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Tom Scholz caught secretly watching American Idol
I woke up very nervous today. More music business trouble? An IRS audit? My dog ate the tape I finished last week? No, much more serious ... I'm worried about American Idol tonight!!
Now any of you who know me might think I've lost the last few marbles I had left, since I NEVER watch American Idol. In fact, the mere mention would start me on a rant over their stupid age rules that eliminate great singers, and all the glitz and needless hoopla you have to sit through just to watch someone cover a chopped down version of a pop song.
But now all that has changed. Last December I heard a young girl from Cape Cod singing Christmas songs for kids at a little event. I only knew her as a niece of friends of mine, but when I heard the voice, I was mesmerized by her ability to bring these simple songs to life.
Since then I discovered she had tried out for American Idol, and now, even in the early weeks of the competition, her name is becoming a household word, Siobhan Magnus. While her beautiful voice and vocal ability have been almost universally obvious to all, the fact that she is as real, down to earth, and sweet as she seems is known only to the few who have met her.
Siobhan has done all of this by herself starting from nothing, and no matter how far she gets in the competition, she has already earned herself a place in many people's hearts, and I doubt anyone deserves it more.
So I'm very nervous today, because tonight she sings again and I hope with all fingers crossed that things go well for her again.
Ms. Magnus, you've done the impossible, you've made me an AI fan.
-Tom Scholz
Sammy Hagar Alumni ALLIANCE Announce First Live U.S. Show With Special Guest Aaron Hagar
The band ALLIANCE is making their very first live appearances on Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6, 2010 at Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill located inside Harrah's St. Louis Casino at 777 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, MO.
This two night event will be a very exciting time in rock history as it marks the group's first U.S. live shows.
The four Alliance members have all performed with rocker Sammy Hagar at different points in his career. Gary Pihl, on guitar, from '77 to '85 (since '85 with the band BOSTON), Robert Berry, on bass guitar, '96/'97 special shows, Alan Fitzgerald, keyboards, '76 to '79 (then played keys with Night Ranger) and David Lauser, on drums, who is currently in Sammy's band.
The Special Guest for the second half of the show will be Sammy's son, Aaron Hagar, singing songs from his father's career.
Alliance has had 3 CDs released in Europe (on Escape Records) and Japan (on Zero Records) to much critical acclaim, but have been so busy with their other bands that they haven't performed in the U.S. before now.
The Boston Rocks site on Yahoo.com commented, “ We're pretty sure Sammy invited Alliance to make their first US appearance at his Beach Bar night club in St. Louis because he knew that they would put on fantastic, memorable shows. After all, he hand picked all the members of Alliance at one time or another.” "And, the addition of Sammy’s son Aaron Hagar is just terrific," added a Gonna Hitch A Ride.com chat-room fan.
For Reservations (recommended) please contact: 314-770-7728
www.facebook.com/sammys.stl
Kimberley Dahme and Gary Pihl from BOSTON were the featured guests on this past Sunday's (January 31) edition of the "Long Live Rock" show. Host Sterling Whitaker — a Nashville-based music journalist, and the author of two books, "Unsung Heroes of Rock Guitar" in 2003, and "The Grand Delusion: The Unauthorized True Story of Styx" in 2007 — says, "We discussed a wide variety of topics, including Gary's side project, ALLIANCE, and upcoming gig with Sammy Hagar's son; Gary working on Kimberley's solo album; charity gigs they've done together; the meticulous work process of Tom Scholz and how that leaves time for side projects; misconceptions people have about Tom Scholz; what it's like to join such a legendary group; working with Brad Delp; Brad's death and the loneliness of life on the road; critical perception of BOSTON as 'corporate rock'; carrying on with Michael Sweet; the new album BOSTON is working on; and why BOSTON is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."
You can listen to the program in the player below or visit our media library, here.
According to The Pulse of Radio, BOSTON guitarist Tom Scholz is up in arms over an "impostor" who tried to impersonate him for a planned solo show for $5,000. Scholz said in a statement that make no mistake — neither he nor BOSTON will be playing any dates in 2010. "The most upsetting part of this is knowing your name has been used to swindle people out of their hard-earned money," he said. "Over the last few years, I've seen countless examples of con artists trying to make deals, pass themselves off, or sell tickets to unsuspecting fans by using the name BOSTON but this is the first time I've seen someone actually use my personal name as a come-on."
