From Ink Tank PR:
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.
• The Call: http://the-call-band.com