The Calling is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, best known for their hit single, “Wherever You Will Go”. The group formed in 2000 and have released two albums. They have been on an indefinite “hiatus” since 2005, leaving most fans to conclude that they have broken up permanently.
The calling. (courtesy: wikipedia)
Band’s biggest musical influences were Pearl Jam (which was made clear in his vocal style, that is very similar to front man Eddie Vedder, certain songs from The Calling’s first album, Camino Palmero carried grunge influence sounds.), Bon Jovi (Band’s fashion sense was quite possibly inspired by frontman Jon Bon Jovi) and U2 (especially in their later work, their instrumentation and the atmosphere of their music on their second album Two was similar to U2), and elements of each band’s sound, lyrical style, and even appearance were crucial in fine tuning his musical direction for the band. 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.
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.
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”. With new touring musicians, the band toured for most of 2004. However, “Two” faced disappointing sales compared to their first album.
After a lengthy world tour in support of the album, and lacking any clear label support—as well as Kamin and Band moving in increasingly separate directions—the band was effectively ended. In July 2005, they went on “indefinite hiatus”after playing a farewell show in Temecula, California. Alex and his new touring musicians (often mislabeled as “The Calling”) have played sporadic gigs since 2008.
The band’s signature song, “Wherever You Will Go,” was named the #1 Adult Pop song of the decade by Billboard magazine.
(courtesy: wikipedia)