Farewell To a Wonderful Person

[plumtreeblossom]

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 In our rather backwards suburban area, those choices were pretty much limited to slightly outdated Top 40 and stadium rock.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)

Comments

[modpixie.livejournal.com]

i used to work at the flagship strawberries in copley square. brad delp would come in occasionally, and i was always struck by what a nice guy he was. granted, i really don't care for boston, but when you woprk in retail and someone comes in who treats you like a person, that say something.

RIP, brad.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

He was a people-person if ever there was one. I loved how he would just join with his audience after every show, chatting with everyone and anyone. His bandmates were equally friendly, just a bunch of dads having a great time playing out. It's so sad to see it end.

[docorion.livejournal.com]

I shall miss a musician who made Boston what it was, 'cuz I loved Boston. I won't miss Beatle Juice much, but that's mostly because I cannot abide most of the music of the Beatles. That said, he sounds like he was a nice guy; since there's a shortage of nice guys, his death is a tragedy for that alone.

so sorry

[heatherp8.livejournal.com]

sounds like a wonderful person who will no doubt be sorely missed.
Condolences.

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

Boston was simply one of the top bands around. Brad sounds like he was a truly lovely man.

[jimmystagger.livejournal.com]

Bad craziness. I was never a Boston fan but Beatlejuice was always a great time.

Keep on rolling Delp. And thanks. Lennon and Harrison are probably already jamming with him.