thanks tiffany. i heard this on the news last night up in new hampshire and so wished that it was a false report.

then i went out to run some errands and switched on a local rock station (wzlx) and sure enough, they were playing Boston....followed by dj carter allen and others bringing out all of their Brad Delp stories.

really sad.

Too bad - another classic rock hero who won't be showing up for the encore because he's gone off to a bigger gig.

I knew about Boston's support of issues like vegetarian eating and non cruelty to animals. I've got no problems with that - people can support whatever they want. I wonder how this is seen in comparision to the recent Dixie Chicks or Springsteen controversies here on blogcritics. Is this any different - a genuine attempt to promote a belief, or just an artist using their position to meddle? I would go so far as to suggest that for every fan they picked up because of their beliefs, they lost another who got annoyed at the lecture on the album cover and just wanted to hear some rock and roll.

Either way - Brad Delp - an unmistakable rock and roll voice, and possibly Boston's right-out-there-in-the-open secret weapon.

Re: Causes & Critics & Controversies...

Anyone has a right to beef, or promote or take a stand. And sure, artists and celebrities may use their standing -- a sound bite, the stage, Entertainment Tonight -- as a high-profile, highly visible podium from which to broadcast or orate.

There's also manners and styles of doing so, different motivations. It seemed like Boston led more by "example;" if they could turn someone onto things they believed in, or stood for, because someone rocked out to their music and happened to glance through their liner notes, then all the better.

It's also a matter of perception as is anyone who takes a critic's/critical position -- one who hates, say, country music, may tend to "pile on" and let that dislike spill over past songs and lyrics and albums, and turn it into a rubber-stamped distaste for the people, their friends, etc.

I am partial to Boston, and in what I've heard and read, I didn't get the sense that they were "legislating from the bench," metaphorically speaking.

Oh, me neither - but I know plenty of people who think a performer ought to just "shut up 'n play yer guitar," as one famous six string slinger once said.

As I said, there's been controversy on bc recently with this sort of thing - I just wondered if it was going to play out again. But traffic is sometimes slower on the weekends, or maybe it's out of respect for the passing of Mr. Delp.

Right on! I can't get over Brad being gone - and I am actually shocked at how this is sticking with me. But then, "Boston" was the first real record I owned that I chose (along with B.O.C.'s Agents of Fortune - another classic gem). I would steal...er...borrow my older uncle's albums before then, or get K-Tel specials for gifts (which weren't bad back then).

The Boston album! Reading the liner notes, seeing those cool guitar space ships - realizing that the earth was blowing up - and the major cities of the world were escaping on space ship guitars!! Slipping those Koss Headphones on late at night when I couldn't get to sleep because the world was closing in on my pre-teen mind. Becoming entrapped in the layers of guitars and organ of Tom and Barry with the solid rhythm of Fran and Sib (what great names!) - but it was Brad Delp that sold me.

Those vocals took me away to a better place - a place where my insecurities and unimportance would be obliterated because I was listening to cool music. Even my uncles (from whom I "borrowed" Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Kraftwerk, Rundgren, T-Rex, ELP, etc) thought I was cool! I became important because of my musical knowledge and taste at school. It's amazing the power that music has, which of course, you already espouse. "...I looked out this morning and the sun was gone, Turned on some music to start my day, I lost myself in a familiar song, I closed my eyes and I slipped away...

Even now - most songs on the first Boston record I play every month (along with Don't fear the Reaper) - because of what it represents and what it does for me. It motivates me because Boston (and B.O.C.) represent exactly what music is for me, and what continues to motivate me in owning Fundamental Records, now 24 years old. The thrill of knowing that Fundamental has been a part of bands like the Butthole Surfers, Henry Rollins, Grant Lee Phillips first band, Savage Republic, Camper Van Chadbourne (look that one up), Vigilantes of Love (who's "Real Downtown" song you wrote about and that got me started on your list a few years ago), Love Tractor, and many great artists - THAT is the SAME FEELING and motivation that I had in 1976!!

Now that Brad is gone at such a young age - 55 - it completes my self-awareness of my own human frailty and short stay here - that awareness happens daily and I am shocked at the level of how deep and intense it is. If you were to tell me that I would be like this even 5 years ago, I would have laughed at you.

"So many people have come and gone, Their faces fade as the years go by, Yet I still recall as I wander on, as clear as the sun in the summer sky..."

You see, it was my grandmother - long since gone at the age of 63 - who took me into the store and let me choose my own Christmas presents that day. What a cool beloved lady. I hope she meets Brad Delp when he gets to heaven.

Great piece, Tiffany. You described what made Boston great far better than I did.

Congrats. This article has just been submitted for BC news promotions to Digg, Netscape, and Reddit.

Now go vote!

-Glen

Mortality creeping into my life once again. I remember when I first started playing guitar {in 1974} More Than A Feeling was such a cool riff. Now that I sing and play professionally, I have even more respect for what Brad was all about. I hope that the songs I write, might bring someone back to the days we didn't have stress or bills or problems. That's what Boston's and moreover Brad's voice does for me when I hear it. Lounging around the house in the summer, being bored out of our teenage minds listening to Smokin' or Gonna Take A Ride and wishing we were older. Peace Brother, It's more than a Feeling~~Doug

Brad Delp,legendary voice,legendary band,and certainly "A MAN I'll NEVER BE".Condolences to the Delp family,band mates,and fans.Mr. Delp you will be missed.Thank you for your amazing voice,your songs, and your compassion for humanity.Go with God and God be with you.Rest in peace.

I will never forget.The excitement of hearing Brad sing live.I had the pleasure of seeing them 4 times.The last being in Nashville Tn.With my 10 yr old son.A night we will always remember.Thanks Brad

I've left notes on two guest books and have written two emails to original guitarist Barry Goudreau. I am not a fan-writing guy but it seems like I am not alone in this unusual gut reaction to his death. Brad Delp's voice spoke to so many of us. We remember teenage years just hanging out with friends, we remember being alone in our rooms cranking up his voice. Even kids who grew up in the 80's or 90's really have gotten into Boston. There is a great drum tribute to Brad on youtube by a 9 year old and there are a few youtube Boston related videos by generations that didn't hear it the first time. Brad's voice is something that reached so many souls. When he died it was way more than just another singers' death. It really means something to so many of us who absolutely were and are blown away with Boston and the voice of Brad Delp. I am so sad and mad that he left us. His voice reached some of us just like Elvis and the Beatles did for some in the 50's and 60's. It's weird how Boston was huge but none of the band members made it to superstar status. We remember, though, don't we? We KNOW how Brad sang to us in such a very deep way. His voice reached us personally. How many singers can do that?

One of my guest book entries:

Someone said something I feel as well. I didn't previously understand the personal loss that some felt when John Lennon or Elvis passed but as a product of the 70's the death of Brad Delp effects me like a loss in my family. Brad Delp did not have the superstar status of those other two yet his voice managed to have an amazingly large impact on so many of us. I'm simply a fan but his voice was there like a best friend. His voice transcended the radio, the vinyl, the tapes and the CD's. It didn't just go to my ears, it went to my heart. It's apparent I am not alone in that sentiment. His voice was bigger and more meaningful to me than all the rest. I wish I could go back in time and thank him for that.