Boston is an American rock band formed in 1976 that achieved enormous success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band was founded by guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer Tom Scholz, who remains the only original member. Boston’s sound is characterized by a mix of melodic guitar-driven rock, harmonized vocals, and Scholz’s innovative use of studio technology.
**Band Members Throughout the Years:**
1. Current Members:
– Tom Scholz: Guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
– Gary Pihl: Guitar, backing vocals
– Curly Smith: Drums, percussion
– Jeff Neal: Drums
– Tommy DeCarlo: Lead vocals, keyboards
– Tracy Ferrie: Bass guitar, backing vocals
2. Original Members:
– Tom Scholz
– Brad Delp (deceased): Lead vocals, guitar
– Barry Goudreau: Guitar
– Fran Sheehan: Bass
– Sib Hashian (deceased): Drums
**Albums:**
1. Boston (1976)
2. Don’t Look Back (1978)
3. Third Stage (1986)
4. Walk On (1994)
5. Corporate America (2002)
6. Life, Love & Hope (2013)
**UK Hits:**
1. “More Than a Feeling” – peaking at No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart in 1977.
2. “Don’t Look Back” – reaching No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart in 1978.
3. “Amanda” – their highest-charting UK single, hitting No. 33 in 1986.
**Biography:**
Boston’s eponymous debut album, released in 1976, is one of the best-selling debut albums in U.S. history, certified 17x Platinum. It features iconic tracks like “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Rock and Roll Band.” The album was recorded in Scholz’s home studio and propelled the band to immediate fame.
Their sophomore album, “Don’t Look Back,” released in 1978, also achieved multi-platinum success. The title track, along with songs like “Feelin’ Satisfied” and “A Man I’ll Never Be,” showcased the band’s musical prowess and Scholz’s production ingenuity.
After a prolonged legal battle with their record label, Boston released “Third Stage” in 1986. The album, which took six years to complete, featured the hit singles “Amanda” and “We’re Ready.” It topped the Billboard 200 chart and solidified Boston’s status as rock icons.
Following a hiatus in the 1990s, the band returned with “Walk On” in 1994, featuring a new lineup and a slightly evolved sound. Boston continued to tour and record sporadically, with “Corporate America” released in 2002 and “Life, Love & Hope” in 2013.
Despite lineup changes and extended breaks between albums, Boston’s music has endured through generations, captivating fans with their signature sound and timeless hits. The band’s uncompromising commitment to quality and integrity in music production has cemented their place in rock history.
**Awards and Achievements:**
Boston’s impact on the rock music scene is undeniable, reflected in their numerous accolades and achievements over the years. Some of their notable awards include:
1. Boston received a Grammy nomination in 1977 for Best New Artist.
2. The band’s debut album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013.
3. Boston has sold over 75 million records worldwide, solidifying their status as one of the best-selling rock bands of all time.
Boston’s music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing their enduring influence and legacy in the rock music landscape. Their innovative sound and timeless hits ensure that Boston’s place in music history remains secure for years to come.
