Just saw Boston for the first time in 32 years and...

[dave64o]

... wow, I felt like I was in junior high all over again.

The music was pure Boston, with every guitar Rockman processed, just like you'd expect. But the biggest question I had going into it was the vocals. How can you replace a singer like Brad Delp? Well, I found out the answer - you can't. However, that DOES NOT mean the vocals were a let down.

Their new singer, Tommy Dicarlo, was a miracle find and did a fantastic job. But it seemed to me like they gave him plenty of opportunity to rest his voice by giving ex-Stryper guitarist/singer Michael Sweet and bassist Kimberly Dahme turns at lead vocals. That plan of attack worked well. All six people in the band provided vocals and the result was that they were strong all night and the harmonies were lush and generally right on the money.

I haven't seen them since their first tour when my sister and her boyfriend at the time took me to my first concert as a birthday present when I was about 12 or 13. My son has heard me listening to them and wants to go the next time they come around. If it's in the next year or so, he'll be 12 or 13 too (though he's a veteran of several large concerts already, including Rush twice).

Bottom line, if you are or were a fan, go see them even if it's only to hear Tommy Dicarlo on vocals. There were many times I couldn't believe it wasn't Brad Delp singing.

[Marcus Johnson]

That's a tough vocalist to follow. When the occasional Boston tune pops up on vintage rock stations, Brad always just blows me away. Good for the new guy if he can even come close.

[Johnny Crab]

Bravo/kudos to Boston for the singer and for covering that.

Brad was a "one of a kind" just like Steve Perry was(ex-Journey lead vocal). The new guy in Journey comes very close other than being much younger and jumping around a lot. There is a LOT of vintage and really good Boston stuff on youtube.

[Bassic83]

Tommy's story is really amazing as well. He worked at Home Depot prior to being discovered, and even Tom Scholz couldn't believe how close Tommy's voice was to Brad's. That said, I do miss Brad, but I'm glad they are carrying on. Not sure I care much for Michael Sweet in this context, but that's just my opinion.

[Phantopeth]

I saw them play in Mansfield, MA during this tour, and I too was blow away by the whole package. I thought both Tommy and Michael channeled very Brad-esque vocals throughout the show, and with Kim's help, the vocal harmonies were just amazing. As far as I'm concerned, they played every song I would have wanted to hear (except Let Me Take You Home Tonight, but I can live without it). Feelin' Satisfied was a religious experience for me.

One thing I never knew about the band, though, was that Tom played the key parts! And he can rip on those keys just as sure as he can on his Gibby.

I was also proud to hear that their drummer Jeff Neal is a Mainer Apparently he teaches soccer at a high school in Southern Maine, I might have to go check out a match next time I'm in the greater Portland area, just so I can say I met a member of Boston

For the 2 hours they were on stage, I think both my buddy and I were in love with Kim. I did happen to notice at one point when she was on the jumbo screen that there was no ring on that finger...

[dave64o]

From what I read, Tom was originally a keyboard player and only started playing guitar around the Mothers Milk era with Barry Goudreau, but he picked it up VERY quickly. I remember the first time I saw them he did a full Phantom of the Opera solo during the organ solo in Smokin', complete with a huge pipe organ that rose out of the stage.

Speaking of newbies on an instrument, Kim was originally a guitar player. Tom wanted her for vocals and when he asked her if she played bass she said "I can learn", and apparently she did just that. She did a great job with the harmonies as well as bass and my wife got a kick out of elbowing me during the concert and saying "Wow, she's better than you!". No kidding, SHE wasn't the one sitting in the audience watching ME!

And as far as newbies go, you can't get much more newbie than Tommy DiCarlo. Talk about a dream come true for him.

I would have loved to see them play Used To Bad News. For some reason I just love that guitar solo. Too bad Barry Goudreau wouldn't have been there to play it himself.

[Eric Perry]

I saws them in '03 on the Corporate America tour. Amazing show. Brad was incredible. He had lost a lot of his range, but the emotion and passion he put into what he sang gave me goose bumps.

I was blown away when I heard of his death. Brad Delp was Boston, IMHO. I think Tom Sholz is a spotlight whore, and he just seems like a prick to me. I don't know why. Kimberly was another highlight of the show, but other than her and Brad, the rest of the band (while very good), were just lame, IMO.

I miss Brad Delp.

[cassanova]

Originally Posted by dave64o

From what I read, Tom was originally a keyboard player and only started playing guitar around the Mothers Milk era with Barry Goudreau, but he picked it up VERY quickly.

Tom started playing guitar at age 21. I don't quite know what era that would've been though.

[the evil]

i saw boston at the mohegan this month and loved it.

stix opened for them and though i only know the main radio stix songs (renegade, sail away, ECT) i thought they were great; (the lead singer/guitarist looks just like the film version of Zaphod Beeblebrox from "hitchhikers guide to the galaxy" which had me dying.

but again i love boston and im only 28, but was even more shocked to see 25 and below in groups buying t shirts and hooting their name. they are pretty much my favorite band and i was actually pretty sad when delp died because i always wanted to see him sing. but my girl got me the tix as a gift because she knows i love them and i had a great time. though i did think "sweet" was a little too glam rock with his long hair, shiny shirt, and head banging to long time (favorite song) to fit in.

def catch them if you can, i was also happy they only played liek one song form corporate america too lol.