Here's to You My Little Love: Paying Tribute to Michael Been

For two nights in April of last year, the stars aligned and magic was made as the members of The Call and Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club came together to pay tribute to Robert's father and The Call frontman, Michael Been, who had passed away back in 2010.  I remember being with my parents that night here in Texas and telling my father, who was fortunate to see The Call back in 1986 on their 'Reconciled' tour, that these shows were happening and how cool it would have been to be able to be there and experience it live.  Being a thousand miles and two time zones away, I had no idea the magnitude of those nights, but lucky for me I would be able to still be a part of bringing one of those nights to life for everyone to enjoy.  And little did I know that in just over a week another Been would be forever changing my life when Robert and his band came to Houston for that fateful night.

It was a night about three years in the making ever since Robert reconnected with his extended musical family, those guys in his dad's band that he grew up with, Tom Ferrier, Scott Musick and Jim Goodwin.  You see, The Call never disbanded due to some high amount of drama or falling out.  Michael was just simply ready to hang up his bass guitar, but the remaining members always had that fire burning in their hearts to play together again.  When Michael passed away in August 2010, the seed was planted, but to make it grow would take a couple more years.  Then, in the midst of Robert preparing to embark on his own tour with BRMC upon their latest album release, he was still able to give The Call fans something they had been hoping would happen for many years, a reunion.  This wouldn't just be any reunion, however, as Robert would take the helm as frontman for the evening, singing his father's lyrics and even playing that very popular bass that his father played for so many years.  The very same bass that was stolen years before, but thankfully some vigilant Call fan spotted it, saved it and returned it to its rightful owner.  Robert is no stranger to his father's music.  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club do a very remarkable cover of "Let the Day Begin" and Robert's version of "You Run" never ceases to bring a tear to my eye, but on these two nights he would have to deliver in a way that would not disappoint those long time Call fans.  

Robert Levon Been with original members of The Call.

Not too long after the shows, The Call and BRMC announced that they were launching a Pledge Campaign in an effort to bring the Troubador show from April 19th to those that couldn't be there and allow those that were there a chance to relive it for years to come.  So, I quickly pledged to receive my T-Shirt, DVD and digital download.  Months went by, the goal was met and then we started receiving our gifts.  First the shirt, then the download of the album, but there was no word of the DVD.  We then started receiving messages from The Call that it was a work in progress because they wanted it to be perfect.  And then, after months and months of waiting, we received our DVD of that beautiful and magical night.  I was so excited to finally receive this gem in the mail because this was going to possibly be the only way I'd ever get to see The Call perform live in my lifetime.  

Once I received my DVD, I let it sit for a couple of weeks, because if you've read any of my other pieces, you know it has to be the "right" moment for me to experience music.  I knew that this performance could be a little emotional for me, so I waited until I had that perfect bottle of wine to accompany me and then I just pushed play.  I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I had seen the teasers that were sent to those that pledged and I had seen videos from those nights on YouTube, but there can sort of be this idea that when a band that hasn't played together in years gets together, a band that has "aged," you might cringe at them getting up there and maybe taking a chance of embarrassing themselves.  That was not the case at all with these guys.  It was almost as if time stood still and picked up where they left off.  And Robert.  Well, Michael had a voice that probably no one could ever match, but Robert blew me away the way he brought his own touch to his father's music yet keeping it original at the same time.  These guys played together so tightly and sounded so perfect for only being able to rehearse for a short amount of time.  Robert looked like he was at home on stage with those guys just like he does with his own bandmates.  Robert even admits that the songs seemed easier when listening to them on the record, but he played them and sang his heart out as if he had written them himself.  I think my favorite moment was when they did "I Don't Wanna." It was so emotional and I truly felt like at that moment Michael was sitting up there watching this show with the biggest smile on his face.  There are some great surprises and bonus features as well, but you have to get your own copy to see.  I shed a few tears, but it was all in good love for two bands that I adore.

To say my life has changed ever since BRMC stepped into my heart would be an understatement, but The Call also played a huge part in my life growing up and I am thankful I was able to be a part of this Pledge Campaign to make this happen.  There are still plenty of copies left, they're even signed by the band members, so go and get yours and bring home this special piece of music history for you to experience for yourself.   And maybe if we're lucky and Robert's crazy enough, they'll embark on a mini tour for all of us to experience live.  Thank you to all that were involved.  You made this girl very happy.  Until next time, sweet friends.   

A Little Texas Heart + Soul Heads to the Rebel West

It's been months since my last hit and the withdrawals have been brutal. There's nothing like that almost out of body experience that takes you out of your head and into a happier place. That rush from the energy around you when nothing else matters but that moment. It's the dope in my black tar veins that keeps me feeling alive. I try to quit but this addiction will hold me for the rest of my life for it is in that moment when I finally feel at home. And in just a few weeks, heaven will surround me once again. 

I am of course talking about a concert, but not just any concert.  In just a few short weeks, I will be heading west to Los Angeles to see my third Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show.  A show that I honestly did not think would happen this soon.  Partly because of logistics of getting there and partly because after their European tour earlier this year, Rob told a good friend of mine that they were done for the year and taking a much needed and much deserved break.  Luckily for us, that break did not last very long as summer dates started trickling in and the dream was lit alive once again.  

 

Peter Hayes and brother iAN after the last L.A. show in October.


When I caught up with BRMC in New Orleans last October, I was fortunate to also finally get to meet and spend a lot of time with the famous iAN Ottaway from "Ask iAN" on the band's website.  It was like meeting someone you had known your entire life, which is pretty much how it goes in this family, and we shared a lot of great things that night; stories, Cheez-its, a bed.  Hey, keep it clean here, I was helping out a friend.  Anyways, I had a good heart to heart with iAN about something and three words that he told me that night have stuck with me ever since, almost becoming my new mantra or motto.  "Make it Happen." That was what he told me and I took it straight to heart.  So a few days later when he posted this picture of himself and Peter after the last show in Los Angeles, I said right then and there that I will be at the next L.A. show no matter what.  While I had *hoped* that my chance would come soon, I hesitated to get my hopes up too high because I knew they were going to want a break soon, yet something kept telling me I would be seeing them sooner than I thought.  Slowly but surely, dates started trickling in for summer festivals and one off shows in Spain and Italy.  They announced they were opening for Pearl Jam in the UK and for the Arctic Monkeys in Los Angeles.  I almost pulled the trigger on that show, but that same voice from earlier told me to wait since seeing them for their own show is the way to go.  Then, that magical day in May happened and BRMC announced they would be doing a show in August before their Arctic Monkeys date.  I, of course, freaked out like a little girl and immediately started making plans to get out there.  And quickly it all fell into place.  Like magic.    

  

This trip is going to mean a lot to me.  Not only will I get to see a band that I adore who has brought so much good into my life since falling in love with them, but I get to see my brother iAN again and finally meet so many members of my rebel family.  Of course, not everyone will be able to be there, but that just keeps the dream alive that one day we will all be at that mega show.  Until then, I hope California is ready for this Texas girl because I'm ready for you, all ready for you!