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Kevin MacMichael
Kevin MacMichael
Kevin MacMichael
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Key Information

Kevin Scott Macmichael (7 November 1952 – 31 December 2002)[1] was a Canadian guitarist, songwriter and record producer, best known for being a member of the 1980s UK-based pop-rock band, Cutting Crew, who had a number-one hit in 1986 with "(I Just) Died in Your Arms". Cutting Crew was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988.

Early life

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Macmichael was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Career

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Early years

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Kevin got his first guitar in 1963, as did his friend Sandy Bryson. They were Beatles fans from the very beginning, learned to play many of their early songs, and went to see A Hard Day's Night in Halifax. MacMichael and Bryson started a band called The FourToGo in Dartmouth in 1964 with drummer Darrell Lysens and lead guitarist Al Arsenault, managed by Larry Manette. MacMichael then played with Bedford Row and Yellow Bus, later playing with the Nova Scotia band Chalice before joining the band Spice in 1978.[2]

Cutting Crew

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In the early 1980s, Macmichael was part of the Halifax band, Fast Forward, when he met Nick Van Eede, who was touring Canada as vocalist with the band The Drivers. Macmichael moved to London, England and began Cutting Crew along with Van Eede, bassist Colin Farley and drummer Martin "Frosty" Beedle[3] in 1985.

Robert Plant

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After Cutting Crew's run of success ended and Virgin Records let them go, he worked with Robert Plant playing guitar and composing songs for his 1993 album, Fate of Nations.

His interlude with Plant was short-lived; MacMichael recalled when he auditioned for Plant: "'Play me something', he said. He's about my age so the first things that came to mind were songs by Buffalo Springfield and Moby Grape. His jaw just dropped and he picked me up off the sofa and said: 'Never leave me'."[3] The partnership lasted the single album and a world tour before Plant reunited with Jimmy Page, but the album's single "Calling to You", on which he played guitar, resulted in a Grammy nomination.[4]

East Coast

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After nine years in the United Kingdom, MacMichael returned to Nova Scotia where he collaborated with a number of Canadian East Coast musicians including Wayne Nicholson, Tribute, Chris Colepaugh & The Cosmic Crew, The Rankin Family and Sons of Maxwell.[5]

Death

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MacMichael died of lung cancer at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 31 December 2002.[6] His surviving family members include his wife and two daughters, father, brother, and sister.[7][failed verification]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kevin MacMichael

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Kevin Scott MacMichael (7 November 1951 – 31 December 2002) was a Canadian , songwriter, and , best known as the co-founder and lead of the rock band Cutting Crew, with whom he achieved international success in the late 1980s through hits like "(I Just) Died in Your Arms." Born in , to a musical family—his father was a and his mother —MacMichael developed an early passion for guitar, mastering over 200 songs during his school years in . MacMichael began his professional career in the late on Canada's East Coast, playing in local bands such as , which recorded singles like "Prisoner of Love" and "Beautiful You," followed by a stint with , which supported The Drivers, in the early 1980s. In 1985, he relocated to , , where he co-formed with English vocalist ; their debut album, Broadcast (1986), sold over three million copies worldwide and featured the chart-topping single "(I Just) Died in Your Arms," which reached number one on the US for two weeks and earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1988. The group released two more albums, The Scattering (1989) and Compus Mentus (1992), before disbanding. After Cutting Crew, MacMichael returned to Canada in 1993 and collaborated extensively with Robert Plant, serving as guitarist, co-writer on three tracks for the album Fate of Nations, and musical director for Plant's touring band during the "29 Palms" era. He later focused on production work at his brother Reg's Soundpro Studios in Halifax, promoting East Coast artists such as Ashley MacIsaac and The Rankin Family, and contributed to the album Chernobyl Poppies with the project The Chernobyl Poppies in 1996; he also toured with Pete Best's band in 2001. In recognition of his contributions to Atlantic Canadian music, MacMichael was posthumously awarded the Directors' Special Achievement Award at the 2018 East Coast Music Awards. Diagnosed with lung cancer earlier that year, he performed at a Cutting Crew reunion concert in Halifax before succumbing to the disease on New Year's Eve 2002 at age 51.