He went on to say: "If anyone has doubts about an advertised appearance by BOSTON, or anyone claiming to be performing as a part of BOSTON, they should check our website, BandBoston.com, or contact Agency For The Performing Arts, or our publicist, Gail Parenteau."
A man impersonating artist reps, last heard from in 2008 trying to run a scam on a charity organization by making a fake offer for Ronnie James Dio, may have resurfaced and is attempting to impersonate another artist rep.
If so, he may have picked the wrong guy this time – 20-year concert veteran Joe Fletcher, who is concentrating on films rather than music these days.
And this time, one of the artists being offered up for bookings is Boston founder Tom Scholz – who does not tour as a solo artist.
Fletcher, who resides in Carmel, Calif., learned someone was using his name and a “Joe Fletcher Presents” business Web site in an attempt to bilk businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York and California.
“This person copied my info and is contacting clubs around the country trying to get them to send him money,” Fletcher told Pollstar.
The contact information includes “business” addresses in Seattle, Chicago and New York City. And the offers are ridiculously low – $5,000 for Scholz plus a “full band” to play unusually small venues – and sometimes include a shakedown for another $3,000 for radio spot placement.
The impersonator has also been posting “help wanted” advertisements to Chicago’s Craigslist and other local bulletin boards and asking applicants to pay $50 to cover a “background check,” Fletcher said.
“I sent a cease-and-desist letter and I got this response that was very belligerent,” Fletcher said. “I talked to a couple of other club owners and they all said the same thing – when you confront this person, he’s incredibly aggressive and belligerent.”
In the meantime, Pollstar received what at first appeared to be an unrelated e-mail from a man identifying himself as a Chicago-area musician, warning that a man going by the name of Cary Zermeno – a name connected to several alleged promoter scams between 2006-08 – was back in business in the Windy City.
The latest impersonator has also reportedly attempted to book David Lee Roth, a trait shared with one other, seemingly long-gone, scam artist.
When last heard from, a person who is believed to have used several aliases over the years, including Cary Zermeno, David Wilson, Michael Robertson and Doug Goldstein, attempted to “sell” a Ronnie James Dio appearance to a charity motorcycle ride in the name of the late “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott. The charity tripped up the attempt by making a few phone calls and confirming the offer was bogus.
Pollstar had already reported several instances of what appeared to be the same person running the same scam on several club owners, primarily in the Midwest. The reporting drew a verbally abusive, after-hours voicemail from the mystery “agent” threatening to take legal action.
Many of the details of the latest impersonator’s contact with Fletcher are strikingly similar to those in the scams of 2006-08. In addition to Ronnie James Dio, artists being “offered” for nonexistent plays during that time include Tone Loc, David Lee Roth, Axl Rose, Poison, Bret Michaels and Alice In Chains.
The impersonator has employed a remarkable knowledge of concert industry lingo and processes, which has worked in his favor to convince potential victims he is legitimate.
Skeptical talent buyers have been able to short-circuit the scam by simply confirming artist availability by contacting their responsible agents. And in this case, contacting law enforcement when it becomes obvious fraud or misrepresentation may be involved. But others weren’t as quick to question, setting themselves up to be victims.
A representative for Scholz was unable to get a statement from the artist regarding the bogus “agent” shopping him for shows at press time, but told Pollstar that law enforcement agencies in Chicago have been contacted.
The real Joe Fletcher is also sharing information with law enforcement.
“I got a call from the police department in Racine, Wis., saying they think they know who it is,” Fletcher said. “They’ve subpoenaed everyone involved. They have all these accounts he’s setting up, Moneygram accounts he’s setting up. … The guy is apparently living with his parents in some house in Racine.”
Writing, arranging and recording BOSTON music for hours day after day is frustrating, exhausting, and lonely, yet strangely enticing. My dad used to ask me, "If the song is 4 or 5 minutes long, why doesn't it take 4 or 5 minutes to record it?" The catch is, figuring out what should happen for every second of that 4 or 5 minutes for all the individual tracks on one song, and trying the hundreds of variations on each instrument or vocal takes me typically 4 or 5 months. For every measure of BOSTON music that survives the cut on an album, a week of work ends up in the trash bin.
Meanwhile, the rest of the band members are busy with their own lives and projects, and all have already contributed in some way to the new BOSTON album effort. These are understanding and patient people! Unfortunately I don't expect to have the album finished in time to prepare for a tour this summer, but we are all jonesing to play again.
