Vernon Reid: My seven favorite Living Colour guitar riffs

[@kickbaktube]

When this band came out Vernon Reid stood out amongst all the other shred guitarist at the time. The Cult of Personality solo is to this day still one of my all time favorites because of how unique his style was, his note choice, whammy bar nuances and free flowing speed runs. Thank you Vernon

[@erasenegatedelete]

It’s one of my top 3 favorite solos of all time! I seriously get chills when the solo goes from the spastic, almost cacaphonic stuff he does over the verse riff into the melodic, open notes over the chorus riff.. god help anyone who may be within arms reach whenever I hear that solo because I will shake them like a rag doll in time with the music 😂 It’s so freaking good

[@harveythompson1756]

..'shred guitarist'...dont be foolish....this is a musician.

[@chrisjackson9626]

Always loved the solace of you riff.

[@thomaslutro5560]

Me too. In my view this is one of the mot unfairly overlooked gems in pop history. Beautiful song, every little part of it the words, the singing, the drums, the bass, the guitar.

[@msmoniz]

Vivid is still an astounding all killer no filler album that still sounds as fresh and vital today as it did when it came out. Been a fan since then.

[@dprescigno]

Vernon Reid is one of the most creative, bold, and incendiary guitarists (and songwriters) of our time. Shout out to @GuitarWorld for shining a spotlight on him so that younger musicians can discover his body of work. Oh, and a secret: Vernon is a spectacular human being.

[@KennethFinuf]

The cult of personality is one of my favorite songs!!! Man that guitar sound was incredible!!!!😊❤

cult of personality will forever live rent free in my mind and my heart

[@edwinh7908]

Met Vernon Reid At NAMM A While Back-Great Player & Super Nice Guy!!! Thank You Vernon For Being So Cool To Me!!!

[@lordstanley34]

Been a fan since I was in high school - to this day, still love their music. Thank you GW for this upload and for giving the fans some time with Vernon. And Vernon, thank you, Sir, for sharing your time with us.

[@tymanngruter1808]

Love rears its ugley head is the song that opens all the mouts off our audience the most times, what a gem! ♨️🎸♨️

[@kirstinline]

always liked his super bright tone.

[@mikegallagher4388]

Love this guy so much! Can't wait to see them live again!

[@patrickwade757]

Vernon Reid is literally my ultimate all time guitar Hero. I'm talkin, I had two posters in my room as a kit. Hendrix 1967 Iconic poster, and the VR insert from guitar player magazine, forget which issue. I was born in 1978 and started learning guitar in 1986. by the time Vivid came out, I got the CD day one based on cult of personality. I could half ass play even barely some of his parts (Middle Man, Desperate People, and aaaaaalmost Cult of Personality). I've seen them 15+ times over the years. I finally got to shake his hand and tell him how much I admired and respected him a few years ago in Chicago. he was humble, gracious, and kind. Shook my hand, and said thanks. The biggest compliment I've ever gotten in my musical career was when a drummer (who was also a fan of LC and Wil Calhoun) told me he could hear the Vernon influence in my playing.

[@tonymazz1721]

Burnin' Vernon still doing it. Been a fan 35 years

[@tastedup]

Been a Vernon Reid fan since Vivid came out, and have seen the band live 3 times. Cult of Personality and Type are 2 of the tastiest riffs ever, I spent untold hours trying to nail those. After watching this, I picked up a guitar and dusted off Solace of You, which I haven't played in a while, and it came right back to me. Love it!

[@SHIFTYCHEF]

Love the "Ignorance Is Bliss" little bridge-type part at the intro. I remember woodsheddin' to the entire Stain album I had on cassette back in the day, playing along and learning it., and lovin' every minute of it.... no, wait....that's Loverboy. 😝😝😝😝 🤟👽 🎸

[@jeffgutierrez8796]

Vernon is one of the most underrated human beings on the planet, aside from his God level guitar skills. He took the time to talk to the fans, signed everything put in front of him and posed for pictures. A humble and generous person who genuinely appreciates his fans. He talked guitar lingo with all of us for longer than expected.

[@robertmorandi3947]

Those awesome chords are just as good as shredding lead!!! This is how a guitar should sound and a man who devoted his life to being one of the best!!!

[@davidewing6394]

In my humble opinion, Vernon and the band are extremely underrated.

[@samivellamo3995]

Glamour Boys' message is still relevant. Maybe more than ever before. My fave.

[@PohlLongsine]

Love you, Mr. Reid, and your musical mind. I wish I had a nickel for every time a note you've chosen has given me chills. Mistaken Identity is in my top 5 desert island albums. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@danihellz]

Love Vernon and his “creations”, also - what an insanely beautiful guitar!!!

