Music that delivers ‘More Than a Feeling’
Last Modified: Wednesday, July 04, 2012 11:46 PM
By John Guidroz / American Press
After forming more than 35 years ago, the classic rock band Boston is still entertaining several generations of fans with its timeless collection of hit songs.
The band takes the stage at 8 p.m. Friday at the Grand Casino Coushatta pavilion. It is one of 39 shows the band has scheduled throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is their first tour since 2008.
The band’s lineup has has gone through many changes over the last few decades, with singer/guitarist David Victor being one of its newest members. Victor joined the band largely because of a popular YouTube video featuring him singing the band’s song “Smokin.’”
“It was seen by people who know people,” he joked.
Not long after the video was discovered, Victor was later asked to sing on a couple of new songs the band was working on.
Founding member and multi-instrumentalist Tom Scholz is the band’s principal songwriter. The rest of the lineup includes lead singer/keyboardist Tommy DeCarlo, guitarist Gary Pihl, bassist Tracy Ferrie and drummer Curly Smith.
“It’s really a brand new act,” Victor said. “But the personalities just meshed. There’s a real comfort and friendship factor that you don’t always see in a professional band.”
History
Boston’s self-titled debut album launched them into superstardom after its release in 1976. It has sold more than 17 million copies, and included hit songs “More Than a Feeling,” “Long Time” and “Peace of Mind.”
As a teenager, Victor said he remembers his sister bringing the album home and it being “revolutionary.”
“Time has honored the history of that album,” he said. “It’s such a ground-breaking and iconic album. It really had a huge impact on me. By today’s standards, it’s a great-sounding record.”
The band released its follow-up album, “Don’t Look Back,” two years later. It was also a major success. “Third Stage,” released in 1986, contained the hit song “Amanda,” which Victor sings in the band’s current lineup.
The band’s subsequent albums were “Walk On,” released in 1994, and “Corporate America,” released in 2002. The band has since become known for taking years to complete new albums.
Victor said this year’s tour is “kind of a warm-up,” but he is not sure if it will lead to a new album being released. Scholz said work on the band’s newest album is about 85 percent finished.
Future plans
Victor said the band spent three weeks rehearsing songs. He said the show runs seamlessly from one song to the next.
“It’s quite a show,” he said. “There’s a lot of music packed in there.”
Victor said he is excited to share the stage with a band he idolized as a teenager.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “You almost want to pinch yourself.”
Victor said the audience ranges from long-time fans to younger people who have heard the band on classic rock radio stations.
“It’s a timeless message,” he said of the songs.
Online: www.bandboston.com
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