By Matthew Erhartic

Corey Glover should be burnt out. The 44 year old New York native isn’t used to performing eight to ten shows a week, even back when he was working full time with his funk-infused rock outfit, Living Colour. Glover describes his experience with this touring theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar “…like being in a cover band that works every day. It’s hyper-touring.”

Despite a grueling schedule, landing the role of “Judas” is a dream gig for the Grammy award winner. Growing up hooked to its soundtrack and broadcasts on TV, Glover admits that JCS is the reason why he chose to get into show business. “It’s the music. I saw the movie and music just drew me in.” Corey gushes. “I saw Carl Anderson as a black man singing rock music and I said, ‘I could do that!’” Glover is determined to make his own mark in a role that has been performed by hundreds of performers since its 1970 inception. “For me and for many people Carl Anderson [from the 1973 film] is the embodiment of that role…but at the end of the day I ask myself, ‘How would Corey do it?’”

Although it’s the touring company’s first time though Worcester, Glover and his band have played the city many times before. Living Colour recorded their third album, 1993’s Stain, at the legendary local studio Long View Farms, tucked not far away in North Brookfield. Corey claims that the band made a few treks into the city to work out the new material on unsuspecting club audiences.

Stain would, however, prove to be a commercial disappointment and the band, citing “musical differences”, dissolved abruptly in 1995. Left on his own, Glover dove head first into a solo career, releasing the critically acclaimed album Hymns and snatching up film and theatre work; he even nailed a brief stint as a VJ on VH1. Interestingly, Corey didn’t find the transition from rock band to the stage difficult. “There really is no discernible difference, particularly with this show because it’s a rock opera,” Glover reveals. “Other than the fact that I have to wear a costume and I’m somebody else on stage…I’m not Corey Glover, I’m another person.”

With Living Colour taking a back seat to Glover’s acting career, their legacy still continues to shine brightly. Nearly 20 years old, their hit single “Cult of Personality” continues to blare out of car stereos as a rock radio staple. The seemingly timeless track has landed in various projects, too, including the video game phenomenon Guitar Hero III. Fans will notice that it’s not exactly the version they’re familiar with; “As opposed to just giving them the old scratch, we wanted to show how we do it now,” Glover explains. “It’s as angry as it was before but it’s much more interesting.” When asked about the song’s longevity, Corey is very straightforward. “It’s a great riff…you got lyrics that people can relate to. How can you go wrong?”

Although Corey has a commitment to Jesus Christ Superstar, Living Colour continues to perform and is currently hunkered down in a New Jersey studio. The band is working on a follow up to 2003’s reunion album Collideøscope, recording without record label flunkies peering over their shoulders. The band found themselves at odds with their last label, the defunct Sanctuary Records, regarding promotion and tour support. “[Sanctuary] felt like I was in an elephant graveyard. It seemed like a place where bands go to die.” Will the band go digital only a la iTunes or find a new label for distribution? Talented and experienced, Glover is very confident. “We haven’t figured it out…but we certainly will.”

Catch Corey Glover in Jesus Christ Superstar May 14-15 at the Hanover Theater in Worcester.
Tickets are available @ thehanovertheater.org