The Band Boston Fan Site - A Final Boston Concert

A Final Boston Concert

After hearing that Beatlejuice planned to put on one last concert as a tribute to Brad, we decided we would really like to do something similar with BOSTON. After all, people around the world have listened to Brad singing these songs for thirty years.

We planned to let several well known singers that had a history with BOSTON cover Brad's lead vocal parts, and invite all our former bandmembers to sit in during the performance. The musicians and crew members of BOSTON feel like they are a part of a family, the loss affected us all, and we needed to get together again one more time. BOSTON concerts are what brought us together in the first place, so it seemed like the best thing to do for everyone.

Within a couple of weeks we had acquired a roster of great singers to fill in for Brad, and contacted many of our former band members, who were very excited about sitting in. Our guest vocalists were eager to sing the songs Brad made famous with BOSTON. All together we had about 20 performers who would be included in various parts of the concert. Since we had begun rehearsing for our spring shows early last winter, we were basically ready to play any time in April or June. We prepared a tentative set about two and a half hours long that included our most popular songs, with the extensive live arrangements we have presented in the past.

A note here about getting ready for a BOSTON concert: While we do our best to make BOSTON performances look effortless, in reality the parts are difficult to play and the intricate arrangements are a lot to remember. To be prepared for a typical concert requires both constant drilling so that the changes are automatic, and peak performance level to accomplish playing some of the instrumental passages. Once we have done this, improvisation on themes becomes possible, and concentration can be directed to emotion rather than simply recalling parts.

In my personal case this requires several months of preparation, followed by a time consuming ritual of daily rehearsal. Even during a tour, I practice 2 to 3 hrs a day.

Back to reality. Unfortunately, the local Live Nation promoter, who is the only game in town for putting on a major concert, was not able to give us a date for our BOSTON concert any earlier than late October. By that time the layers of rust would be very thick, and all those arrangement details long forgotten.

Rather than spending the time necessary to perform up to BOSTON standards six months from now, we've decided to let go of the idea and return to the studio where I had several projects already in the works. I'm also looking forward to possibly completing an engineering design I've neglected which could improve many people's lives.

Hopefully someday we will be able to resurrect the idea and put on a BOSTON reunion concert. Meanwhile we are planning to play a few songs along with several other bands at an Aug 19th tribute being put together by Brad's son and daughter. Although this won't be a BOSTON concert, we will play a few songs, as will Beatle Juice, Sammy Hagar, Extreme, Godsmack, RTZ, Cheap Trick, Ernie and the Automatics, and Charlie Farren, according to the information we have.

A bit of other news: I've just finished remastering BOSTON'S Greatest Hits CD which now includes "I Had a Good Time." It sounds a lot better than the old 1997 version; we'll let you know when Sony plans to release it. I plan to start mixing live tracks for a BOSTON Live CD next.

Walk On and Don't Look Back,
Tom Scholz

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Eric said:

...
They were here in PR about a month ago and I took my 10-year-old son with me and my wife and HE LOVED IT!!! He actually got a pick from Tom ... I love you man! Ever since the first time I heard Boston (back in 1983), you have been my favorite band ever. I really, really hope that you guys decide on making a DVD of a live concert ... Tom please make it happen 8-(

Brad, best voice ever ... RIP

October 01, 2008
Votes: +0

Jeprox of Marikina said:

...
It was in the 70's in Manila that I got turned on to Boston. Thanks to my younger brother. Brad Delp is one of the best if not "D" best voice in Rock and Roll. I felt a deep sorrow when I heard of his passing.

I hope that Tom would find it in his heart to put out a Boston concert DVD. This would be the least he could do to pay tribute to Brad and an act of gratitude to the millions of fans worldwide that care so much about Brad.

He will be missed ... +

September 30, 2008
Votes: +0

German Salas said:

	... HOLA FANS DE BOSTON, ESTE GRUPO HA SIDO MI MAXIMO EN CUESTION DE ROCK, SI ALGUIEN SABE DE ALGUN DVD EN VIVO QUE HAYAN REALIZADO, LE AGRADEZCO ME ENVIE INFORMACION. 8)
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August 13, 2007
Votes: +0

Kelly said:

...
I have ALWAYS been a fan of Boston. Now at 41, I still listen and marvel at the things that were accomplished in that era. Long before modern musical instruments, a sound that still today is unique to that group of very talented musicians. I had an opportunity to see a show in Tacoma Washington in 1987, and to this day, it is my favorite all time live performance. My sincere heartfelt condolences to the entire Delp family. To the rest of the guys...continue to do what you do as long as you can! You have influenced many people with your music and will for a long time! I hope to be in Boston on August 19, 2007! Peace...from the great state of Washington...

July 18, 2007
Votes: +0

Nancy said:

	... There is nothing left to be said. Brad left a huge void in the lives of his fans. The emptiness felt by those closest to him has to be immeasurable. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BRAD. Rest in peace and rock on :)
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June 04, 2007
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d said:

	... love all u guys but it is a damn shame it took his death to get this going
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May 31, 2007
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Nancy from Ipswich said:

...
How I love and miss the sound of Brad's voice. Such a sweet, gentle man. It's all been said... there is nothing more to say except that I miss you Brad. I will miss hearing and seeing you with Beatlejuice. You must have also been a great actor, because none of us knew the tremendous agony you must have been suffering silently. We would have helped you, if only you let us know.

Tom, I have been reading a lot on this site and others, and I can see how much you appreciated the wonder of this great man. You gave him his big break, but together, you made Boston what it is.

Thank you for this site. Thank you for the CD's on here. I love listening to them while at work! I truly hope you will be able to perform again soon. The music, old and new, ROCKS!!!!

Love and peace,
Nancy

May 30, 2007
Votes: +0

Vincie said:

	... I think i speak for a lot of people who would love to hear some more from Boston. Of course with this being said Brad will be and is missed. To Brads family. God bless you all!
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May 28, 2007
Votes: +0

BRIAN COOK said:

	... yes!!!!! great to here there will be more BOSTON music!!!! tom it's good to here heeling in your words.Dude your a genuise @ music! Remember,great musicians never die, they........... Keep on Rockin me baby!!!!!!!!
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May 27, 2007
Votes: +1

Michael Toomey said:

	... Tom, Can't wait for a live Boston CD. Hey, how about a Live DVD????? Thanks for the music, Mike
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May 17, 2007
Votes: +2

Jay Fruet said:

	... Thanks Tom. Brad will be sorely missed by his fans, I among them. But I hope you continue to make great music for us all...we need it in this time of hopelessness,fear and desperation. Your music has always inspired me, and I hope you never stop making it.God Bless.
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May 17, 2007
Votes: +1

Pete said:

	... Thanks, Tom.
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May 16, 2007
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Jay said:

	... Glad you will continue making Boston music. Also looking foward to a live CD. Rock on! Jay
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May 15, 2007
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Randy Koehl said:

...
October31.1985...Halloween..I was a 27 year-old door to door salesman for the'Best Beef Company'of Chelmsford Mass. In Londonderry NH I happen to stumble upon the Delp household...I had no idea who the heck Boston was until I walked through the narrow hallway and saw the gold records[ you know the narrow hallway I'm talking about] Brad was most gracious and pulled out a little device called a "Rockman " and plugged his Guitar in to it and started playing " More than a feeling" He said it was a new thing. Something Tom was working on.It was several years later when I finally realized just WHO I had been luckie enough to meet.It's the Brown house on the right,,,Bless you Bradley..you touched more lives than you'll know.