[@mikefatz2514]

Started learning Cult of Personality and never before realized how brilliant this song is. Got freaking goosebumps, lol!

[@DavidBall333]

Love all of these, but Desperate People riff gets me going every, single, time.

[@tomp8463]

It is one of my fav songs by LC. Amazing tune.

[@wellprata]

Vernon Reid is a true guitar hero! Long live Living Colour!

[@titaniusanglesmith6177]

One of my favorite bands....STILL.

[@matthewschreiber2421]

One of my favorite guitarists and one of my favorite brands! Can't wait to play one.

[@BC99]

One of the greats.

[@padistedor]

Dr. Vernon Reid! Living Colour will always be one of my favorite bands. Still listen to your songs today, saw you guys live in St. Pete FL back in around 2013. Thank you for your amazing music!

[@galvarro77]

God Bless Vernon!!!!!!

[@FrankieStans]

Vernon all the way! ❤ Think that 'Type' was one of your greatest riffs!

[@adamodimattia]

I am so fortunate to have met him in person! He is a truly lovable and friendly man. He helped me to get an autograph from the great Ronald Shannon Jackson after their concert in trio with Melvin Gibbs (whom I had already known from before xd). Amazing concert, I think it was 2003 during Warsaw Summer Jazz Days festival, and the very next day I could see Vernon perform with Living Colour in the Old Town (I could be directly under the stage podium in front of the audience gates because I was able to get myslef a stage hands plaque :P, what a concert it was! Corey went into the crowd at some point, literally he mixed with the crowd, dissappeared for half an hour or more, never stopped singing! There were a lot of funny moments during that concert (like Corey climbing the stage towers, or wearing a t-shirt of the only black guy in the polish soccer team that scored the first goal against US during soccer championships in Korea that year), but my favorite was during "Elivis is dead" piece, when at some point Corey sang to the audience: "Elvis! - " and they would respond "- is dead!" multiple times, but I don't know whether it was the crowd that intentionally changed words of the song, or what the crowd kept responding was somehow distorted, but I kept hearing "- is gay!" instead of "- is dead!". And suddenly Corey made a break stopping the band and the crowd and said super clearly and solemnly to the mic: "Elvis is gay." - and the whole crowd me included burst into laughter, it was so damn funny. Maybe it's a Living Colour fans's thing to change the response in this particular song (I wasn't a fan yet back then, I knew only about Vernon from his jazz stuff, but I become one after that concert). I wish they'd done a recording of that concert, because it was better than any other live recording of them I had ever listened to. The energy was incredible.

[@candypeanut9927]

Both chorus & verse riffs of Wall are among my most favorite Vernon riffs.

[@markydee4683]

I love Vernon. Underrated if you ask me. Living Colour should be in the Hall of Fame.

[@ChrisPuckett]

@@markydee4683 he was the most popular and biggest guitar player in the world in 1990, so I don’t think he’s that underrated

[@andrewpappas9311]

Agreed

[@ShawnStradamus520]

Been listening to Vernon play since the days of the Sony Walkman! His music has been the soundtrack of my life ❤

[@ellisonlowrimore7751]

I saw Vernon And my eyes lit up!! Underrated guitarist!!

[@blackfishgaming7145]

Vernon has such a unique way of holding his pick.

[@erikgeiser8226]

Legend! Love the Desperate People riff

[@reneedegon1891]

Have been a fan from the beginning & have seen LC every time they’ve come through. Killer live band, great records thru & thru. Best part is, they are great people too. Vernon’s always been super cool every time I have had the pleasure to chat with him. Thanks for showcasing an incredible musician, human & band.

[@zakkwyldesliver]

For all the attention that Cult of Personality riff gets, the bass line underneath is 10x as killer.

[@Kamu2Maliak]

J'adore ce type !

[@ChrisPuckett]

Vernon’s jazz stuff is so amazing too

[@adamodimattia]

At first I knew him only from his jazz stuff, then I discovered Living Colour during their open air concert and I fell in love with the band too!

[@Hupomone]

Simply tremendous.

[@jeffisabel1987]

A younger version of myself bought Vivid as soon as it came out. Vernon Reid's playing still does it for me. What a singular talent.

[@CDin-xh1kp]

Thank you guys! Some inspired music for sure:)

[@nicksideris2600]

time's up is a near masterpiece. great tour too!

[@elephantbarrestaurantalsch9940]

Mr. Reid, every song you play is gorgeous. Must have been hard to pick. I agree with others, this is the life, is mind blowing. Times up is untouchable. You are incredible. I like your influences that you mention. I grew up listening to you, Stanley Jordan , and kings x, and have seen live multiple times all. So good. This is the life and times up are my two favorite live.

