Boston The Tragic History Of the Band, Death of Brad Delp & Tom Scholz Perfectionism

Whatever happened to the band Boston? They were behind hits such as 'More Than a Feeling'

0:00 - Introduction of Boston
0:35 - Tom Scholz Early Beginnings With Boston
2:08 - Boston Gets A Record Deal
3:25 - Boston Tricks It's Record Label
4:45 - Boston's Second Album & Lawsuits
8:17 - Tom Scholz Creates A Company, Brad Delp Leaves
10:00 - Brad Delp Returns, Corporate America
11:25 - Brad Delp Passes Away

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#boston #braddelp #tomscholtz

Tom Scholz was the mastermind behind Boston. An MIT alumni and following graduation he would end up getting a job with Polaroid working as a product design engineer. Apart from tinkering with electronics, he also was into music, having played in a series of bands in the city of Boston with names like Middle Earth, Freehold and Mother’s Milk. While he spent a lot of time on the live music circuit, he quickly realized he wasnt going to get a record deal that way. It was then he turned his attention to recording demos in some local studios which never caught the interest of record labels. He soon built a twelve track recording studio in his basement and again record labels showed no interest in what he was creating.
It wasn’t until he enlisted the help of several musicians he had played on the local boston circuit that he finally got the attention of the labels. Guitarist Barry Goudreau, who Scholz played with in boston on the live music circuit would introduce him to singer Brad Delp. They worked on and created the songs that formed the first Boston album, albeit some of them with different names. San Francisco Day which was later to named Hitch A Ride, It Isn’t Easy which was re-titled Something About You, Foreplay, originally composed in 1969, Peace Of Mind, Rock ’N’ Roll Band, and the final track they recorded was called, Ninety Days which was later renamed More Than A Feeling. The hand claps on the song were even from Scholz first wife.
And you would think these songs would’ve created a bidding war with the record labels, but it didn’t. In fact most record labels passed on the demos. But in 1975, Tom, Scholz was contacted a representative from ABC Records named Charlie McKenzie. It had turned out by some strange twist of fate McKenzie had heard the demo while he was visiting a friend who worked at RCA records. That friends name was Paul Ahern. McKenzie and Ahern convinced Scholz to let them shop around the demo claiming they could get him a record deal. They would end up taking the demo to CBS owned Epic Records who showed interest, but prior to signing a deal they wanted to see the band perform live for executives.
Epic staff producer Tom Werman recalled to Classic Rock Magazine hearing the demos for the first time revealing "After More Than A Feeling, which sounded quite like the final product, and halfway through the second song, I stopped the tape. I couldn’t believe that this music was actually available to us, and told Ahern that if Lennie and I could see the band reproduce this live, we'd guarantee to sign them. "
As Scholz turned to his live showcase for the record executives he knew he didn’t really have a band. Scholz would work with Delp as well as a bunch of local musicians they already knew from the Boston music scene for the live showcase, which took place at a warehouse space, which ended up belonging to Aerosmith. The band passed with flying colours and ended up signing an astounding 10 album deal that would last 6 years. While it may seem crazy, that was the standard contract that was given to bands back then.
However, things started to turn sour for Scholz when Epic Records told him that they wanted to re-record the demos in a studio setting with an experienced producer. The label suggested John Boylan who met with Scholz where the pair hatched a pretty impressive scheme. Instead of going to LA to re-record the demos, which Scholz thought was pointless, He would stay home in Boston and work in his basement sprucing up the demos to give the record label something that seemed more polished. Meanwhile, the rest of the band would go to Los Angeles to work on new material that would turn into the song Let Me Take You Home Tonight, Scholz stayed home, fastidiously gussying up the demos to give Epic something that sounded like a more p

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[andifisaytoyoutomorrow]

My fav Brad Delp moment- "I closed my eyes and she slipped away", with the word away sang in 4 octaves. What a voice he had.

[whitedesigns]

I attended the Nashville show for 3rd Stage in 1987. I had "BOSTON" on my car's license plate, and took it to the show. I was on the 5th row, center stage, so the band could clearly see it. I was invited backstage and met everyone, except Tom, who never came out, although he did sign the license plate. Brad Delp saw me with the plate and immediately approached me. He was interrupted by a music executive, who said, "I want you to meet..." Brad stopped her, saying, "Excuse me, I'm speaking with someone, when I'm finished, we can talk." He was kind, down to earth, and seemed like the sweetest guy - no ego whatsoever. He wrote, "Thanks for making my night, Brad Delp '87"

[TheSaltydog]

I'm 70 now. When Boston comes on the radio in the morning, I know it's going to be a good day. 🎶🎶🎶

[hkirkgearing]

Brad Delp grew up across the street from my Grandparents in Danvers Ma. He was a great guy!! When my grandfather died he came to the funeral and made sure he came up to myself and every member of my very large family to give his respects. To us he was just Brad...a awesome guy. RIP

[admtech]

The first Boston album was sonically light years ahead of its time. The shimmering guitars and the epic vocals are unmatched in today's world of pro tools and auto tune. A true timeless classic.

