Mike

I hate saying it because we're all still on earth and Michael Kamen is not, but heaven can look forward to more beautiful music.

Very sad for us to accept his passing.

Here is a recent example of the fellow Mr Kamen was: a lengthy post by Kamen to one of his own message board members... posted just yesterday.

I don't know what else to say except that I miss him already.

Let's not forget his contributions to albums for Kate Bush, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, David Sanborn and others.

Michael Kamen has been my favourite composer for the last 15 years, ever since I heard his breathtaking score to Die Hard. I also had the honour and pleasure of meeting him several times. He was a truly wonderful guy. The last time I met him was at a Band of Brothers scoring session in London. He couldn't have been more approachable and down-to-earth, and we stayed and chatted after the session for ages - it was a brilliant, memorable day.

As an aspiring filmmaker, it saddens me that I will never get to work with him; and as a film music fan, it saddens me that there will me no more beautiful music.

Michael Kamen was not just a moviemusic composer. Yes, we all knew his familiar strains of the Robin Hood Theme (every time we watch a Morgan Creek Production, we'll hear this and remember), and his work on Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and Mr. Holland's Opus, but he was also a brilliant concert composer, having arranged a suite of work with David Sanborn.

Mr. Kamen also worked with great rock bands, such as Pink Floyd on the epic "The Wall," Queensryche on their 1989 hit "Silent Lucidity" and "Real World" (from Last Action Hero) Aerosmith's 1991 live recording of "Dream On" (featured also on the Last Action Hero soundtrack), and Metallica's smash concert "S&M".

Michael Kamen has enabled the grand sweep of music to cross all boundaries, from the rock stage, to the orchestra pit, to the film screen. For that, I can say that I will always be thankful, and remember his work fondly. He was also a charitable man, who fought to keep music in schools so that children could grow up with the same opportunities afforded him...that of becoming a great musician.

J.C.

Die Hard (I especially like "Gruber's Departure")
Hudson Hawk (the main theme - "Leonardo" - is terrific)
X-Men (not a perfect score, but full of fine moments, like the piano at the beginning of "Death Camp" and the X-Men theme in "The X-Jet")
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (the "Overture" is such a stirring piece of music)

Also, I can't forget his comedy scores. Given the delightful music he wrote for "Nothing But Trouble" and "Splitting Heirs", it's a wonder he didn't do more in the genre.

I'm very sorry that I'm not better at eulogizing.

I hope some dignity from the labels when releasing his work. Only Varese provided a proper and decent pressing. Kamen deserves more than 30 minutes and an 'in memorian' inscription.

NP. The immortal music of Highlander

Some have been mentioned in other posts but in particular I wish you all to see out his beautful arrangements for Kate Bush.

The "Hounds of Love" album is particularly wonderful, but also listen to two haunting songs from "The Sensual World": "The Fog" with it's haunting cello solo and "This Woman's Work" with it's simple, yet moving arrangement.

Not only the world of film music suffered a great loss today, but also the concert halls and the rock world.

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Kamen's family, friends and loved ones.

James Carrocino

Many of the composers we revere here are getting on in age, and with recent examples such as Goldsmith having health issues, it reminds me- unkind a fact as it is- that, someday, those I listen to won't be making anymore music because they're gone.

So Mr.Kamen,we will always remember you in your magnificent scores.......

That's his legacy to us,and what better legacy could that be....

I've decided that until the end of the week,i'm going to take a listen to all his scores that i have,in a sort of tribute to him......

NP-Dead Zone-MICHAEL KAMEN