Much more urgent and serious is Haiti. These poor people were living a wretchedly impoverished life before the earthquake, now it's worse than a Hollywood disaster movie come to life. Those that have survived the initial trauma now are faced with an almost impossible-to-survive situation. Even in this recession, seeing and hearing the stories from Haiti makes you realize how good we have it. Please dig a little deeper and donate as we have, through any of the numerous organizations mobilizing to help.
Let's all try to look out for each other!
Tom Scholz
January 17th, 2010
DOUBLE GIVING: KIDZ B KIDZ TEES SPREAD JOY AND SUPPORT TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BOSTON
Program Begins Now Through January 15, 2010
Members of BOSTON – Gary Pihl and Kimberley Dahme Perform for Kidz b Kidz
Kidz b Kidz is a non-profit organization whose mission is to teach children about empathy, the importance of helping others, and encourage them to continue to find ways to use their artful hands and generous hearts to do good in the world. Kidz b Kidz inspires kids to create artwork from their hearts used in products sold to fund medical breakthroughs and save kids’ lives.
Holiday shoppers can “Double Give” this year by buying a Kidz b Kidz Tee for a Children’s Hospital Boston patient. Why not give someone you care about a gift that really makes a difference? Replace one of your traditional holiday presents (for your children, family or friends) with a Kidz b Kidz Tee that will be sent directly to the Children’s Hospital Boston Center for Families, a department dedicated to helping families find the information and resources they need to understand their child's medical condition and take part in their care.
Once you purchase a tee, Kidz B Kidz will send an acknowledgement letter to your family member or friend to let them know you’ve made a gift in their name. $25 (twenty-five dollars) will cover the cost of your gift, delivery and the acknowledgement card.
This is a true opportunity to “Double Give.” Not only will you brighten a child’s face with a whimsical tee, you will also be supporting Children’s Hospital Boston, one of the world’s largest pediatric research hospitals. All proceeds from the purchase of these Kidz b Kidz tees go directly back to the hospital.
To participate in the Double Giving holiday program go to our website at www.kidzbkidz.org and place your orders. Tee shirt orders received by December 22nd will be delivered to the children on December 23rd. Subsequent orders will be delivered by January 15, 2010.
“We are honored to be part of this wonderful holiday gift program,” says Nancy Corderman and Jan Weinshanker, the two artistically talented businesswomen and cofounders of Kidz b Kidz. “Thank you for helping and happy holidays,” they added.
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Kimberley Dahme and Gary Pihl of the band BOSTON performed wearing KbK Neptune tee shirts. |
Children’s Hospital Boston: Children’s Hospital Boston, an internationally renowned center for medical research and treatment, is one of the only pediatric hospitals nationwide that focuses on pairing world-class research with clinical resources to develop top therapies to treat and cure children. Many of the hospital’s scientific advancements have far-reaching implications for treating adults, too – they target diseases including prostate and breast cancer, macular degeneration, and Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit http://www.childrenshospital.org.
About Kidz b Kidz: Cofounded by Nancy Corderman, a textile designer and Jan Weinshanker Kidz b Kidz is a “second act” in both of their lives. The pair is fulfilling their dream of devoting their talents to a cause they are passionate about: teaching children how they can use art to make a difference in the lives of other children. Sales proceeds that have come from KbK’s inaugural t-shirt, ceramics, children’s apparel and paper product lines, infused with cheerful and awe inspiring images created by children, have already provided funds for pediatric cancer research and hospital programs. As a new line of products is underway, Kidz b Kidz continues to expand its Kreative Kidz Workshops in schools, hospitals and community centers, where our young volunteers create the images used in KbK designs. Here they learn how their image is transformed into the final products that are sold in stores throughout the country to benefit Children’s Hospital Boston. To learn more, visit www.kidzbkidz.org
Tal
k about a one-man band: founder Tom Scholz is listed on Boston's 2002 release Corporate America with "Bass, Guitar, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocal [and] Art Direction" credits. Living proof of the old 'left brain' theory of development [math and music from the same hemisphere; strong in one, strong in the other], Scholz is an MIT graduate with musical ability that he expanded from classical piano to all the instruments the well-stocked rocker's tour bus. Along the way to Boston brand name recognition, Scholz founded his own research company, claiming patents along with pop-rock fame, and has had the time, money, and status to devote some of his time to the environment and poking at politicians. The original, six-member band only lasted for the first album, Boston, after which long production times born of perfectionism led to drop-outs, a lawsuit [Barry Goudreau vs. Scholz] and a record company dispute. Tragically, in 2007, Delp took his own life.
