Rahul Sharma (Editor)

The Calling

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Years active
  
1999–2005, 2013

The Calling httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediaenffcThe

Origin
  
Los Angeles, California, United States

Past members
  
Alex BandSean KipeErick JohnJake FehresArt PachecoAaron KaminNate WoodBilly MohlerSean WoolstenhulmeDino Meneghin

Albums
  
Camino Palmero, Two, The Very Best Of

Genres
  
Post-grunge, Alternative rock

Record labels
  
Sony Music, RCA Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Members
  
Alex Band, Aaron Kamin, Nate Wood, Billy Mohler, Sean Woolstenhulme

Profiles

The calling greatest hits


The Calling was an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, best known for its hit single, "Wherever You Will Go". The group formed in 1999 and released two albums, Camino Palmero and Two, before going on an indefinite "hiatus" since 2005. Lead singer Alex Band reformed The Calling in 2013 with a new lineup that performed live but made no new recordings before again going on hiatus.

Contents

Alex band the calling 2016 fox11 interview hd


Formation (1999-2000)

The band was formed by Alex Band (vocals) and Aaron Kamin (guitar) when Kamin was dating Band's sister. Kamin and Band initially began jamming and writing songs as far back as 1996, and began gigging under the band name "Generation Gap" with a drummer that was twice their age. At this stage, the band also had saxophonist, Benny Golbin, giving the songs a more jazzy sound reminiscent of Dave Matthews Band. Eventually, Band and Kamin ditched the "Gap" lineup, and briefly switched their name to "Next Door", which itself was a nod to Ron Fair, a veteran music business executive and Band's neighbor.

Kamin and Band began focusing on songwriting more, and as Band's signature baritone voice began to mature, the duo began leaving demo tapes of new songs and ideas for Fair in his mailbox. They quickly found a similar sound amongst such ready-for-radio rock acts of the early 21st century as Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, Train, and Fastball. By 1999, Fair was impressed enough by the demos to sign them to a record deal with RCA. They changed their name to "The Calling", which reflected the band's renewed sense of purpose.

Camino Palmero (2001)

While the RCA deal was a huge boost, it also created a new problem for Band and Kamin: they had no solid band and, thus, had hardly toured and built a fanbase. Rather than putting them out on the road and building regional support, Fair worked intensely with Band and Kamin for over two years perfecting the debut album. The Calling's first album was recorded from 1999–2001, largely with studio musicians. As the band advanced, Sean Woolstenhulme (formerly with Lifehouse) (guitars), Billy Mohler (bass), and Nate Wood (drums) were added in 2001 as extra musicians/touring musicians, and a few of the songs were re-recorded. The Calling's first album, Camino Palmero, was issued in July 2001 and quickly became a hit due to the strength of its single, "Wherever You Will Go." The song was featured prominently in the television series Smallville's first-season episode "Metamorphosis". It was also featured in the 2000 film Coyote Ugly with the group performing in the background in the first club scene, and in early trailers in 2001 for the Star Trek prequel series Enterprise. In an episode of the CBS television drama Cold Case, "Frank's Best", the song is played at the end of the episode. Camino Palmero ultimately sold more than five million copies worldwide and was certified gold in the United States.

Departures of Woolstenhulme, Mohler, and Wood (2002)

In June 2002, Woolstenhulme left The Calling; he was later replaced by Dino Meneghin. Mohler and Wood left in October 2002. In November 2003, former members Wood and Mohler sued Band, Kamin, and the group's management accusing each of mismanagement, fraud, and asking for an audit of the money that was spent during their tenures in The Calling. They claim they were promised a share of the royalties and profits from touring and merchandise in 2001-02. Band and Kamin claimed the two were hired musicians and not entitled to royalties.

The band's signature song, "Wherever You Will Go," was named the No. 1 Adult Pop song of the decade by Billboard magazine.

Two (2004)

In June 2004, the group returned with Two. The album had three singles and accompanying videos: "Our Lives", "Things Will Go My Way", and "Anything". However, Two faced disappointing sales compared to their first album.

Disbandment (2005)

After a lengthy world tour in support of the album, Kamin and Band decided to put The Calling on indefinite hiatus after playing a farewell show in Temecula, California. Alex then began pursuing a solo career and has played occasional gigs since 2008 at times being mislabeled and mispromoted as "The Calling."

Temporary reforming (2013)

On August 15, 2013, Alex Band, together with Sean Kipe, announced that the band would be reforming with new members and performing their comeback gig at Bally's Atlantic City on August 17. Their new bassist, Jake Fehres, was formerly a member of Astral Aliens, a two-time champion of KROQ-FM's Battle for Los Angeles. After only a few shows the group went on a second hiatus and has since disbanded.

Final lineup

  • Alex Band - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Sean Kipe - lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Jake Fehres - bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Art Pacheco - drums, percussion
  • Former members

  • Aaron Kamin - lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Sean Woolstenhulme - rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Billy Mohler - bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Nate Wood - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Dino Meneghin - rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Touring musicians

  • Kaveh Rastegar - bass (2003)
  • "V" - bass (early 2004)
  • Justin Derrico - lead guitar (2003-2004)
  • Daniel Damico - rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboard (2003-2004)
  • Corey Britz - bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboard (2003-2004)
  • Justin Meyer - drums, percussion (2003-2004)
  • Discography

    Studio albums
  • Camino Palmero (2001)
  • Two (2004)
  • Songs

    Wherever You Will GoCamino Palmero · 2001
    StigmatizedCamino Palmero · 2001
    Our LivesTwo · 2004

    References

    The Calling Wikipedia