Early career

Formative influences

Kevin MacMichael was born on November 7, 1951, in , . He grew up in , in a family with strong musical ties; his father played drums, while his mother worked as a teacher. This environment fostered an early appreciation for music, providing a supportive backdrop for his developing interests. At around age 12, MacMichael received his first guitar, igniting a passion that would define his career. Largely self-taught, he immersed himself in the sounds of the , particularly , whom he cited as a primary influence. He meticulously learned over 200 of their songs—precisely 212—on the guitar, which not only honed his technical skills but also sparked a deep enthusiasm for of the era, including other acts like that later shaped his style. During his teenage years in Dartmouth, MacMichael began performing informally in local settings, such as school events and community gatherings, where he showcased his growing guitar prowess through covers of his favorite bands. These early experiences built his confidence and laid the groundwork for a professional path, including his involvement in local cover bands like FourToGo, which he formed in 1964 alongside vocalist Sandy Bryson, drummer Darrell Lysens, and lead guitarist Al Arsenault. The group performed Beatles-inspired covers, reflecting MacMichael's early influences from the . He soon transitioned to Bedford Row around 1966, serving as and vocalist in a lineup that included keyboardist Sandy Bryson, bassist Dave Finch, drummer Brad MacLean, and Owen Carol; the band focused on rock covers and continued after MacMichael's departure in 1967. By the , this foundation led him to join organized bands in the Maritime region, marking the start of his formal musical journey.

Initial bands and development

By the mid-1970s, MacMichael had joined several other regional outfits, including Yellow Bus and the Nova Scotia-based , where he honed his live performance skills amid the competitive East Coast scene, which often limited opportunities due to limited venues and funding. In , he co-formed in Halifax with drummer Eric McDow and bassist Paul Eisan, later adding guitarist Floyd King; the band drew from 1960s rock influences, performing and covers at campuses and clubs while incorporating originals like MacMichael's "Beautiful You." gained traction through regional tours, including residencies at Halifax's Misty Moon nightclub, and released singles such as "Prisoner of Love" (backed by "Knife in the Back") and "Beautiful You" (backed by "Just a Little Bit") on , appearing on compilations like Trans-Canada Rock and Eastern Alliance. Entering the early 1980s, MacMichael joined , a Halifax rock band featuring returning members Paul Eisan on bass, Floyd King on guitar, along with keyboardist and drummer Peter Large; the group toured extensively across , opening for international acts and exposing MacMichael to broader audiences. During one such tour, supported The Drivers, the band fronted by British vocalist , fostering a creative connection that highlighted MacMichael's growing songwriting abilities through demo tapes he shared. These experiences underscored the challenges of the Canadian music industry, including unreliable management and faltering labels, prompting MacMichael to consider relocating abroad to advance his career professionally.

Cutting Crew

Formation and rise to fame

Kevin MacMichael first crossed paths with Nick Van Eede during a 1984 tour in Canada, where MacMichael's band Fast Forward served as the opening act for Van Eede's group The Drivers. Impressed by MacMichael's guitar skills, Van Eede collaborated with him on demo tapes in Toronto that year, leading MacMichael to relocate from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to London in 1985 to co-found Cutting Crew. This partnership built on MacMichael's prior experience in Canadian rock scenes, marking a pivotal shift toward international opportunities. The band's initial lineup was completed with bassist Colin Farley and drummer Martin "Frosty" Beedle joining in 1986, solidifying a core quartet that emphasized melody-driven songwriting. signed with ' Siren imprint that same year, drawn by the promise of their demos, and quickly entered the studio to record material blending pop-rock sensibilities with Van Eede's emotive vocals and MacMichael's intricate guitar arrangements. This stylistic fusion, rooted in 1980s new wave influences, set the stage for their breakthrough. Their debut single, "(I Just) Died in Your Arms," released in July 1986, propelled to global prominence, topping the chart for two weeks in May 1987 and achieving strong placements across international markets. The track's success, driven by its dramatic structure and MacMichael's signature guitar riff, propelled the accompanying Broadcast , which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200. Following this, the band received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the in 1988 and embarked on extensive international tours, performing in , , and to capitalize on their rising fame.

Key albums and hits

Cutting Crew's debut album, Broadcast, released in , marked a commercial breakthrough for the band, largely driven by the "(I Just) Died in Your Arms," which topped the chart for two weeks and became a global hit. The album featured MacMichael's prominent guitar work, including soaring solos that added emotional depth to tracks like "," which reached number 9 on the . MacMichael contributed to the album's production on several tracks, co-helming arrangements with the band to blend pop-rock hooks with atmospheric guitar layers. Broadcast achieved gold certification in the United States for sales exceeding 500,000 copies by mid-1987, underscoring its impact during the band's rise. MacMichael also earned songwriting credits on key follow-up material, co-authoring "(Between a) Rock and a Hard Place" with , a track from sessions tied to the band's evolving sound that peaked at number 77 on the in 1989. The band's second album, The Scattering, arrived in 1989 and showcased MacMichael's guitar arrangements in more experimental territory, though it faced commercial challenges. The single "Everything But My " climbed to number 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart, highlighting MacMichael's input on melodic structures amid growing label frustrations that hampered promotion and led to diminished band activity. By the early 1990s, scaled back to a core duo of Van Eede and MacMichael for their third album, Compus Mentus, a limited-release effort issued in 1992 primarily in and select markets. This project reflected MacMichael's maturing style, incorporating intricate guitar textures and co-production elements that emphasized rawer, less polished rock influences compared to earlier works. With Broadcast remaining the standout for its certifications and enduring hits, 's output during MacMichael's involvement highlighted the debut's lasting commercial success.

