OT: Tom Scholz's letter to Rolling Stone...Thoughts on Brad

[Enigma869]

This is Tom Scholz's letter to Rolling Stone writer, Andy Greene. Very poignant read. I found this on the Boston website.



Rolling Stone writer Andy Greene has asked me for some recollections about my experiences with Brad. An edited version of the reply I sent him appeared on rollingstone.com with questions inserted in the text. Here is the complete unedited note I sent to Andy:

Andy,

Thanks you for allowing me to answer your questions by e-mail. I haven't been in the mood to talk to talk to people much for the last few days as you might imagine, but I appreciate you turning to me for this. Brad and I were friends and collaborators for 35 years. Both of us being vegetarians, non-drug users and more interested in music than money, put us in a very small minority in the music business; our bond ran much deeper than just BOSTON music.

In answer to your questions:

I met Brad, soft spoken and unassuming, when he auditioned in a recording studio outside of Boston one night to sing several songs I had written. Back then in the early seventies recording a song demo meant coming up with a significant amount of money, several weeks of my day job savings, to buy a few hours of 8 track time.

Having endured countless sessions with other singers, most with undeserved egos, I had only the faintest glimmer of hope that he might be good enough to squeak by as a suitable vocalist.

He didn't warm up; he just listened to the prerecorded instrument track once. Then he started to sing. I don't know if it took two seconds or three, but before he finished singing the first line I knew that some guardian angel had just delivered to me one of the best vocalists ever to step up to a microphone! Then he kept going and I realized he wasn't just one of the best, he was amazing! High notes I hadn't heard before followed by harmonies, and overdubbed exact duplicate layered tracks, all with ease, all with emotion, and yet all technically precise.

Before we left that night he had rewritten the lyrics and the melody, sung all the vocal parts, and with the magic of his voice turned my stark guitar riff into a song! From that moment on I only hoped I could write and record music worthy of his attention and interpretation.

There were soulful notes that pulled you into the song, stratospheric screams and angelic high notes, and after hitting these record breaking notes he'd go back and sing a harmony part above it! He didn't rehearse any of these parts, he could jump back and forth between harmony parts, double tracking parts, and then go back and do it again exactly the same with one tiny change, adjusting all the other singing parts to fit with bionic accuracy.

You'd think anyone with this super human talent would be an insufferable egomaniac. But Brad was just the opposite, and amazingly he remained honestly humble in spite of the incredible star pressure that followed BOSTON's success.

Brad and I banged our heads against the wall trying to get a break with record companies for five years. During that time he and I did a lot of basement recording; we received absolutely zero recognition locally and complete rejection submitting our demos to national record labels. I think this experience put our future success in perspective as we both realized that after so many years of insult, we were just very lucky to be able to record and play music above ground! Unlike many other individuals eventually involved with BOSTON, Brad's down to earth personality never wavered; it was his natural demeanor.

When someone asked me what Brad was like, the first words that always came to mind were "nice guy." Oddly, his incredible performing abilities seem barely worth mentioning compared to his attributes as a human being. He was soft spoken yet very quick and funny. Although I rarely remember seeing him in the throws of a good belly laugh, he could keep the people around him in stitches effortlessly, and did so on a daily basis. When he wasn't making someone laugh, or giving his time to a fan, he was a tireless worker, both in the studio and on stage.

He and I had a very strong personal connection because of our moral beliefs, yet we were drastically different kinds of people. While I am rebellious and easily provoked to an unyielding defense, Brad was passive and studiously non confrontational.

Somehow over the years I think we both grew not only to accept this in each other, but to respect it; I think this is part of the reason we were able to work together for so much of our lives. In an odd parallel we were also opposites in the studio. Once Brad would laid down a vocal track he became instantly committed to it and would dig in if challenged, whereas I would want to change everything and never be sure. We were usually at odds on how vocal arrangements should go also, which in early years caused heated debates. Later we both developed such respect for each other's abilities that the collaboration, so important to the eventual outcome of BOSTON's music, became much easier. It was largely my music, but it was Brad who brought it to life, and this struggle we both had to endure was part of what made it so many people's favorite.

I last saw Brad at rehearsal last month where we prepared several old and new songs for our upcoming summer shows. These are my fondest memories, playing music with my friend and the greatest singer in rock and roll.

