Farewell To a Wonderful Person

This morning I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death yesterday of Brad Delp, the warm and vibrant frontman for the bands Boston and Beatlejuice. He was 55, engaged to be married, and was a beloved part of New England's live music scene. He was found dead after making a phone call for help yesterday from his New Hampshire home. They don't yet know the cause of death, but he was a healthy, robust vegetarian with no known health problems. Beatlejuice was scheduled to play here in Somerville this weekend.

Brad and his music first came into my life many, many years ago when I was a young teen in junior high school. Back then, without the internet or music-share culture, listening choices were limited to what the local radio stations chose to play and what local record stores chose to stock. In our rather backwards suburban area, those choices were pretty much limited to slightly outdated Top 40 and stadium rock. I didn't much like most of it, but one band I adored was Boston. I wore out their two albums playing them over and over. I saved my allowance to buy a ticket to one of their concerts.

High school started, new wave music emerged (as always, late to us), and I forgot all about Boston. Fast forward a few decades to a year or so ago, when pheromone coaxed me to go along to hear a Beatles cover band called Beatlejuice at Johnny D's. I thought they were wonderful, and at some point she mentioned that the lead singer was Brad Delp from Boston. I'm sure pheromone remembers me squealing and flapping my hands, suddenly 14 again, screaming "BRAAAAAAAD!" It was his custom to stay onstage after the final set to meet everybody who wanted to say hello. He had hugs for all, and I got to meet him for the first time.

Beatlejuice shows were unique in how they brought the generations together. There would be 60-somethings cutting the rug next to barely-legal 20-somethings. It was impossible not to dance, and Brad was living his dream of keeping the music of the Beatles alive in performance. The band played regularly at Johnny D's, and we went back for a number of fun shows. Saying hello to Brad and shaking his hand or getting a hug were a lovely part of the ritual.

He was a beloved contributor and friend to the local live music scene, and on a wider scale, a true success story for coming through the roller coaster tunnel of rock stardom that often swallows its stars in early deaths or lives as bitter, forgotten has-beens. Brad didn't look back. He did what made him happiest, and shared it with many.

Thank you, Brad, for a life well lived and songs well sung. You're gone too soon, and are missed.

Brad with Boston in the 70s (video)
Brad with Beatlejuice in 2006 (video)