You probably haven’t heard much about Michael Been, which is a shame because he was the kind of rock star who lived for the music, not the fame. Born on March 17, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Michael was a frontman like no other. He led his band, The Call, through the tumultuous waves of the 1980s music scene. What made him different was his relentless pursuit of authenticity. The music was the thing for him, not the celebrity.
Michael’s journey in the music world began in earnest when The Call released their self-titled debut album in 1982. Critics took notice immediately, acknowledging a fresh sound that defied the era's synthesizer-driven melodies. Instead, The Call brought a barrage of politically charged lyrics and raw rock energy. Hits like "The Walls Came Down" made it clear they weren’t just churning out pop hits for the sake of sales. No, this was a band with conviction.
Michael himself was a fascinating conundrum. Deeply spiritual, he infused his lyrics with a sense of searching and questioning. His liberal views often emerged in his music, reflecting on issues of apartheid, the Cold War, and the social injustices of his time. It was an era ripe with turmoil and change, and Michael didn’t shy away from pointing a finger at what he saw as the ills of society.
But don't mistake him for just another political musician. Michael’s work wasn't purely driven by politics — it was deeply personal. He had the kind of empathy and introspection that made you stop and think about your place in the world. This complexity is perhaps why The Call never quite got the same recognition as their contemporaries, despite having some heavy-hitting fans, including Peter Gabriel and Bono.
Michael’s music also spoke to a personal journey. He was a man grappling with faith, relationships, and identity, and he wasn't afraid to share that struggle with his audience. Albums like „Into the Woods“ and „Reconciled“ were both critically acclaimed, yet somehow they remained cult classics. The Call’s music might not have topped charts, but it resonated deeply with those who felt the same yearning for something more meaningful in life.
Tragically, Michael’s life was cut short when he passed away from a heart attack on August 19, 2010, while working with his son’s band, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, at Belgium’s Pukkelpop festival. It's poetic, in a way, that he died surrounded by the music he loved.
His death left a notable void in the music world. Sure, The Call wasn’t a household name, but those who loved them loved them fiercely. Michael’s music wasn’t about selling out arenas; it was about carving out a space in the mind where real change and understanding could take root.
Interestingly, Michael’s legacy lives on not just in his music but in that of his son, Robert Levon Been. Robert is the driving force behind Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, a band known for its gritty, introspective music reminiscent of Michael’s own work with The Call. It’s a testament to the impact a parent can have on their child, and how artistic passion and a vision for the world can be passed down like a family heirloom.
Michael Been was never about conformity. In a world that increasingly demanded musicians to stick to a brand, he defied easy categorization, as did The Call. They weren’t just another band from the 80s; they were a musical narrative of passion, faith, and rebellion. Michael once commented on the superficiality and disconnection he felt in the modern world. It wasn't that he was anti-progress — he just wanted to remind us what was truly important.
In our current age, where messages come at us faster than we can process, Michael’s ethos seems more relevant than ever. We need voices that cut through the noise, reminding us to slow down, feel deeply, and think critically. It’s easy to get distracted by all the noise, especially with the deluge of information at our fingertips. Michael’s music urges us to find clarity in a world of static.
What would Michael think of today's world? Perhaps he would be both encouraged and disheartened, much like many of us. Encouraged by the increased awareness and activism surrounding issues of justice and equity, yet disheartened by the continual struggles against systemic inequalities and the commodification of art.
Michael Been dared to question and challenge the status quo, and in doing so, he inspired a generation to seek more—more music, more meaning, more truth. His legacy reminds us that the art we consume should inspire change and challenge. As we navigate our complex world, Michael's music serves as a reminder of what it means to live passionately and authentically.