The fact that Boston does not follow the usual pattern of a rock group has been driven by Scholz, who is not your typical musician. He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and owns Scholz Research and Development. He is the inventor of the Rockman guitar amplifier.

"I think Tom owns about 29 patents," said Pihl, who doubles as vice president of Scholz Research and Development. "I think it is safe to say that we are the only group who performs using amplifiers that we built."

Scholz is a reluctant tourer -- possibly why the group limits its live performances. Boston will play around 40 dates this summer, including tonight's show at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.

The band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the years and is touring with a new lineup this summer.

"We have been fortunate," Pihl said. "We have been able to work with great people."

Tommy DeCarlo, who joined the band in 2008 in the wake of the death of original lead singer Brad Delp, is the lead vocalist. Scholz and Pihl will be on guitars with Scholz also playing keyboards.

"When you see those lists of the 100 greatest guitarists, Tom is always on it," Pihl said. "The unusual thing is that if you see a list of the 100 greatest keyboard players, Tom also is on that list. Not too many people can make that kind of list on two different instruments."

Curly Smith, who toured with Boston previously, returns to the lineup for this summer's tour. Two newcomers, Tracy Ferrie on bass, and guitarist David Victor, round out the touring act.

"All six of us can sing," Pihl said. "That really makes it nice."

The set list of the Kinder show will include many of the group's standards mixed "with some new songs and a couple of songs we haven't played in a while," Pihl said.

What older songs?

"Oh, I can't tell you that," Pihl said. "You'll have to come to the show to find out."

One thing you won't hear at a Boston show is any recorded music or sound effects.

"One of the things Tom insists on is that everything is performed live," Pihl said. "We find a way to create the sound on stage."

Source: The Town Talk