The remaining members of acclaimed California new wave band
the Call reunited in early 2013 to pay tribute to their fallen leader,
Michael Been.
Been, who formed the band in 1980, suffered a fatal heart attack in 2010 while working backstage as a sound engineer for his son
Robert Levon Been's band
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Throughout the '80s
the Call released an impressive seven albums and were known for their passionate, literate, and often political music. The group disbanded in 2000 after the release of their
Live Under the Red Moon concert album and
Been became active during the following decade working behind the scenes with his son's band. It's fitting, then, that
Robert Been would serve as his father's stand-in on this poignant tribute show, which was recorded in April 2013.
Robert's moody vocals and steady bass complement
the Call's work quite well, and the band turns in stirring renditions of 14 classic songs from its deep catalog. [A CD/DVD set featured a
A Tribute to Michael Been DVD.] ~ Timothy Monger