Living Colour Deliver a Fierce, Musicianship-Driven Set at Hop Springs
Hop Springs — Murfreesboro, TN | July 31, 2021
Living Colour delivered a powerful, high-intensity performance at Hop Springs on July 31, 2021, blending technical mastery, political urgency, and raw groove into a set that stood out even in an outdoor festival-style environment. In a space that encourages movement and casual listening, the band commanded attention through sheer musicianship and force of delivery, turning the field into a focused, engaged crowd.
The strongest reactions came during defining favorites like “Cult of Personality,” “Open Letter (To a Landlord),”and “Love Rears Its Ugly Head,” each landing with authority and renewed relevance. Corey Glover’s vocals were commanding and emotionally charged, balancing melodic control with explosive power. Guitarist Vernon Reid’s playing was fluid and unpredictable, moving seamlessly between funk rhythms, searing rock leads, and abstract textures without ever losing cohesion.
Musically, the band operated at a level of precision that elevated the entire performance. The rhythm section—tight, aggressive, and deeply locked—gave the songs constant forward momentum while allowing space for improvisation and dynamic shifts. Rather than simplifying their material for the outdoor setting, Living Colour leaned fully into complexity, trusting the audience to follow—and they did.
Additional selections included Type, Desperate People, and Time’s Up, offering a broader look at the band’s catalog and reinforcing their ability to merge social commentary with adventurous musicianship. The pacing of the set remained intense and deliberate, avoiding downtime and keeping energy levels consistently high.
The Murfreesboro stop underscored Living Colour’s enduring strength as a live act—fearless, uncompromising, and technically elite. At Hop Springs, they delivered a performance that felt urgent and fully alive, proving that bands built on musicianship and conviction never lose their edge.
This Hop Springs performance captured Living Colour at full power—technically fearless, politically sharp, and completely locked in as a unit.
Band (2021 touring lineup)
Corey Glover — vocals
Vernon Reid — guitar
Doug Wimbish — bass
Will Calhoun — drums
