
Feature Photo: Matt Becker, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Complete List Of Boston Band Members looks at the musicians from a band formed in the mid-1970s in Boston, Massachusetts. Do you remember the first time you heard Boston and said wow! I will never forget hearing “More Than A Feeling,” for the first time when it first came out in 1976 when I was 15 years old.
Boston’s self-titled debut album released in 1976, is considered one of the best-selling debut albums in U.S. history. Over the years, Boston has released a total of six studio albums and has undergone numerous lineup changes. The band’s music has remained popular over the decades, with classic hits like “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Amanda.” Despite the changes in membership and periods of inactivity, Boston has continued to tour and record new music, maintaining a loyal fan base.
Tom Scholz
Tom Scholz is the founder, primary songwriter, and lead guitarist of Boston. He first formed the band in the mid-1970s and was instrumental in crafting the band’s iconic sound. Scholz is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, which contributed to his innovative approach to music production. He played on all of Boston’s albums, starting with their groundbreaking debut album in 1976, and has remained with the band ever since. Scholz is not only known for his musical talent but also for his contributions to music technology, particularly through the development of the Rockman guitar amplifier. Aside from his work with Boston, Scholz has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and has pursued interests outside of music, including inventing and engineering.
Brad Delp
Brad Delp was the original lead vocalist for Boston and was known for his powerful, distinctive voice. He joined the band in the early stages of its formation and was a key figure in their early success. Delp sang on Boston’s most successful albums, including their self-titled debut album in 1976, “Don’t Look Back” in 1978, and “Third Stage” in 1986, contributing to some of the band’s biggest hits. He left the band in the early 1990s but returned for subsequent albums and tours until his death in 2007. Outside of Boston, Delp also worked on various music projects, including the band RTZ and performing as part of a Beatles tribute band, demonstrating his versatile vocal talent.
Sib Hashian
Sib Hashian was the drummer for Boston from 1975 to 1983, joining the band in time to play on their debut album. His drumming can be heard on “Boston” (1976) and “Don’t Look Back” (1978), contributing to the band’s distinctive sound during their early years. After leaving Boston, Hashian continued to play music, participating in various projects and occasionally performing with former bandmates. He was also involved in local music scenes and occasionally appeared in reality television.
Barry Goudreau
Barry Goudreau was one of the original guitarists for Boston, playing on the band’s first two albums, “Boston” (1976) and “Don’t Look Back” (1978). His guitar work contributed to the band’s signature layered sound. After his departure from Boston, Goudreau released a solo album and was involved in several other musical projects, including the band RTZ, which he formed with former Boston bandmate Brad Delp. Goudreau has continued to be active in the music industry, working with various artists and bands.
Fran Sheehan
Fran Sheehan was the original bassist for Boston, playing on the first three albums. His bass playing contributed to the band’s full, rich sound on albums such as “Boston” (1976) and “Don’t Look Back” (1978). After leaving the band in the early 1980s, Sheehan largely retreated from the public music scene but remained active in local music circles and participated in occasional music-related events and projects.
Gary Pihl
Gary Pihl joined Boston in 1985, after the departure of Barry Goudreau, and has been with the band ever since. He made his recording debut with the band on the “Third Stage” album in 1986 and has contributed to all subsequent Boston albums. Before joining Boston, Pihl was a member of Sammy Hagar’s band, where he gained significant experience and recognition. His guitar work has been a key component of Boston’s sound for over three decades, and he continues to tour and record with the band.
This list includes some of the most significant members of Boston, both past and present, but it is not exhaustive. Over the years, Boston has seen many talented musicians come and go, each contributing to the band’s evolving sound and legacy.
Tommy DeCarlo
Tommy DeCarlo joined Boston in 2007, taking over lead vocal duties following the death of Brad Delp. DeCarlo was discovered through his performances of Boston songs that he posted online, which caught the attention of the band’s members. His addition to the band was unique because he was a fan who had no prior experience with a major touring act before joining Boston. DeCarlo’s debut with the band was during the 2008 summer tour, and he has since contributed to live performances and the band’s sixth studio album, “Life, Love & Hope” (2013). Outside of Boston, DeCarlo has worked on solo projects and continues to be an essential part of Boston’s current lineup.