[williamhannon]

Brad Delp had, without a doubt one of the most beautiful and recognizable voices in rock and roll. Hell everything Boston recorded was absolutely amazing. Delps vocals and Schol's guitar were the "Boston Sound".

[joescott]

I met him weeks before his death at a bar where he was playing Beatle tunes with his band, Beatle juice. We spoke like no one else was there in a crowed room. Down to Earth and respectful also a really nice guy. Thanks for the memory Brad.

[randylear]

Boston’s first album blew me away. Best by far of anything I had heard. So unique. It is still my favorite album. Rock on guys. I am 63 years old and still listening to those 70’s Rock songs.

[jameza]

Good, Lord, Boston’s first record was a masterpiece.
Tom’s guitar taking flight and Brad’s voice taking us to the stratosphere.
Unbelievable.

[mikekroft]

I got to see Boston in 2003 during the corporate america tour in hershey pa. they played every song they've ever written, they brought the pipe organ, the spaceship, the 25ft guitar, i was 6 rows from the stage an it rained the entire time, brad kep thanking the people for being there and nobody left. the concert was 3 hours and was the best concert i ever attended

[martyfly]

When people describe the 'best voices' in rock, they never mention Brad. He is easily No.1 or 2. RIP Brad.

[DjmMik]

Boston’s debut album is hands down one of the best rock albums of all time!

[scottdunn]

I was 10 when Boston came out, and you had to have lived during that time to fully understand just how huge this record was. It's ingrained into my DNA.

[melissamontgomery]

Brad Delp had the golden voice that no one’s ever been able to mimic. Every time I hear more then a feeling it’s like gearing it for the first time.

[ryano]

How is Boston not in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame?? Every Classic Rock station still plays their singles daily.

[icescrew]

A friend rushed into a party apartment i hung out in. Epic stereo system. Pulls out this album, "Wait till you hear this shit" we were stunned. I still am.

[jessicaguerrero]

Brad Delp, one of GREATEST vocalist of all time. Without a doubt.

[Drjackdempsey]

The ONLY album I can think of where literally EVERY track was a radio staple. All 8 tracks were hits and still played in regular rotation to this day. Simply AMAZING!!

[jameshill]

A few months before Brads passing.. my bud and l driving up Rt 1 in Mass pass a marquis in front of Tequilas Bar&Grill that read "Brad Delp and Barry Goudreu preforming this weekend!" some how l immediately thought "We are going to show up early and hang out back until the equipment shows up and offer to help huck in whatever" it worked! Brian ( keyboard) and Muzz (drums) we're there and accepted the help offer, Barry showed and Brian quickly introduced us, Brad showed up a bit later and again Brian introduced us, Brad seemed very grateful for the help.. I was star struck as l have ever been in my life! One of the greatest ever..in my presence talking to me after growing up in Miami listening and singing with his voice my than l could EVER remember. This lasted about 10 mins.. after talking about things initially for 5-10 mins he was just a really nice guy, no attitude, no " l am the GOLDEN VOICE OF ROCK!" personality there AT ALL.. So weeks past as we would go to Tequilas and help the band as much as possible l became closer with Brad as he would sit at my table with me between sets
and we would have light conversations about anything generally not music related but it always came up. One weekend l brought up Tom.. he said "l'm the neutral between the band and Tom.. l get along with all of them but they have their moments between them. We are practicing now for a Boston upcoming Summer Tour, you come and l will get you backstage and introduce you to the guys!" I was PSYCHED! I went to my car and grabbed a gold foil "Don't look back" CD and handed it to Brad and asked if he would get Tom to sign it..he smiled as he looked at it almost puzzled..he was shocked being he had not seen a gold foil Boston CD, he said he'd be happy to! He asked for my address and stuck it in his guitar case.. they stopped playing Tequilas, late Oct.. 3 days before Xmas l got a package from Atkinson New Hampshire.. inside the disc l had given him, signed by both Tom and Brad and a small letter that he explained that he tried to get the whole band to sign it at practice but sadly it was an "either or" and he apologized and said he look forward to seeing me at the upcoming Summer Tour... wished my wife and myself a "Happy Christmas!" I was blown away! That tour never happened, l never saw him again.. it's been years now but it still saddens me when l think of those days at the bar & grill listening to his band that were soo good, doing covers, RTZ or some Orion music but not Boston music.. it was truly an honor to be a really good acquaintance of his. He will be missed forever by many.