Brad Delp, Lead Singer Of Boston, Dead At 55
Published March 10, 2007
Friday night it was announced that Brad Delp, the lead singer of Boston, was found dead in his home at the age of 55. Boston, of course, were one of the biggest bands of the mid-70s. Their self-titled debut album in 1976 sold about eight bazillion copies, featuring classic rock radio staples like "More Than A Feeling," "Peace Of Mind," and "Hitch A Ride."
While band mastermind Tom Scholz got all the credit (understandable given that he wrote the songs and invented the Rockman line of guitar effects to create the dominant guitar tone of the next 15 years), they could not have been as successful without a singer of Delp's abilities. He had a stratospheric range and was capable of genuine emotion. Give "Hitch A Ride" a listen today and notice his command of the song. You know you have your older brother's vinyl copy buried somewhere.
Because of their ubiquity on the radio, it became uncool to like Boston in the post-Nirvana world, even though the riff from "Smells Like Teen Spirit" isn't dissimilar from the chorus to "More Than A Feeling." Even though they had fought with their label for years, they were still considered a "corporate" band, indistinguishable from bands like REO Speedwagon, Journey, Styx, and Kansas. Their sonic template, mixing distorted rock guitars cut with layers of acoustics, and loads of harmonies, would be used throughout the 80s, most notably by Jeff "Mutt" Lange on the records he made with Def Leppard.
Although subsequent works by Boston failed to reach the standards of the debut should be re-evaluated by the rock cognoscenti and thought of not as a relic that aging baby boomers try to force down our throats, but as a genuine masterpiece. Maybe not on the level of my holy trinity of "Pet Sounds," "Sgt. Pepper" or "Born To Run," but certainly as the epitome of solid, fun, unpretentious rock.
An episode of Scrubs last season featured the doctors trying to put together an air band, and the show closed with them rocking out to "More Than A Feeling." Although it was meant as a joke to use that song, it turns out that they got it completely right. Whenever you hear that song, or any of Boston's hits, you have no choice but to fake playing along. Check it out below. Mike Schwartz, one of the writers on the show, practically steals the scene as the drummer.
Rest in peace, Brad Delp.
- Brad Delp, Lead Singer Of Boston, Dead At 55
- Published: March 10, 2007
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Classic Rock and Oldies, Music: Hard Rock, Music: Rock
- Writer: Dave Lifton
- Dave Lifton's BC Writer page
- Dave Lifton's personal site
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Thanks and Rest in Peace Brad... you made 70's music fun to listent to and it was More Than A Feelin'!!!!!!!
Wow, never thought it would happen so sudden. I went to see the Boston homepage to go watch them live with my dad, and read the most shocking news... I couldn't believe it i had to recheck other websites just to make sure this was real... But the most greatest moment of my life was when i got to meet him him live in Detroit and got 2 pictures with him.. He had his arm around me giving off the most wonderful kind smile he has. You will be greatly missed Brad, you introduced me to Rock and Roll, and i will never forget that...
I just got home from a dinner where friends who know me and my love of Boston (and Brad Delp's vocals) had to ease me gently into the news of Brad Delp's passing. I can't believe it's true.
This is a truly sad day; for me and all the Boston fans worldwide. I doubt there will ever be a combination of vocal talent, personality and situation (music like Boston's) again. Brad Delp was to music what Wayne Gretzky was to hockey. Always going and giving way beyond, out of passion for what he loved to do. I'm so glad I got to live in his time. "A million hands gave the sign, we had the right, can you believe it" - Holyanne. I didn't live the halcyon, but I could feel it's spirit in every song you sang.
I'll miss you Brad. Peace & Love from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Brad Delp's passing is truly sad. Boston's debut was the first "real" album I owned back in '76. That album is deservedly getting a lot of attention, but I urge anyone to really give their second album, Don't Look Back, a good listening. If you don't get chills hearing A Man I'll Never Be, check your pulse.
We will miss you, Brad.