Kimberley Dahme
Kimberley Dahme became a member of Boston in the early 2000s, contributing as a bassist and vocalist. She was notably featured on the “Corporate America” album (2002) and contributed to the band’s sound with her musical versatility. Dahme’s addition to Boston was significant as she was one of the first female members to join the band. Besides her work with Boston, Dahme has pursued a solo career in country music and has been involved in various musical projects, showcasing her talents as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
Anthony Cosmo
Anthony Cosmo joined Boston in the late 1990s and contributed to the band’s “Corporate America” album (2002) as a guitarist and songwriter. He is the son of Fran Cosmo, another Boston member, which made his addition to the band a continuation of a familial legacy within Boston’s history. After his time with Boston, Anthony Cosmo continued to work in the music industry, engaging in various projects and collaborations.
Fran Cosmo
Fran Cosmo joined Boston in the early 1990s, initially as a vocalist to share lead singing duties with Brad Delp. Cosmo’s powerful voice contributed to Boston’s sound on the “Walk On” album (1994) and the “Corporate America” album (2002). Before joining Boston, Cosmo was the lead singer for the band Orion the Hunter, which also featured Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau. Cosmo’s tenure with Boston included significant touring, and he continued to perform music following his time with the band.
Curly Smith
Curly Smith joined Boston as a drummer in the early 1990s, playing on the “Walk On” album (1994) and rejoining the band for the “Corporate America” album (2002) and subsequent tours. Smith brought a strong rock and blues influence to Boston’s sound with his dynamic drumming style. Outside of his work with Boston, Smith has had a successful career as a session musician, songwriter, and producer, working with a variety of artists across different genres.
The members listed here represent a mix of the core, long-standing members and some of the notable later additions who have contributed to Boston’s enduring legacy in rock music. The band’s ability to evolve while maintaining its signature sound is a testament to the diverse talents of its members, both past and present.
Beth Cohen
Beth Cohen joined Boston as a touring musician, contributing as a vocalist and keyboardist. She is a native New Yorker who got her start in club bands such as Phase IV. After moving to Florida, she began her musical career as a backup singer to Jon Secada. Since then, she has become one of the most respected vocalists in the music business. She has toured with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and established her own solo career. She became part of Boston’s live lineup in the mid-2000s, showcasing her versatile musical talents during Boston’s live performances. Cohen’s background includes a wide range of musical experiences, from classical training to rock and pop performances, making her a valuable addition to Boston’s touring ensemble. Her work with Boston highlights her ability to adapt to the band’s classic sound while also bringing her unique flair to their live shows.
Jeff Neal
Jeff Neal became the drummer for Boston in 2002, joining the band during a time of revitalization and new musical direction. Before joining Boston, Neal was a high school teacher with a passion for music, playing drums in local bands. His transition to Boston was marked by his powerful drumming style that complemented the band’s classic rock sound. Neal’s contributions have been crucial during live performances, and he has been part of the band’s lineup for tours and events since his induction.
David Victor
David Victor joined Boston in 2012 as a guitarist and vocalist, contributing to the band’s live performances with his musical versatility. Victor’s tenure with the band was marked by his ability to replicate Boston’s intricate guitar harmonies and vocal parts, adding depth to the band’s live sound. In addition to his work with Boston, Victor has been involved in various musical projects, including his own bands and tribute shows, showcasing his range as a musician and performer.
Tracy Ferrie
Tracy Ferrie joined Boston as the bass guitarist in 2012, bringing with him a wealth of experience from playing with various bands and artists across different genres. Ferrie’s addition to Boston coincided with a period of renewed touring activity, and his bass playing became a key component of the band’s live sound. Ferrie’s energetic stage presence and musical proficiency have made him an integral part of Boston’s most recent touring lineups, contributing to the band’s legacy of high-energy rock performances.
Tommy Funderburk
Tommy Funderburk provided backing vocals for Boston during the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to the “Third Stage” and “Walk On” albums. Although not a frontman for the band, Funderburk’s vocal contributions added to the rich harmonies that are a hallmark of Boston’s sound. Outside of his work with Boston, Funderburk has had an extensive career as a session vocalist, working with a wide array of artists and bands across various genres.
Complete List Of Boston Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024