Composer Michael Kamen dies at 55

Last week we lost yet another renowned musical artist. Producer/composer Michael Kamen died of a heart attack last week. The ailment apparently stemmed from multiple sclerosis. He was 55.

Kamen is best known for his soundtracks for the "X-Men," "Lethal Weapon" and "Die Hard" films. He also composed scores for Kevin Costner's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and Johnny Depp's "Don Juan De Marco." Other soundtracks that carry Kamen's name include "Mr. Holland's Opus," "Polyester," "Brazil" and the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers."

Raised in Queens, N.Y., Kamen formed the New York Rock & Roll Ensemble, a band that caught the ear of Leonard Bernstein, who took Kamen under his wing and showed him the world of composition and arranging. Throughout the 1970s, Kamen scored ballets — including some for the Joffrey Ballet and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. He eventually found himself as the music director for David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" tour.

Rock fans know Kamen for his work with Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Brian Adams and Pink Floyd on "The Wall," "The Final Cut" and "The Division Bell" albums. And still others know his work from Queensryche's "Silent Lucidity" and, more recently, Metallica's "S&M," which featured the metal quartet performing a concert with the San Francisco Symphony.

Kamen shared the stage with Metallica, Queensryche and Coldplay during various Grammy Awards broadcasts and directed the Queens Golden Jubilee at Buckingham Palace last year.

In 2000, Kamen premiered his first symphony, "New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms" at the Kennedy Center for the New Millennium.

Utah residents might recognize his name because he wrote and directed the music for the opening ceremonies at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Kamen was an intimidating figure, with a mane of silver-laced hair and, generally, a two-day stubble. But his friends and associates all called him a beloved friend.

He was diagnosed with MS six years ago but kept the ailment secret until last September.

He is survived by his his wife, two daughters, his father and three brothers.

Rest easy.

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com