Brad Delp
June 25, 1951 – March 9, 2007
Brad Delp was the unmistakable voice of Tom Scholz’s arena-rock band Boston, one of the break-out acts of the 1970s. Born in 1951, Delp was one of countless teenagers who, after witnessing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, knew that rock ‘n roll was to be his life’s calling. Delp first began working with Scholz in the latter’s 1969 band, Mother’s Milk. The group was soon renamed Boston and released its self-titled debut in 1976. With hits like “More Than A Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Foreplay/Long Time,” the album propelled the group into the international spotlight and, with over 17 million copies sold, became the biggest selling debut album in history. It still stands as one of the iconic releases of the era. It’s quick follow-up, Don’t Look Back sold an astonishing four million in just its first month, and went on to sell seven million. The group’s Third Stage followed in 1986, and in 1991, Delp left the group to form RTZ. Delp and Scholz reunited in Boston in 1994, but as would be expected, they never achieved the success of their first releases. It should be noted that Delp wrote or co-wrote several of Boston’s songs over the years. In later years, he performed in various groups or projects. On March 9, 2007, Brad Delp shocked friends, family, and fans by taking his own life when, on the eve of his wedding, he lit two charcoal barbecues in a sealed bathroom. He was 55 when he died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What You Should Own
I cant believe it. It is today July 27th, 2010 that i know about this tragedy. Sorry about my english, i am from Nicaragua. I almost lost my life when I lived in Argentina in 1979, in South America,when i lit charcoal the same way Brad did. It was -11 centrigrade degrees, very cold and i close the doors. I didn´t realize the danger of this action. And after 10 minutes or so i feel a strong headache and stomache, trying to vomit, feeling very bad. My head was exploding and i felt my heart beat very strong !!. Luckily a friend of mine, sharing my university room, return for some money and find me exactly at the time i was putting one of my knees on the floor. I was dying !!. Reading how Brad died, by commiting suicide, he sealed his bathroom with tape. Umm. He had to take some pills to sleep because otherwise he will suffer trying to get air to survive. The charcoal i used that day was a put in a little like bowel. But Brad used a lot!!
Good Luck Brad ! I loved your music !!
eduardo david
Wow – thank you for sharing that with us, Eduardo. Thankfully you survived. And thank you for visiting my site
Vince