Boston The Tragic History Of the Band, Death of Brad Delp & Tom Scholz Perfectionism
2,578,757
Published 2020-11-24
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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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
All Comments (21)
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Throw your suggestions below for future topics. This was a fan suggestion
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I'm 70 now. When Boston comes on the radio in the morning, I know it's going to be a good day. 🎶🎶🎶
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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".
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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.
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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
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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"
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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
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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.
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When people describe the 'best voices' in rock, they never mention Brad. He is easily No.1 or 2. RIP Brad.
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Brad Delp, one of GREATEST vocalist of all time. Without a doubt.
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RIP Brad Delp, an amazing voice, gone much too soon. You are greatly missed 💕
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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.
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Boston’s debut album is hands down one of the best rock albums of all time!
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Delp is one of the greatest rock singers of all time.
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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.
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There never was and there never will never be another Bradley Delp. He was a absolute harmonic genius when it came to his vocals. Not only did he have range, but no matter what note he was singing his voice was always smooth as golden butter and clear as crystal. A person's opinion in regards to the quality of music is of course subjective. However, Delp was one of those rare one of a kind singers who's talent, tone, range, pitch and just overall ability is not open for debate. He's objectively outstanding. He's in the same box as Freddie Mercury and Steve Perry. Both of whom's talent can literally blow your mind.
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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.
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Brad Delp had one of the best voices of all time. What a sad ending to his life
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Brad's voice will ring out forever...and will always be the voice of Boston's debut classic.
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Brad Delp was one of the nicest people that I have ever met and he was incredibly humble even though he was a phenomenal talent.
