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Boston

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Band Timeline

1969-1975

Formation and Early Years of Boston

Tom Scholz started writing music in 1969 while attending MIT, where he composed the instrumental song "Foreplay." During this period, he formed the band Freehold with guitarist Barry Goudreau and drummer Jim Masdea. Vocalist Brad Delp joined in 1970. Scholz used his engineering job at Polaroid to finance demo recordings, playing most instruments himself except for drums by Masdea. After the disbanding of the intermediate group Mother's Milk around 1974, Scholz and Delp produced six demos, including "More Than a Feeling." These demos eventually attracted managers Paul Ahern and Charlie McKenzie and led to the formation of the performing lineup in 1975.
1976

Debut Album Release and Breakthrough Success

Boston released their eponymous debut album on August 25, 1976. This album, recorded mostly by Scholz himself, became one of the best-selling debut albums in U.S. history, selling over 17 million copies. It featured hits like "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," and "Rock and Roll Band," which showcased Boston’s polished classic rock sound distinguished by its layered guitar harmonies and melodic approach. The success of this album established Boston as a major force in rock music of the 1970s.
1978

Release of Second Album 'Don't Look Back'

Two years after their debut, Boston released their second album, 'Don't Look Back,' in August 1978 under Epic Records. The album continued the sound that had brought them success, featuring hits such as the title track "Don't Look Back" and "A Man I'll Never Be." This release further cemented Boston’s standing in the rock world, selling over seven million copies in the US alone. However, tensions began to emerge within the band, signaling changes to come.
1979-1981

Challenges and Lineup Changes

In late 1979, Scholz entered into a dispute with the band's manager, Paul Ahern, over song ownership which caused delays in new material. Around this period, original drummer Jim Masdea was replaced by Sib Hashian and guitarist Barry Goudreau left the band in 1981 to form Orion the Hunter. These lineup changes marked a difficult period for Boston, contributing to postponements before their next album could be completed.
1986

Release of Third Album 'Third Stage' and Major Tour

After a lengthy six-year production hindered by a lawsuit filed by CBS claiming breach of contract due to delays, Boston released their third album 'Third Stage' on September 23, 1986. The album featured the popular single "Amanda," which gained significant radio success. To promote the album, Boston toured extensively in 1987 and 1988, performing 'Third Stage' in its entirety during shows and reinforcing their place in rock music despite the long hiatus since their last album.
1990s

Later Developments and Continued Work

By the early 1990s, Scholz returned to the studio to work on Boston's fourth studio album. However, lead singer Brad Delp expressed interest in pursuing other projects, leading to an evolution in the band's activities and lineup. Despite these challenges, the band kept working on music and continued their presence in the rock scene into the mid-1990s with additional touring and new members joining.
2007

Passing of Brad Delp and Lineup Changes

Original lead vocalist Brad Delp passed away in 2007, marking a significant moment in the band’s history. After this loss, Boston featured various vocalists including Michael Sweet from Stryper, and Tommy DeCarlo who has been the lead singer since then. Other current members include guitarist Gary Pihl, bassist Tracy Ferrie, drummer Jeff Neal, and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Beth Cohen, reflecting the band's ongoing evolution while maintaining ties to its classic origins.
2013

Release of Latest Studio Album 'Life, Love & Hope'

Boston released their sixth studio album 'Life, Love & Hope' in 2013, marking their first studio album in a decade. This release came after lengthy intervals between prior albums, including 'Walk On' and 'Corporate America,' spaced by eight and eleven years respectively. Though their studio output remained minimal after the 1980s, Boston continued to tour and perform live, sustaining their legacy as a major classic rock act with a dedicated fan base.

Albums

boston_1st_album
Boston
8 tracks
1976
boston_2nd_album
Don’t Look Back
8 tracks
1978
boston_3rd_album
Third Stage
10 tracks
1986
boston_4th_album
Walk On
11 tracks
1994
boston_5th_album
Corporate America
10 tracks
2002
boston_6th_album
Life, Love & Hope
11 tracks
2013
boston_7th_album
The Free Ship
32 tracks
2017
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Kimberley Dahme

2001

Fran Cosmo & Anton Cosmo

N/A

Barry Goudreau and Fran Cosmo

N/A

Additional

Tom Scholz

1969

Jeff Neal

2002

Gary Pihl

1987

Tommy DeCarlo

2008

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Fran Cosmo

1990
2006

Anthony Cosmo

1997
2006

Jim Masdea

1983
1988

Jim Masdea

1969
1975

Barry Goudreau

1969
1980

Brad Delp

1969
1990

Michael Sweet

2007
2011

Guitar

Brad Delp

1994
2007

Sib Hashian

1975
1982

Drums (drum set)

Fran Sheehan

1976
1980

Story of Boston

Boston: A Rock Legacy Built on Power Ballads and Epic Guitars

Boston, the American rock band that emerged from the crucible of 1970s Boston, Massachusetts, is a true icon of the genre. Led by the multi-talented Tom Scholz, who wrote, produced, and played the majority of instruments on their 1976 self-titled debut, Boston captivated audiences with their soaring vocals, signature guitar riffs, and powerful ballads. Brad Delp, the iconic lead vocalist, lent his voice to the band's most memorable songs, forming a vocal harmony with Scholz that became a defining element of Boston's sound.

The band's impact on the rock scene is undeniable, fueled by anthems like "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," "Foreplay/Long Time," "Rock and Roll Band," "Smokin'," and "Don't Look Back." These tracks, along with others, have helped Boston sell over 75 million records globally, placing them among the world's best-selling music artists. Their debut album, a massive commercial success, alone shifted 17 million copies, while their second album, "Don't Look Back," sold a further seven million.

Despite their commercial success, Boston's recording output has been relatively sparse since the 1980s. Nevertheless, they have maintained a devoted fanbase, continuing to tour extensively and hinting at the possibility of a seventh studio album. The band's unique sound, characterized by Scholz's intricate guitar work and Delp's powerful vocals, has cemented their place in rock history, earning them the title of 63rd best hard rock artist by VH1.

After Delp's tragic passing in 2007, the band has continued to perform, with vocalists like Michael Sweet (Stryper) and, since 2013, Tommy DeCarlo, carrying the torch. The current lineup includes guitarist Gary Pihl, bassist Tracy Ferrie, drummer Jeff Neal, and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Beth Cohen, all contributing to Boston's enduring legacy.

Boston's music continues to resonate with audiences across generations, proving that their powerful blend of hard rock and melodic ballads remains timeless. The band's story is one of creative vision, unwavering dedication, and a lasting impact on the world of rock music.

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