Michael Been, vocalist and guitarist for the 1980s band The Call, suffered a heart attack in Belgium on Thursday and died. He was 60 years old. Been had been touring with his son’s band, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, serving as a sound engineer, when he was stricken backstage at the Pukkelpop Music Festival in Hasselt. The Call produced 10 albums between 1982 and 2000, including 1989′s Let the Day Begin, the title track of which later became a campaign song for Al Gore in 2000.
Aug 20
2010
08:37 AM ET
Michael Been of The Call dies
- Comments 13
- Add comment
Latest News
- 'DWTS': Kellie and Derek win season 16
- Kellie Pickler: 'I want to hug this room'
- CBS takes 2012-13 ratings crown from Fox
- 'Voice' dedicates song to tornado victims
- Bono, Olivia Wilde join 'toilet strike'
- Justin Bieber booed: Will he listen?
- Bon Jovi to Bieber: Don't be late!
- 'Criminal Minds' season finale peek
Well, that just sucks. I always felt like they were slightly ahead of their time, and I know many newer bands have pointed to them as an influence. When I’ve listened to their stuff recently it feels more like something that I could hear today, sort of more “post grunge” alternative rather than “pre-grunge” alternative. I saw them as an opening act, and I always remembered how (at least at the time) they just stood there and played, their only flourish was that once in a blue moon Michael might “dip” him and his guitar to the side. It always brought a smile to my face whenever I would tell someone about it, and how you don’t need to run around a stage as long as the songs are solid. Tool is kinda like that as well, especially their guitarist who barely moves during a show. RIP Michael, you were an inspiration to a lot of other bands.
wow. that sucks. wonder if the old dude who played keyboards for them back in the day is still alive?
The Call’s keyboardist is Jim Goodwin, and I believe he is still alive. So sad about Michael. He was a true visionary and a kind human being.
The Call’s keyboardist was Jim Goodwin. But the “old dude” you are referring to is Garth Hudson from The Band. He played keyboards on the song, “Walls Came Down”. And, yes, the “old dude” is still alive (and playing!)
The Call is one of the best underrated bands out there. “I Still Believe (Great Design)” is one of the very best songs, period. I also love “Us” from his solo project, and “The Morning” from _Reconciled_. Also, “To Heaven And Back”, their last hurrah, from 1997. All exceedingly good.
“For people like us, in places like this, we need all the hope that we can get. Oh, I still believe!” RIP Michael.
That’s what you get when you campaign for Al Gore!
Actually Rusty Shakleford you ignorant son of an ignorant set of trailer trash parents
Michael had no idea the song was being used..and was never asked permission and he never said anything about it, because thats the kind of guy he was…live and let live….He never campaigned for Gore and the next time you are busy licking Rush Limbaughs dirty ass, wipe your chin and thank your stars your ignorance has you right where you belong.
Max was a man of incredible insight and capable of making a cogent point with such literacy and emotion that one could not ignore him. There was a very cosmic and special quality about him in person, as a friend, but musically he was in a category reserved only for those called genius.
rusty shackeford est un abruti et un imbécile sans classe; vous comprenez les français , je t’invite à traduire !! Michael been et son fils sont des géneis et touchent le coeur de millions de gens,
Rusty …. tu est un type sans classe, idiot, et tu ne mérites pas que ton commentaire figure ici; mais le destin te rattrapera toi aussi un jour…. tu comprends le français ? you undestand french : IDIOT RUSTY !
In regards to Rustys comment. EW should remove it. We are talking about a brilliant human life that has been lost here no matter what their political beliefs. Horrible, ignorant and idiotic comment Rusty. Shame on you!
I used to be very happy to find this net-site.I wanted to thanks to your time for this excellent read!! I undoubtedly enjoying each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Hack again?!