Later career

Collaboration with Robert Plant

Following the decline of Cutting Crew in the early 1990s, Kevin MacMichael was invited to contribute guitar to 's sixth solo album, [Fate of Nations](/page/Fate of Nations), released in 1993. His background with provided a foundational stepping stone to this high-profile opportunity in Plant's evolving solo work. MacMichael played both acoustic and electric guitar on all tracks of the album, with his contributions particularly prominent on the key song "Calling to You," where his layered guitar work complemented Plant's vocals and Kennedy's solo. He also co-wrote several songs on the record, including "Standing at the Crossroads," "," and "." The track "Calling to You" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Performance with Vocal at the in 1994. Recording sessions for took place primarily at in , with additional work at Sawmills Studio in and Monnow Valley Studio in Monmouth, , where MacMichael integrated seamlessly into Plant's creative process. His experience from Cutting Crew's pop-rock style influenced his adaptation to Plant's blues-infused , allowing him to infuse the album with his distinctive, versatile guitar tone. MacMichael joined Plant's touring band as guitarist and musical director for the subsequent European and North American tours in 1993, performing material from alongside select Led classics, which highlighted his role in bridging Plant's past and present musical eras.

Return to Canada and production

Following the conclusion of his international commitments with and his collaboration with on the 1993 album , MacMichael relocated to , in October 1993. This move marked a return to his East Coast roots after nearly a decade abroad, allowing him to focus on family life with his two daughters while remaining active in music. In Nova Scotia, MacMichael shifted his emphasis to production and session work at his brother Reg's Soundpro Studios in Halifax, supporting emerging regional talent in the Celtic and indie scenes. He contributed guitar and production to East Coast acts, notably co-writing the track "Weddings, Wakes and Funerals" for The Rankin Family's 1997 album Uprooted, and providing guitar support on their recordings. He also played on Sons of Maxwell's 1998 album The Neighbourhood and advocated for The Rankin Family's rising profile, including promoting them at events like Celtic Connections in Glasgow. These efforts helped elevate local artists like Ashley MacIsaac, blending his rock background with traditional Maritime sounds through sessions and studio guidance. In 1996, MacMichael released his solo album Chernobyl Poppies. He also took on a mentorship role in the Canadian indie music community, nurturing young musicians through advice and collaborations that fostered the East Coast scene's growth, including work with Chris Colepaugh & the Cosmic Crew on their 1997 album Mazes and Mirrors. He participated in occasional live performances with groups like and , and toured with Pete Best's band in 2001, maintaining a low-key presence that balanced his professional pursuits with personal songwriting, much of which remained unreleased. This phase underscored his commitment to regional development, drawing on his prior global experience to aid up-and-coming talent without seeking the spotlight.

Death and legacy

Illness and passing

In early 2002, Kevin MacMichael was diagnosed with . He received treatment at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in , where his condition declined rapidly over the ensuing months. A organized in his honor on March 28, 2002, in Halifax raised funds for his medical expenses and drew over 1,000 supporters, underscoring the widespread admiration for his contributions to music. The event, organized by Cutting Crew vocalist , served as a band reunion and featured a performance by MacMichael, his last onstage appearance. MacMichael passed away on December 31, 2002, at the age of 51. He was survived by his two daughters, Cadence of Halifax and Elizabeth of ; his father, Ted; his sister, Marla; his brother, Reg, and Reg's wife, Joan; his mother-in-law, Fran Akerman; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Lyla (Flinn). Following his death, MacMichael was cremated at the Dartmouth and , with his urn vault buried at Mount Hermon Lawn Cemetery in Dartmouth. His family and friends provided unwavering support throughout his illness, reflecting his deep dedication to both his craft and loved ones; they remembered him as a cherished figure whose musical gifts left an enduring personal legacy, and noted that he would be sadly missed by all.

