The Calling is 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. They reformed in 2013 with a new lineup.
Formation (1999-2000)
The band was formed by Alex Band (vocals) and Aaron Kamin (guitar) when Kamin was dating Band's sister.[5]
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 Dave Matthews-ish
sound. Eventually, Band and Kamin ditched the "Gap" lineup, and briefly
switched their name to "Next Door", which itself was a nod to veteran
music business executive and Band's neighbor on Camino Palmero, Ron Fair.
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[6] 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.[7]
Departures of Woolstenhulme, Mohler, and Wood (2002)
In June 2002, Woolstenhulme left The Calling;[8] he was later replaced by Dino Meneghin.[9] Mohler and Wood left in October 2002.[10][11]
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.[6] They claim they were promised a share of the royalties and profits from touring and merchandise in 2001-02.[6] Band and Kamin claimed the two were hired musicians and not entitled to royalties.[12]
The band's signature song, "Wherever You Will Go," was named the No. 1 Adult Pop song of the decade by Billboard magazine.[13]
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."
Reforming of The Calling (2013)
On August 15, 2013, Alex Band together with Sean Kipe (Guitars and
backing vocals) his co-writer of the new songs of The Calling announced
that The Calling would be reforming with new members and performing
their comeback gig at Bally's Atlantic City on August 17.[14][15][16]
Bassist Jake Fehres was formerly a member of Astral Aliens, a two-time champion of KROQ-FM's Battle for Los Angeles.[17]
Personnel
Current members
- Alex Band - lead vocals
- Erick John and Noemi Villanueva - guitar[18][19]
- Jake Fehres - bass guitar
- Art Pacheco - drums, percussion[20]
Former members
- Aaron Kamin - lead guitar, backing vocals
- Sean Woolstenhulme - guitar, backing vocals
- Billy Mohler - bass guitar
- Nate Wood - Drums, percussion, backing vocals
Touring musicians: 2003-2004
- Kaveh Rastegar - bass (2003)
- "V" - bass (early 2004)
- Justin Derrico - lead guitar
- Daniel Damico - guitar, backing vocals, keyboard
- Corey Britz - bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboard, now in Bush
- Justin Meyer - drums, percussion
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