[@tomhill9066]

I am glad that there’s nothing but love I see in the comments for Vernon and the band. And nothing about sloppy playing or about his extremely saturated and clipped guitar tone which he makes work so well in the live mix

[@jaynerdrum3546]

You guys were amazing. I saw you at the LA Colosseum about 40 years ago. Your band opened for Guns and Roses and the Stones Steel Wheels tour. It was an all around incredible day. Thanks for the tunes. I have always been a big fan.

[@cr4957]

I have loved Living Colour since the Vivid album. Vernon Reid is incredible, to me he is a mix of Hendrix, Zeppelin, African and avant-garde music. He is also very knowledgeable, I remember reading an interview where he mentioned Edgar Varese as an influence. Still today when I listen to the solo of Cult of Personality, this incredible explosion of energy with rapid and unusual intervals, I am ecstatic. His should get much more recognition.

[@terryread7347]

As a massive LC fan, we need more of this! MORE, MORE!

[@TheGorillafoot]

Awesome band he has. Great stuff here!

[@LuizAlexandre_lalex]

I am fortunate enough to have been in many many many shows, from McCartney, Rush, Maiden, Sabbath, Megadeth, Whitesnake, Purple, Judas, and many others. Living Colour show in Rio de Janeiro, in a small venue is in the top five . Vernon is such a superb player, creative and talented. Thank you Guitar World to bring him to the stage here.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

When I was in high school ( specifically Curtis High School on Staten Island) in 91' I was standing on the sidewalk blocks down from my school when I saw a guy in a sports car sitting at the red light who I said to;" Hey are you Vernon Reid!?" he replied; "Yeah, gotta go". This was immediately followed with him pointing forward.. It was time for him to ride because the light had changed! Legend! Living Colour what a band!

[@TheFireDucksOfficial]

So cool. I’m about to see him live again. Minnesota. What car?(nowadays He is not a sports car guy by on line persona.)

[@Bodyknowledge77]

@@TheFireDucksOfficial Enjoy the show. I don't recall the type of sports car( Lamborghini?). I'm not a car guy. I don't even drive! :-0 I also saw on a couple of occasions another S.I guitar hero back around that time driving his sports car. Vito Bratta. Never spoke to him though.

[@paredair]

Such gold here 😮

[@Vulverine-thunder]

Great band and great live too…finally got to see them with Mr Big who were also amazing.

[@joshuacrime]

My favorite player after Hendrix. Learned so much from you, my dude. Playing Cult in my first cover band was a highlight. That tone is so filthy as well. Thanks, Vernon!

[@wkamaub]

My absolute hero!

[@michaeldipietro5010]

Writers relate what they know. Ditto for musicians. More music, more to pull from to create upon. The beauty of all art.

[@ibanezortiz4494]

Good memories came back

[@WilliamJames48]

Original. Uncompromising. Always inspiring

[@jesserepp]

Vernon mentioned the mighty sparrow.... I love the song "lying excuses", I song I have fond memories of.

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

Some great music

[@kriscostello1786]

Chair in the doorway is an awesome album, wish you guys played more from it and focused on it more

[@jmatttheracer]

A great band

[@noone-t8y]

A unique and wonderful player. Vernon is a genuine monster!

[@SausagefingersMcGee]

I love your mixed up brain Vernon. Keep em commin bro!!

[@erasenegatedelete]

Vivid is such a great album. Cult of Personality and Which way to America have been on every single gym/workout mix I’ve made since I was in high school… and I’m 49 now lol.

[@kneedeepinthedoomed]

I saw Living Colour live in Kiel, Germany, in the late 80s, and I loved their music. I got an autograph from Muzz. Unfortunately, LC played right after a local punk band who made it a sport to get people to throw bottles at them, using their guitars like tennis rackets to deflect the improvised missiles. When LC came on stage, people kept up throwing stuff because they didn't get that this was a different band. And perhaps also because of racism. LC had to cut the gig short when something almost hit Corey. I feel sorry for that to this day. But it was awesome seeing them live. I went to the Steel Wheels tour later and was disappointed that the Stones had shifted another band in as the opening act, because I had hoped for Living Colour. Vernon Reid has always been an inspiring guitar player, and I'm glad the band is still together. Keep it up, guys. Plus, cool guitar! Oh yeah, one day I played Vivid to my entire high school class, because we got to bring our own music to sports class. I picked Living Colour. I dare say it was a bit of a challenge for all those white German kids, but I think they were diggin' it. Best wishes to the band. Sorry for the beer throwing. Most of it wasn't because of you, it was a leftover from the previous band.