Spectrum (Philadelphia, PA)
12.18.1976
Tracks: 9 / Total Time: 55:33
Catalog: King Biscuit
MP3 $9.98
FLAC $12.98
Tom Scholz - guitars, keyboards
Brad Delp - lead vocals
Barry Goudreau - guitar, vocals
Fran Sheehan - bass, vocals
John Hashain - drums
1. Rock And Roll Band 4:03
2. Help Me (Shattered Images) 4:15
3. More Than A Feeling 9:29
4. Peace Of Mind 5:09
5. Something About You 4:00
6. Smokin' 9:34
7. Foreplay / Long Time 10:51
8. Television Politician 3:32
9. Don't Be Afraid 4:40
In 1975, guitarist/ songwriter/ inventor/ electrical engineer Tom Scholz, with a master's degree from MIT, was working by day at Polaroid. By night, he was recording feverishly with his own rock band, Boston, that also consisted of fellow Bostonians Brad Delp on vocals, Barry Goudreau on guitar, Fran Sheehan on bass, and John "Sib" Hashain on drums.
With Scholz at the helm, they spent most of 1975 writing an album's worth of songs that would eventually transform itself into one of the most successful debut albums by a rock band in history. Those demos, with virtually little overdubs or changes, became the first Boston album, released on Epic Records the following year. The record exploded at radio with four hit singles, and would go on to sell 10 million copies. The group worked on and off (in between Scholz other career as a successful music equipment manufacturer) throughout the 1980s and '90s, but suffered from inconsistent personnel line-ups and music that was by that point becoming dated.
When this 1976 performance by Boston was captured for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, the band was at the top of their game and in the zenith of their popularity. Although now it is not viewed as much a virtue as a curse, the ultra-success of the first Boston album is credited by many as launching the rise of AOR radio and corporate rock, both of which appeared around the same time in America. This show features most of that debut LP that changed radio forever. Opening with the high energy hit, "Rock And Roll Band," the group is quick to play its biggest song, "More Than A Feeling," which is over nine minutes long here. Lesser known tracks "Peace Of Mind" and "Something About You" are next, followed by another all-out rocker, "Smokin'." Next up are the obligatory band solos, which lead into a steady rockin' 14-minute version of "Long Time." They close with the cynical opus, "Television Politician" which jams into the more hopeful "Don't Be Afraid."
Such a high quality live recording of Boston in their prime reveals that the polish and power they displayed on their studio recordings could be translated to the stage and was arguably, even more compelling. With an emphasis on material from their classic first album plus non-LP tracks like "Shattered Images" and "Television Politician," this is a must-listen for all Boston fans.
Long Beach Arena (Long Beach, CA)
03.16.1977/ Early Show
Tracks: 12 / Total Time: 1:11:16
Catalog: King Biscuit
MP3 $9.98
FLAC $12.98
Tom Scholz - guitars, keyboards
Brad Delp - lead vocals
Barry Goudreau - guitar, vocals
Fran Sheehan - bass, vocals
John Hashian - drums
1. Rock And Roll Band 4:56
2. Help Me (Shattered Images) 4:09
3. More Than A Feeling 9:37
4. Peace Of Mind 5:51
5. Something About You 3:26
6. A Man I'll Never Be 6:56
7. Smokin' 7:56
8. This Time 5:22
9. Foreplay 2:52
10. Long Time 8:35
This early show from Boston's 1977 appearance in Long Beach was recorded while the band was making Don't Look Back, their second multi-platinum release, which was released that year. The band was still promoting the first album, and most of this show consists of songs from that classic Boston record, which yielded hits such as "More Than A Feeling," "Rock & Roll Band," "Something About You," "Smokin'," and "Long Time." They do, however, offer up "A Man I'll Never Be," which, at the time, had yet to be recorded.