Andy, Brad and I have been used and abused throughout our adult life by the music business, it continues even in his death. Please do the right thing with this. Sorry I wrote you a tome.

Tom Scholz

[*Laura]

Wow...
This letter is one of the most heartfelt testimonies of admiration for a band mate that I have ever read.

Beautiful and also sad now that BD is gone.

Thanks for posting this,E.

[Greg]

You don't see admiration like that anymore for band mates. I mean, when a band member passes away, you might see kind words that are, well, generic. But Tom's words for Brad were heart felt and sincere. He definitely paints a picture of Brad being no different than you and I. Sounds like Brad was natured kind of like me as we were both passive, kind, and lived for making people laugh. It is truly a travesty when one who held such qualities as Brad takes his own life. But you know, even though B.D. is gone from this world, his voice, his vocals, and Boston's music lives on. We should celebrate in being blessed to have had the opportunity to have listened and witnessed such a great talent on stage, on our record players, tape players, CD players, and iPods.

I don't know if the Boston ship will ever take flight ever again, but if it doesn't, it has left a great legacy behind. Such an awesome debut album, and a pretty decent follow up. Great moments on Third Stage, and "Had a Good Time" possibly being Boston's "swan song." I am still heart broken that one of my most favorite vocalists is gone from this earth. But, I will celebrate his life, his music, and pray for his family and friends that God reaches out to them to comfort them in this time of loss.

[The Fly]

Very nice thank you. Everyone that knew him said the same thing.... What a great guy he was. And to be able to sing like he did the way Tom described so effortlessly? Amazing... Man I am gonna miss him....

[belar]

Thanks so much for posting this. It's still just heartbreaking.

[Moon Beam]

Thanks for posting this, nice words Tom had to say about
Brad, I always like to read that.

[7 Wishes]

I thought "Third Stage" was just as strong as the debut.

[Greg]

I thought "Third Stage" was just as strong as the debut.

I loved Third Stage. I thought it got a bad rap. I think because the album was such a distant release from the first two albums, that people only could relate to Boston by their 70's sound...which by the way...I felt the sound was way before its time. If Boston had released several albums between '79 - '85, then the change would've been gradual and I think Third Stage would've been considered more of a classic. MTV said it was a commerical failure, and I'm not understanding that, because songs like "Amanda" and "We're Ready" are still being played on some stations here locally.

[chad]

Shania, my sentiments exactly. I think it's so nice to see a band mate express this kind of respect and admiration for a fellow bandmate. Life is short, and reading something like this from Tom S. shows pure class. There's not enough of tthis in the world today.

I've been fortunate to see Boston live, back in the day, many times. And was blown away at their sound, technical expertise and Brad's vocals. Growing up with this band makes it very hard hearing this news of Brad's passing. It's like a part of you is now gone...sounds silly, but that's how it effects me.

When Freddie Mercury passed, I think I went in to a mild depression for a few days....as he was such an influence and part of my teen/early adult years.

So sad this has to happen, but as it's been mentioned....we have memories and recordings tto cheerish for years to come.

Chad

[conversationpc]

Great, heatfelt letter by Tom Scholz. Very sad, though.

Brad couldn't have been that bad a guy considering he's one of Tom's few acquaintances that he hasn't sued over the years.

[lights1961]

Great, heatfelt letter by Tom Scholz. Very sad, though.

Brad couldn't have been that bad a guy considering he's one of Tom's few acquaintances that he hasn't sued over the years.

I hope someone has that sort of sentiment about me when I am gone... What a great friend Tom was to Brad and vice versa.




Rick

[Saint John]

Great, heatfelt letter by Tom Scholz. Very sad, though.

Brad couldn't have been that bad a guy considering he's one of Tom's few acquaintances that he hasn't sued over the years.

I hope someone has that sort of sentiment about me when I am gone... What a great friend Tom was to Brad and vice versa.




Rick

Be careful. I never saw Tom run to Brad and offer him what was probably his fair share of the royalties. Remember, Brad was not on the songwriting credits for most of Boston's music therefore did not receive much as far as royalties go. In fact, he had a HARD time putting his 2 kids through college. Hell, he lived in a modest home. Most likely, because he had to. Brad was fucked every way possibly as it pertains to music....by labels, executives and band members.

