Veteran rock band the Call, which while never gaining the public stature of U2 like it broke new ground during the 1980s with its combination of anthematic melodic alternative rock and unashamedly Christian-themed lyrics, is reuniting for two shows in California next month. Robert Levon Been, son of the band's late leader Michael Been, will be filling his father's position as lead vocalist and bass player, joining original band members drummer Scott Musick, guitarist Tom Ferrier and keyboardist Jim Goodwin for shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles. This will be the band's first concert since breaking up in 1990. It briefly reunited in 1997 for the 'To Heaven and Back' record before again dissolving.
Michael Been, who prior to his work with the Call played bass with veteran contemporary Christian act 2nd Chapter of Acts backing band "... a band called David," was a beloved figure in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene during the 1980s, constantly playing local clubs and living in Santa Cruz, later relocating to Lafayette. His work with the Call was heralded by artists such as Peter Gabriel, who once referred to the Call as "the future of American music." Been died in 2000 from a heart attack, at the time working with his son's band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
The younger Been is a talented artist whose powerhouse rock combo Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has a strong and steady following. With the band’s new record Specter at the Feast, which will include a cover of the Call tune "Let the Day Begin," coming out on March 19 it is doubtful Been’s collaboration with his father’s bandmates will be extended much past the two presently scheduled dates (San Francisco on April 18 and Los Angeles on April 19), as his band starts its tour promoting its new record the following week. Still, for those fortunate enough to be able to attend one of the two shows it will be a welcome event. The band is discussing filming the shows for later release on video and CD.
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