The origins of the band are now shrouded in mystery thanks to later conflicts between Tom Scholz and the other band members. The classic lineup of guitarists Tom Scholz and Barry Goudreau, vocalist/guitarist Brad Delp, bassist Fran Sheehan and drummer Sib Hashian didn’t fully crystalize until the band was signed by Epic Records. However, the five musicians had been working together throughout the early 1970s.
Boston began when Tom Scholz, an MIT engineering graduate who worked at Polaroid answered a newspaper ad placed by guitarist Barry Goudreau, seeking a keyboard player for a band called “Mothers Milk.” (Scholz was predominantly a keyboard player at the time, although he developed rapidly as a guitar player during Boston’s early years.)
Scholz made many recordings at his home studio with the future members of Boston, as well as drummer Jim Masdea (with whom Scholz played in a prior band), and singer Ron Patti from the band Boston Creme. The roots of the first album were created in these early demo sessions with songs such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Hitch a Ride,” “Peace of Mind,” “Foreplay/Long Time” and “Rock & Roll Band.” Scholz soon became frustrated with the limitations of the technology at the time and his inability to capture the sound he wanted, so he began building and designing his own equipment.
The first tapes Scholz produced were rejected by the record labels. A second set of tapes with Scholz on guitar, newly hired singer Brad Delp on vocals and Masdea on drums drew the attention of executives at Epic Records, a division of CBS. The label was dissatisfied with Masdea’s performance, so he was replaced by Sib Hashian. The label also insisted that Scholz re-record the demo tapes in a professional studio with a full band, which led to the hiring of bassist Fran Sheehan. With the exception of “Let Me Take You Home Tonight,” which was recorded in California, Scholz re-recorded the other seven tracks in his home studio.
Lead singer Brad Delp took his own life March 9, 2007, at his home in Atkinson, New Hampshire. Police found Delp dead in his bathroom. Police Lt. William Baldwin called the death “untimely” and said that no foul play was indicated. Delp was alone at the time of his death according to the police report. According to a New Hampshire TV website, Delp was preparing for a summer tour and marriage. His family later revealed that his death was a charcoal-burning suicide and that he was found by his fiancee. Associated Press reported that, according to the New Hampshire medical examiner, Delp’s death was the result of suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning as evidenced by carboxyhemoglobin.
Don’t look back
A new day is breakin’
It’s been too long since I felt this way
I don’t mind where I get taken
The road is callin’
Today is the dayAnd I can see
It took so long just to realize
I’m much too strong
Not to compromise
Now I see what I am is holding me down
I’ll turn it around, oh yes I willI finally see the dawn arrivin’
I see beyond the road I’m drivin’It’s a bright horizon but I’m awakin’
Oh I see myself in a brand new way
The sun is shinin’
The clouds are breakin’
‘Cause I can’t lose now, there’s no game to playI can tell
There’s no more time left to criticize
I’ve seen what I could not recognize
Everything in my life was leading me on
But I can be strong, oh yes i canI finally see the dawn arrivin’
I see beyond the road I’m drivin’
Far away and left behind, left behind(guitar bridge)
Oh the sun is shinin’ *and I’m on that road*
(guitar solo)
Don’t look back
A new day is breakin’
It’s been too long since I felt this way
I don’t mind where I get taken
The road is callin’
Today is the dayI can see
It took so long just to realize
I’m much too strong
Not to compromise
Now I see what I am is holding me down
I’ll turn it around, oh yes I willI finally see the dawn arriving
I see beyond the road I’m driving
Far away and left behindDon’t look back
Don’t look back
Don’t look back
Don’t look back…
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