Died On This Date (March 9, 2007) Brad Delp / Lead Singer For Boston
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.