Brad Delp, the mightily piped lead singer of Boston, was found dead yesterday in his Atkinson, N.H. home; he was 55 years old. The Associated Press reports that the cause of death is unknown, but that foul play isn’t suspected. From the New York Times obit:
Mr. Delp’s stacked vocal tracks, from earnest tenor to wailing falsetto, were so central to the music that in Boston’s first management and recording contracts, [Tom] Scholz and Mr. Delp were the only official members of the band; Barry Goudreau on guitar, Fran Sheehan on bass and Sib Hashian on drums were soon added. Mr. Scholz wrote all the songs on Boston’s debut except “Smokin’,” written with Mr. Delp, and “Let Me Take You Home Tonight,” credited to Mr. Delp alone.
Scholz may have been the band’s musical guru, but anyone who’s ever tried to sing along to 1976′s Boston knows that “More Than A Feeling” wouldn’t be as epic without Delp’s impossible-to-recreate vocals. We’re pretty sure most classic-rock stations around the country will be holding memorial marathons all weekend; if you happen to catch a little “Don’t Look Back,” be sure to raise your glass–and your voice–in tribute.
Brad Delp, 55, Lead Singer for Boston, Dies [NY Times]
Hey, Brad - Take a Look Ahead.
And rest in peace.
My weekend just went from crappy to shitty. bummer.
“impossible to re-create vocals” was what they also thought about Rob Halford… I hope they don’t go that route for what it’s worth.
It is kinda sad though, I mean they’re probably the epitome of Classic Rock radio. Delp likely had one of the greatest ‘staches. I know it’s “cool” to rip on ‘em with “Scrubs”-like irony, but you like ‘em…
You know you do.
…and oh yeah, TREMENDOUS vocals.
awful timing, given the fact that they had a new album and tour in the offing, and he was getting married. What a voice.