[NealIsGod]

Great, heatfelt letter by Tom Scholz. Very sad, though.

Brad couldn't have been that bad a guy considering he's one of Tom's few acquaintances that he hasn't sued over the years.

I hope someone has that sort of sentiment about me when I am gone... What a great friend Tom was to Brad and vice versa.




Rick

Be careful. I never saw Tom run to Brad and offer him what was probably his fair share of the royalties. Remember, Brad was not on the songwriting credits for most of Boston's music therefore did not receive much as far as royalties go. In fact, he had a HARD time putting his 2 kids through college. Hell, he lived in a modest home. Most likely, because he had to. Brad was fucked every way possibly as it pertains to music....by labels, executives and band members.

True, but no one can take advantage of you without your permission.

[lights1961]

Great, heatfelt letter by Tom Scholz. Very sad, though.

Brad couldn't have been that bad a guy considering he's one of Tom's few acquaintances that he hasn't sued over the years.

I hope someone has that sort of sentiment about me when I am gone... What a great friend Tom was to Brad and vice versa.




Rick

Be careful. I never saw Tom run to Brad and offer him what was probably his fair share of the royalties. Remember, Brad was not on the songwriting credits for most of Boston's music therefore did not receive much as far as royalties go. In fact, he had a HARD time putting his 2 kids through college. Hell, he lived in a modest home. Most likely, because he had to. Brad was fucked every way possibly as it pertains to music....by labels, executives and band members.

right but friendships lasts forever, most businesses dont...My guess is that Tom and Boston was in the same positsion as CCR. The labels got all the money the band got pennies. Its why the law suits kept going on and on and on.

Rick

[conversationpc]

Be careful. I never saw Tom run to Brad and offer him what was probably his fair share of the royalties. Remember, Brad was not on the songwriting credits for most of Boston's music therefore did not receive much as far as royalties go. In fact, he had a HARD time putting his 2 kids through college. Hell, he lived in a modest home. Most likely, because he had to. Brad was fucked every way possibly as it pertains to music....by labels, executives and band members.

I've never heard of Brad saying one bad thing about Tom but who knows. It could very well be that he WANTED to live in a modest home. Heck, I couldn't imagine myself living in anything but a modest home. Anything else just wouldn't be my style. Anyway, perhaps Tom also doesn't make much from royalties. He does have some patents on inventions that he developed in the 70s and beyond, so he probably makes a good portion of his income from things other than music.

Regardless, the sentiment expressed in the letter appears genuine and I'll take it for what it is.

[Marc S]

Nah, Scholz wrote or co-wrote all of those songs. Even with a crap deal he's sitting on squillions.

[7 Wishes]

Boston's self titled album was so revolutionary, so ahead of its time, and so immaculate and syncopated, that there is NO reason Boston shouldn't already be enshrined in the Hall of Sham(e). Give me a break...the Talking D**kheads? The Fat Mamas and the Papas? The Dave Clark Five? Blondie? Patti Smyth? Fughetabaatit. Ridiculous.

[conversationpc]

Boston's self titled album was so revolutionary, so ahead of its time, and so immaculate and syncopated, that there is NO reason Boston shouldn't already be enshrined in the Hall of Sham(e). Give me a break...the Talking D**kheads? The Fat Mamas and the Papas? The Dave Clark Five? Blondie? Patti Smyth? Fughetabaatit. Ridiculous.

I have to agree. There's really no other band out there that sounds like Boston. If bands like the Dave Clark Five, Blondie, and Patti Smyth are in there, there's no reason Boston shouldn't be in just based on the debut alone.

[yogi]

Boston's self titled debut album was a greatest hits package all by itself.

It blows my mind how good it was . EVERY song(8) on it was tremendous.

The only other self titled debut that even comes close to this classic was The Cars first album.

Ironic enough were'nt The Cars from Boston???

Damn this whole story is sad.

I hope Brad found peace.

[Enigma869]

Ironic enough were'nt The Cars from Boston???

Yes, The Cars are also Boston boys, as are Aerosmith and many others! For a small major city, we've turned out some legendary talent!


John from Boston

[Clasicrockldy]

This is an awesome letter Tom wrote about Brad. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for posting this.