[@sirtogii5216]

YES YES AND YES!

[@bengalinsky4300]

There’s just an incalculable level of stank in every note he plays. Love the guy

[@samsonthecurrent]

I love these and I also love Type & Love Rears It’s Ugly Head.

[@BILLIAM81777]

I got to chat with Vernon for a bit... Really nice guy!

[@andrewpappas9311]

Personality was the first song I heard from them and the one that I immediately fell in love with, such an absolutely badass riff and definitely one of Vernon's best riffs and that solo is fucking killer as well. Absolutely love that guitar as well, definitely gives me vibes of John Petrucci's early Ibanez RG he played in the early days of Dream Theater

[@dcnative10]

Legend 🤘🏾

[@jasonrickett561]

That reverend guitar is hot!

[@jesterman1302]

Vernon rocks 🎸

[@dartheejit6797]

Legend

[@Houston123ABC]

The Cult of Personality solo !!!

[@frankiegutierrez5737]

I put "Vivid" (1988) and "Time's Up" (1990) as two of the best albums of the last few decades.

[@popblender]

Man, that tone without the band is hard to listen to. Cult of Personality riff is broken when listening to it this way. I remember buying the Vivid cassette tape when I was a freshman in high school and was a huge fan of "Letter to a Landlord" and Glamour Boys. Of course Cult was the jam at the time. But as a drummer, I loved trying to emulate Will Calhoun's left hand high hat syncopation while playing the ride with my right hand during the bridge of Cult. Broken Hearts was such a jam, but I especially loved watching it on the Vivid VHS cassette I had. It was a live version on the VHS, which also had the videos from the band. Such good memories! Vernon is awesome. Muzz Killings is awesome. Corey Reid is awesome. And of course, Will Calhoun is amazing!

[@totallykoolyeah]

Just heard the zig zag band. Great stuff, reminds of the old Detroit band Death at times👍

[@beasz1974]

MASSIVE!!!!!

[@ramiroezequielmoreno1774]

When u hear a Vernon riff you know it's a Vernon riff. Much like when u SEE a Vernon guitar you KNOW it belongs to Vernon. 😋🎸

[@ramiroezequielmoreno1774]

PS the way Cult Of Personality and Glamour Boys *feel* right when you hear it from his fingers. If we needed even more evidence, guys, that it is definitely in the hands.

[@plotevil5884]

Saw him on tour with Extreme. Guitarists tend to make faces in solos as they pour out their emotions. Vernon looked like Bill Cosby on acid. It was fantastic.

[@ciachetti]

What brand and type of guitar is he playing in this video? It looks and sounds epic

[@jasongarber2346]

"Type" was always my favorite from them. The way there is that slight hiccup as the drums play straight through, while the guitar is just ahead of the start of every fourth bar is wrong on paper, but it really propels the song.

[@spacetimecontinuum]

I love all your riffs Vernon, so pleased to see you looking so well...am here after watching your iconic Arsenio performance for about the 50th time. Hope to see the band live one day again soon.

[@MortuaryManor]

Dat geeetar 🔥

[@warrengauthier4699]

The band is good along with the vocals.

[@invisigoth777]

What kind of effects did you use on glamour boys?, because i am sure i didn't remember it sounding like that

[@zappa0609]

Vernon Reid an Kim Thayil are the greatest rock gitarists of our time.

[@adrianoandrade7579]

😍

[@invisigoth777]

i was piano, bass, and singer.. and lately i have tried to pick up guitar.. i must ask, how is it you seem to press the frets like piano keys? but when i try, i have to squeeze

[@brucewood6126]

I first heard Vernon Reid listening to Public Enemy's Sophisticated Bitch. V.R. guitar solos are Epic! One of my favorite Living Colour songs is PRIDE

[@ericgenestvideoclips]

Me too. Pride. I wish they wrote more like that.

[@sirtogii5216]

Does anybody know what that guitar is?!? Looks super cool but google isn't my friend trying to figure out what it is..... Edit: Scratch that, a Reverend guitar it seems

[@aqald01]

Reverend Guitars

[@sethmeyer2443]

My favorite is Type

[@SpedTchr335]

💜🎶💜🎶💜🎶

[@ziggy72170]

Hmm, Interesting . Is like a Custom "Reverend Guitar"/ Signature ?.. I remember the Parker Fly signature he had..

[@cyface]

🎉

[@ericgenestvideoclips]

The best riff is Type

[@PNNYRFACE]

Glamor Man