid and Wimbish often moving to the edge of the stage during ‘Desperate People’ and ‘Funny Vibe’ to strike the classic double pose or to give those along the barrier a closer look at their intense finger work, the fans appreciating them all the more for it. Glover, sporting a red and black camouflage jacket and bandana – which Reid would later goad him with as only band mates who have worked together for so long can – held down the stage, each and every song sung masterfully; pulling in elements such as soul, thrash, and rap, Glover weaved them all into his performance while barely batting an eyelid. An underrated vocalist his voice is just as good as it was thirty years ago, a fact that few of the same tenure can lay claim to.

Living Colour recently released an album, ‘Shade’ – their first studio effort in almost nine years offering up some rather topical tracks such as ‘Freedom of Expression’ (F.O.X)’ and a thrilling cover of The Notorious B.I.G song ‘Who Shot Ya’ which tragically is just as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1994, the emotion in Glover’s singing undoubtedly felt by all. Never afraid of the addition of covers to their set lists, ‘Who Shot Ya’ was followed up with their rendition of the Talking Heads track ‘Memories Can’t Wait’ which originally featured on Vivid and is still just as fresh.

A change of both pace and style came in the form of ‘Broken Hearts’; again, from the Vivid album the song has a decidedly country feel to it, Glover’s vocals taking on a softer edge. A rather rare addition to their live sets, this was certainly an absolute highlight of the evening. An outstanding solo from the band’s founder Vernon Reid during ‘This is the Life’ was outshined (only ever so slightly) by Wimbish’s bass solo that he dedicated to his wife. Alone on stage Wimbish employed a looping system to create a piece that not only added some psychedelic climaxes but the chorus line from Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’; his complete immersion within the music itself making for a show stopping piece that was appreciated by all.

Living Colour have always been a band with a message and their greatest came tonight in the form of ‘The Wall’ from the 1993 album Stain; the line “The wall between us all must fall” resonating with those in attendance as they sang it with Glover over and over again, as if willing it into reality. Injecting a little tongue in cheek into the evening the MTV hit ‘Glamour Boys’ saw Glover strut his stuff, the band letting loose and having a little fun with it as the crowd sang the chorus with them. At this point in the show there was such an air of calm and togetherness that time just slipped by.

They were barely a third of the way into ‘Love Rears it’s Ugly Head’ when a tech began to slide along the side of stage with a concerned look on his face, the conclusion of the song coming with the unfortunate message that curfew was upon them and they would only be able to deliver one final song. With at least seven to go and ‘Cult of Personality’ not yet making an appearance it was an obvious choice that had to be made; sacrificially casting the others to the side, ‘Cult of Personality’ was both delivered and received with enthusiasm and the bitter aftertaste of regret; the show feeling prematurely cut short, neither band nor audience being allowed the chance to show their appreciation of each other in the traditional form of an encore and final no doubt extended version of their final chosen track (a cover of Led Zeppelins ‘Rock and Roll). But in no way should this unfortunate ending detract from what was an unquestionably exceptional performance.

Living Colour were, are and forever will be a class act.

Were you there at the Powerstation for this brilliant funk rock show? Or have you seen Living Colour perform live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist: (As played)

1. Middle Man
2. Desperate People
3. Funny Vibe
4. Open Letter (To A Landlord)
5. Ignorance Is Bliss
6. Freedom Of Expression (F.O.X)
7. Come On
8. Who Shot Ya? [The Notorious B.I.G cover]
9. Memories Can’t Wait [Talking Heads cover]
10. Broken Hearts
11. This Is The Life
12. Wall
13. Glamour Boys
14. Love Rears Its Ugly Head
15. Cult Of Personality

Unplayed but on written Setlist: (Due to curfew)

• Type
• Which Way To America
• Blow Up The Outside World [Soundgarden cover]
• Will Calhoun drum solo
• Time’s Up
• What’s Your Favourite Colour? (Theme Song)
• Rock And Roll [Led Zeppelin cover]

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