News: Living Colour Appear On Jimmy Kimmel Live

October 5, 2025 rocknews

Living Colour Cult of Personality - Jimmy Kimmel Live

Cult of Personality on Kimmel: Living Colour’s Timely Anthem

Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality” on Kimmel was a powerful statement that transcended a typical late-night performance. When Living Colour took the stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Thursday night, October 2nd, 2025, the veteran band didn’t just play a classic rock track; they delivered a profoundly timely anthem that resonated with the current political atmosphere, making the band’s appearance an unmistakable act of strategic booking by the late-night host.

Cult of Personality on Kimmel: Why Kimmel Called on Living Colour

Jimmy Kimmel’s decision to feature Living Colour perform “Cult of Personality” wasn’t a mere coincidence. With the show filming at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and following a period of controversy for Kimmel—including a suspension over comments that irked MAGA supporters—the host has been strategically inviting figures perceived as nemeses of President Trump, such as Stephen Colbert and Bruce Springsteen. The New York City-based band’s signature song, released in 1988, serves as a direct, cutting commentary on the manufactured hero-worship of political figures.

The lyrics of the Grammy-winning track speak volumes: “You gave me fortune, you gave me fame / You gave me power in your god’s name / I’m every person you need to be / Oh, I’m the cult of personality.” This searing critique of demagoguery and mass appeal made the performance a powerful, unspoken endorsement of a particular political stance, cementing the song’s role as a potent piece of social commentary. The band—featuring frontman Corey Glover belting out the politically charged lyrics and guitarist Vernon Reid demonstrating his status as one of rock’s most innovative players—delivered a rousing, unforgettable rendition that reminded viewers of the song’s enduring relevance.

Living Colour: A Legacy of Rock and Revolution

Living Colour, formed in New York City in 1984, emerged as a groundbreaking force in rock music, blending hard rock and heavy metal with funk, jazz, and diverse political and social commentary. The band’s classic lineup features Corey Glover (vocals), Vernon Reid (guitar), Muzz Skillings (bass, though Doug Wimbish has also been a long-time member), and Will Calhoun (drums).

Living Colour -Cult of Personality on Kimmel

Their 1988 debut album, Vivid, was a major commercial and critical success, achieving double-platinum status. The album’s lead single, “Cult of Personality,” remains their most famous song, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Their music consistently challenged racial boundaries within the rock genre, offering a perspective often missing from the mainstream. Albums like Time’s Up (1990) and Stain (1993) continued their tradition of musical complexity and lyrical depth, tackling issues from corporate greed to xenophobia. Their success wasn’t just about hits; it was about breaking barriers and proving that rock music could be a vehicle for sophisticated political thought.

Cult of Personality on Kimmel: The Enduring Power of a Classic

The decision to have Living Colour perform “Cult of Personality” on Kimmel served as both a nostalgic nod to a classic and a pointed, relevant commentary on contemporary American life. The song’s themes of manufactured power and political idolatry are arguably more applicable now than they were upon its release. The band continues to be an active force in music, with upcoming dates including an October 29th appearance at NYC’s Power of Music Benefit Concert and a spot on Creed’s Summer of ’99 and Beyond cruise in April.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Living Colour or a newcomer drawn in by the political undertones, this Kimmel performance proves that good rock music never truly ages. What are your thoughts on the performance and the song’s lasting relevance in today’s political climate? Share your opinion in the comments below!

Read the Rock News Gig review when Living Colour played Nottinghams Rock City – From Funk to Metal: Living Colour’s Dazzling Night at Rock City