R.I.P., Michael Been of The Call
Michael Been, far left, was lead singer of The Call.
Michael Been, vocalist and guitarist of ‘80s band The Call, and father of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Robert Been, passed away today in Belgium, after suffering a heart attack backstage. Been was on tour with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, acting as their sound engineer. He was 60.
The Call erupted on the scene with a passionate sound and a strong political message, and earned numerous hits, including “The Walls Came Down,” “I Still Believe (Great Design)” and “Let the Day Begin,” which climbed to #1 on the Rock chart. Their fans included Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, and Bono, all contributing to albums, and Gabriel deeming them “the future of American music.”
Been was not only the father of Robert Been but a significant part of BRMC‘s development. Often referenced as their fourth member, Been spent countless hours in the studio acting in many roles from mentor and guide, to helping the now internationally revered band capture their sound to tape. He acted as co-producer and engineer on numerous BRMC albums and was their loyal sound engineer for as many years.
Story from NewsOK in Oklahoma on Michael Been’s death
30 Days Out 
August 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm
LET’S HOPE MICHAEL HAS A CHANCE TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE FROM OUR PAST. IT’S FAR TO EARLY FOR HIM TO GO, BUT I WISH HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND FANS THE SPECIAL SYMPATHY BLESSING WE ALL DESERVE IN HIS DEPARTURE. GOD BLESS HIS LIFE WITH US………PCM
August 20, 2010 at 4:00 pm
This is sad news. I saw them open for Peter Gabriel at the Greek here in LA many years ago and they smoked. “Reconciled” is one fo the finest recordings ever made, I tell you what.
RIP Michael and thank you so very much for the music that was very moving, uplifting and thought provoking.
August 22, 2010 at 10:52 am
He also seemed a very sweet, thoughtful guy. Talked with him backstage at a show where Stevie Ray Vaughan opened for The Call. He was soft spoken and relaxed, willing to talk even though he was about to go on and Stevie Ray had just left the stage in flames. I’ve got a couple nice shots from that show but mostly of Stevie Ray.