I really wanted to hear about the weather for the next day, and then there it was: Brad Delp dead at 55.
Boston's sound was awesom and new. I feel sad at the news and I think I will play the album for Brad now. I was reading their biography just a few months ago and was surprised at all the struggle that Mike Shwartz went through to get that fabulous sound and the fights with the record labels. A great story a great sound and a great voice. Brad we will miss you. Now you can sing with the Angels, that's were you always belonged.
I always remember seeing Boston in '87, marveling at how Brad hit the high notes on the song Hollyann and I've seen them every time since then. I even get kidded at work when my Boston ringtones go off on my phone. This is truly a loss and I hope the band still plans on touring this summer in his memory. Thanks for the timeless music and memories. Rock On in the heavens. You will be missed.
Maybe Boston didn't get the respect it deserved in some quarters, but man they were popular and rightly so.
I can recall seeing them in 1977 when they were really "hot" and the show sizzled. They were an amazing live performance band and Delp's vocals were on target throughout the 2 plus hours. You can bet I lit my lighter along with everyone else, getting two encores in the end.
Sadly, we turn yet another page. RIP, Brad Delp!
I saw Boston in '87 as well in Buffalo. They were great, played every song they recorded but 3. Everything about the show was flawless, which you would expect with Boston. I don't know how they'd ever be able to replace Brad. I don't know how he hit those notes without bursting a few blood vessels.
This is a message for Brad:
Brad,
You had the best singing voice I have ever heard and I can't believe I will never hear your voice on another Boston song ever again. I would have like to have met you, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. They say only the good die young, and Brad, you were a good one. You will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
I've felt for years that Brad Delp was the best vocalist of the 70's and one of the greatest singers in all of music history. I'd give anything to relive the one time I saw BOSTON live in the Boston Garden in 1988. It was the first concert I ever attended and Brad sounded phenomenal.
"Don't Look Back" Brad, as you "Hitch A Ride" to heaven!
The music and memories will live on!
I Just loved Boston as everyone who loved rock.
You made more people happy than most of us ever will.
Rest in peace dude
First boston concert at Leary field in Waltham Mass right before the release of their debut album.
First Beatlejuice concert a few months back at the Sit'n'Bull in Maynard. Really wanted to see them again...
I missed the concert they played in 1981 in Indy because I couldn't get a ride to the show - had to sell my ticket to someone else at school. I sold it for $5 and only got $2 with a promise for the other $3 never fulfilled. Turned out it was the last chance to hear a Boston concert for a long time, now it turns out, it was the last chance ever to hear Brad's amazing voice. I've put up with the sneers and snickers from several generations now when I answer "what kind of music do you like" with "Boston!" Rest in Peace Brad, perhaps we'll still meet one day. Until then, you'll be terribly missed.
I had the privelege to meet Brad at a Beatlejuice show at a theatre in Worcester, Mass. about 7 years ago on a trip with a friend who wrote the song "Magdelene" that Boston recorded on the Walk On LP.
After the show, Brad (in typical Brad fashion) hung out with the fans for quite some time, and a more down to earth rocker you'll never meet, let me tell you. The man was truly a gentle spirit...
I have more than a feeling that Brad has found peace in rest if not peace of mind in life.
Rest in peace Brad.
I got the great privilege of seeing Boston live on August 27, 2004 in Puerto Rico and back in 97, and of all the concerts i have attended in my life which are many, none has ever had the impact that this group had on me, especially the the perfect voice of Brad, and the humbleness with which he addresses the public, he was a true gentleman, his music was a great support during those long nights studying for exams at med school, the name Brad Delp will always bring great memories, may you rest in piece, it has been an honor being your fan.
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This is a total heartbreaker. I never got to see them, and knew I would eventually. I really wanted to see someone belt out those notes in person.
Speaking of that, why is there no live Boston out? I have heard they kill live. Maybe this sad passing will give someone the impetus to give us some great live recordings.
Rest in peace, Brad. You are a great part of my rock and roll life.