Posthumous recognition

Following his death, Kevin MacMichael received widespread recognition in obituaries that celebrated his pivotal role in pop-rock as the guitarist and co-songwriter for , whose hit "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" exemplified his melodic contributions to the era's sound. The Independent's obituary praised his "lovely gliding guitar" on tracks like "," underscoring his technical skill and Grammy-nominated impact with the band. Similarly, The Herald highlighted his co-founding of and the global success of their debut album Broadcast, which sold over three million copies, positioning him as a key architect of synth-infused rock anthems. Post-2002 reissues of Cutting Crew's catalog have prominently credited MacMichael's guitar work, renewing appreciation for his arrangements and songwriting. In 2024, released the expanded box set All for You: The Virgin Years 1986-1992, remastering albums like Broadcast and The Scattering with bonus tracks that showcase his layered guitar lines and co-compositions, including demos that highlight his foundational role in the band's sound. Earlier compilations, such as the 2018 self-titled collection, similarly feature his performances on signature tracks, ensuring his contributions remain accessible to new audiences. In , where MacMichael was born and later returned, local honors have emphasized his roots and broader legacy. A tribute on CJLS radio saluted his with the Dartmouth-based band , a late-1970s group known for Beatles-inspired covers, as a formative step toward his international success and influence on East Coast rock. At the 2018 East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Awards in Halifax, his daughters accepted a posthumous Single Award plaque for "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" on behalf of Universal Music Canada, alongside the ECMA Directors' Special Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring ties to Canadian music scenes. MacMichael's posthumous recognition has also extended to his production and mentorship in Canadian rock, filling gaps in earlier accounts of his diverse credits. Obituaries noted his role in elevating East Coast acts like , for whom he co-wrote songs including "Weddings, Wakes and Funerals," influencing subsequent generations of Maritime songwriters through his promotion of Celtic-infused rock. This mentorship legacy, as an "elder statesman" in Nova Scotia's scene, has inspired guitarists and producers, with tributes crediting his work with artists like for bridging local talent to wider audiences.

References

  1. https://www.the-independent.com/news/obituaries/kevin-macmichael-138186.html
  2. https://mynewbrunswick.ca/kevin-macmichael/
  3. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11906160.kevin-scott-macmichael-co-founder-of-the-cutting-crew-and-guitarist-with-robert-plant/
  4. https://www.discogs.com/release/9862969-The-Chernobyl-Poppies-The-Chernobyl-Poppies
  5. https://www.ecma.com/news/ecma-announces-honorary-awards-recipients
  6. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/this-day-in-music-383-70333/
  7. http://nsclassicrock.mysite.com/heaven.html
  8. http://nsclassicrock.mysite.com/bedfordrow.html
  9. http://www.emd.ca/artists/spice.html
  10. http://nsclassicrock.mysite.com/spice.html
  11. http://nsclassicrock.mysite.com/fastforward.html
  12. https://cuttingcrew.biz/
  13. https://www.cuttingcrew.org/biography.php
  14. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/cutting-crew-i-just-died-in-your-arms-song/
  15. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-05-09/
  16. https://www.last.fm/music/Cutting%2BCrew
  17. https://grammy.com/artists/cutting-crew/7752
  18. https://pophits.org/songs/cutting-crew-i-just-died-in-your-arms
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/4186525-Cutting-Crew-Broadcast
  20. https://musicgoldmine.com/products/cutting-crew-broadcast-virgin-records-album-award
  21. https://music.apple.com/za/song/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/724154629
  22. https://pophits.org/songs/cutting-crew-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place
  23. https://www.classicrockhistory.com/top-10-cutting-crew-songs/
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/2127961-Cutting-Crew-Compus-Mentus
  25. https://rockandrollparadise.com/kevin-macmichael-122002/
  26. http://stevecovault.com/deadrockstars/2002.html
  27. https://www.grammy.com/awards/36th-annual-grammy-awards
  28. https://therockpedia.com/robert-plant-fate-of-nations-1993-a-legendary-rock-album/
  29. https://www.tgilmore.com/cc/text/kevinmac.html
  30. https://www.tgilmore.com/cc/bio_kevin.html
  31. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/270993304/kevin-scott-macmichael
  32. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2851429/
  33. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/kevin-macmichael-138186.html
  34. https://theseconddisc.com/2024/01/10/cutting-crew-box-set-cherry-pop/
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/12547251-Cutting-Crew-Cutting-Crew
  36. https://www.cjls.com/2020/01/24/remembering-the-cutting-crew-and-their-guitarist-dartmouths-kevin-macmichael/
  37. https://musiccanada.com/news/legacy-of-canadian-cutting-crew-member-honoured-with-platinum-plaque-at-2018-ecma-awards/
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