This recording proves that while the band may have been the ultimate example of corporate rock on vinyl, they certainly were a great live band. Recorded for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, this concert is proof that Boston had strong musical chops. The band remained viable and active through 1986, when their third album, Third Stage, was released. Then Scholz, an obsessive perfectionist, began a nearly ten year hiatus where he took time to start his own successful audio processing equipment company that features a number of inventions he had developed to assist him in making Boston albums. By the time he returned with 1994's Walk On, he had been sued by Goudreau (for hurting his solo career) and by Epic for taking too long to deliver the band's third and fourth albums. By then, he was the lone original member left in the band. Hence, Walk On was a failure both critically and commercially.
In 1975, guitarist/songwriter/inventor/electrical engineer Tom Scholz, with a master's degree from MIT, was working by day at Polaroid. By night, he was recording feverishly with his own rock band, Boston, that also consisted of fellow Bostonians Brad Delp on vocals, Barry Goudreau on guitar, Fran Sheehan on bass, and John "Sib" Hashian on drums. Spearheaded by Scholz, they spent most of 1975 writing an album's worth of songs that would eventually transform itself into one of the most successful debut albums by a rock band in history. Those demos, with virtually little overdubs or changes, became the first Boston album, released on Epic Records the following year.
Scholz reunited with Delp for 2003's Corporate America, which seemed very dated compared to what was being played on rock radio at that time. In 2006, it was announced that the original lineup was getting back together for a new album and tour, but that project dissipated when Delp tragically and unexpectedly committed suicide in March of 2007.
Long Beach Arena (Long Beach, CA)
03.16.1977/ Late Show
Tracks: 9 / Total Time: 57:27
Catalog: King Biscuit
MP3 $9.98
FLAC $12.98
Tom Scholz - guitars, keyboards
Brad Delp - lead vocals
Barry Goudreau - guitar, vocals
Fran Sheehan - bass, vocals
John Hashian - drums
1. Rock And Roll Band 4:09
2. Help Me (Shattered Images) 4:01
3. More Than A Feeling 9:17
4. Something About You 4:26
5. A Man I'll Never Be 6:34
6. Smokin' 5:27
7. Guitar Solo / Blues Jam 8:08
8. Peace Of Mind 5:19
9. Foreplay / Long Time 10:06
This late show from Boston's 1977 appearance in Long Beach was recorded while the band was making Don't Look Back, their second multi-platinum release, which was released that year. The band was still promoting the first album, and most of this show consists of songs from that classic Boston record. One that yielded such hits as "More Than A Feeling," "Rock and Roll Band," "Something About You," "Smokin'," and "Long Time." They do, however, offer up "A Man I'll Never Be," which, at the time, had yet to be recorded.
This recording proves that while the band may have been the ultimate example of corporate rock on vinyl, they certainly were a great live band. Recorded for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, this concert is proof that Boston had strong musical chops. The band remained viable and active through 1986, when their third album, Third Stage, was released. Then Scholz, an obsessive perfectionist, began a nearly ten year hiatus where he took time to start his own successful audio processing equipment company that features a number of inventions he had developed to assist him in making Boston albums. By the time he returned with 1994's Walk On, he had been sued by Goudreau (for hurting his solo career) and by Epic for taking too long to deliver the band's third and fourth albums. By then, he was the lone original member left in the band. Hence, Walk On was a failure both critically and commercially.
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Aired October 19, 2009 Tom sits in for Paul who was out feeding the parking meter. Paul Shaffer's Day in Rock is a daily 60-second vignette that draws on Shaffer’s vast musical knowledge and ability to comment on the history of rock from his unique perspective.
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More wizards of the Goldtop, Sunburst and Custom
Tom Scholz was just your average MIT graduate and senior product design engineer for Polaroid when he recorded some demos in his basement with a little band he called Boston.
That group (and their self-titled album) would enjoy one of the biggest debuts in music history. Key to their sound is a 1957 Les Paul goldtop Scholz bought for $300.
While Scholz also became famous for inventions such as the Rockman and Power Soak, his dense, multi-tracked rhythms and soaring solos would be unthinkable without his goldtop (which sports a Mighty Mouse decal) and a ’68 model he purchased as a backup.
Scholz keeps P-90s in the neck position of his Les Pauls, but he installed DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers at the bridge to minimize RF interference from stage lights. In addition, the bridges are outfitted with "gang tuning wheels" to allow for accurate pitch during outdoor shows.
Once a tinkerer, always a tinkerer.
If you’re not able to watch these PSAs on Ch. 7 and Fox locally, here’s a clip to enjoy. Tom and Gary appear at the end.
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