There is a big difference between 'been' and 'gone'. The present perfect always gives us information about the present moment, and these two words give different information. For example: Is John at home? No, he isn't. He's gone to the bank. 'He's gone' = He is not at home now. Does John have any money? Yes, he has. He's been to the bank. 'He's been (to the bank) = He is at home now. He went to the bank and he came back.

Actually /been/ stems from /to be/. I also enjoyed reading Su.Ki.'s explanation, as I learnt something from it.

two past participles, been and gone. => went and gone I went to the movies last Sunday She was gone when I arrived => been and gone Have you been to Paris ? [someone is calling for Mary at her office] You're asking for Mary ? I am sorry she is gone for the day.

Andrew is right. BEEN is the past participle of TO BE, GONE is the past participle of TO BE. "Prince died a few days ago, but Michael has BEEN GONE almost a decade."