The Ever-Shifting Sands of Boston's Lineup: A Guide for the Beguiled Fan
Ah, Boston. The band that brought us rock anthems like "Foreplay/Long Time" and "Peace of Mind." But here's a question that's plagued fans for decades, perhaps even longer than the wait between Boston albums: how many darn people are in this band?! Buckle up, because this rock n' roll ride is about to get twisty-turny.
The Founding Five: A Brief Period of Stability
Let's start at the beginning, shall we? In 1975, mastermind Tom Scholz assembled a crew of talented musicians to form Boston. This golden era lineup consisted of:
- Tom Scholz: The genius behind the sound, playing a smorgasbord of instruments (because why not?)
- Brad Delp: The soulful voice that delivered those unforgettable vocals.
- Fran Sheehan: Laying down the funky bass lines.
- Barry Goudreau: The other half of the guitar duo, adding some serious shred to the mix.
- Sib Hashian: Keeping the beat tight on drums.
Musical Chairs: The Revolving Door of Talent
But just like your favorite pair of jeans, Boston's lineup couldn't stay static forever. Over the years, the band has been through more member changes than a chameleon changes colors. Lead singers came and went, guitarists swapped places, and drummers shuffled in and out. It's enough to make your head spin!
The Current Crew: Who's Rockin' the Stage Now?
As of 2024, here's the lineup gracing stages with Boston's classic sound:
- Tom Scholz (of course): Still the main man, steering the ship.
- Tommy DeCarlo: The current lead vocalist, belting out those iconic tunes.
- Gary Pihl: Lending his skills on the guitar.
- Tracy Ferrie: Holding down the low end on bass.
- Jeff Neal: Pounding the skins on drums.
- Beth Cohen: Adding some extra flavor with keyboards, rhythm guitar, and vocals.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Tom Scholz once recorded most of the instruments himself on their debut album? Talk about a one-man band (almost)!
Frequently Asked Questions: You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers (Kinda)
How to keep track of all the Boston members?
- Don't bother. It's a full-time job! Just enjoy the music.
How to tell the difference between the different lead singers?
- Close your eyes and listen to the voice. Or, you know, Google image search.
How to convince Tom Scholz to release a new album?
- Good luck. Maybe offer him a lifetime supply of his favorite brand of solder?
How to get tickets to see Boston live?
- Check their website or a ticketing service. But be prepared, those shows can sell out faster than a Dunkin' Donuts on a Friday morning.
How to play "More Than a Feeling" on guitar?
- That's a tough one. Maybe start with learning your A minor pentatonic scale.
