Kevin MacMichael facts for kids

Kevin Scott Macmichael (born November 7, 1951 – died December 31, 2002) was a talented Canadian guitarist and songwriter. He was best known for being a member of the 1980s pop-rock band, Cutting Crew. This band had a huge hit song in 1986 called "(I Just) Died in Your Arms". Cutting Crew was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988.

Early Life and Music

Kevin Macmichael was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. He grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Starting with Guitar

Kevin got his first guitar in 1963. His friend Sandy Bryson also started playing around the same time. They were big fans of The Beatles. They learned many of the Beatles' early songs. They even went to see the movie A Hard Day's Night in Halifax.

First Bands

In 1964, Kevin and Sandy started a band called The FourToGo. They played in Dartmouth with drummer Darrell Lysens and lead guitarist Al Arsenault. After that, Kevin played with other bands like Bedford Row and Yellow Bus. He later joined a Nova Scotia band called Chalice. In 1978, he became part of the band Spice.

Music Career Highlights

Joining Cutting Crew

In the early 1980s, Kevin was playing in a Halifax band called Fast Forward. He met Nick Van Eede, who was a singer touring Canada. Kevin then moved to London, England. In 1985, he helped start the band Cutting Crew. The other members were Nick Van Eede, bassist Colin Farley, and drummer Martin "Frosty" Beedle.

Working with Robert Plant

After Cutting Crew, Kevin worked with famous singer Robert Plant. Robert Plant was the lead singer of the legendary band Led Zeppelin. Kevin played guitar and helped write songs for Plant's 1993 album, Fate of Nations.

Kevin once shared a story about meeting Robert Plant. Plant asked him to play something. Kevin played songs by bands like Buffalo Springfield. Plant was very impressed and said, "Never leave me." Their work together lasted for one album and a world tour. The song "Calling to You," which Kevin played on, was even nominated for a Grammy.

Back on the East Coast

After living in the United Kingdom for nine years, Kevin returned to Nova Scotia. He worked with many Canadian East Coast musicians. Some of these included Wayne Nicholson, Tribute, Chris Colepaugh & The Cosmic Crew, The Rankin Family, and Sons of Maxwell.

Later Life

Kevin Macmichael passed away on December 31, 2002. He died in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was 51 years old. He is remembered by his family, including his wife and two daughters.