Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

I was saddened to hear of Michael Been’s death. He was the lead singer and songwriter for the band The Call (Santa Cruz, CA) which had a number of hits in the 80s. His best songs were similar in style and majesty to U2, and although Michael had a powerful voice, the band lacked the strong guitar presence of an Edge. The band theoretically existed until 2000, but they were most prominent from 1982-1990. Michael had various side projects post-The Call and recently was the sound engineer for his son’s band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (vocalist, bassist Robert Levon Been). He died on August 19 backstage in Belgium during a B.R.M.C. concert.

I didn’t know Michael well. We would meet and chat in passing at the radio station when the band came to town, but such encounters are relatively brief. But I recall him as a good man and we shared the joy of his music. Copyright law only allows me to post three songs by a band so first I have chosen “The Walls Came Down” from 1983. This was their first important radio song, and although production-wise it sounds a bit thin today, the anthemic melody is irresistible. “I Still Believe (Great Design)” from 1986 is his memorable song of hope. And finally, the gorgeous short song called “Uncovered” from 1989, which could be considered his eulogy. Michael Been’s life continues through his music.

The Call

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“The Walls Came Down”
“I Still Believe (Great Design)”
“Uncovered”