Boston Lead Singer Tommy DeCarlo Dies at 60

DeCarlo performed with the iconic rock band for nearly two decades after catching their attention with a tribute song.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Tommy DeCarlo, who served as the lead singer of the rock band Boston for nearly 20 years, has died at the age of 60 after being diagnosed with brain cancer last September. DeCarlo's family announced his passing on Instagram, stating that he fought the illness with incredible strength and courage until the very end.

Why it matters

Boston is one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, known for hits like "More Than a Feeling" and "Don't Look Back." DeCarlo took over as the group's lead vocalist in the late 2000s after the death of original singer Brad Delp, and helped keep the band's legacy alive for nearly two decades.

The details

DeCarlo first gained the attention of Boston's founder Tom Scholz after writing and singing a tribute song about the late Brad Delp, who died by suicide in 2007. DeCarlo's powerful vocals and ability to channel Delp's signature sound impressed Scholz, who invited DeCarlo to join the band as their new lead singer. DeCarlo went on to perform with Boston for close to 20 years before his death.

  • DeCarlo was diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2025.
  • DeCarlo passed away on March 9, 2026.

The players

Tommy DeCarlo

The lead singer of the rock band Boston for nearly 20 years, who passed away at the age of 60 after a battle with brain cancer.

Brad Delp

The original lead singer of Boston, who died by suicide in 2007. DeCarlo was inspired by Delp's vocal style and wrote a tribute song that caught the attention of the band.

Tom Scholz

The founder of the rock band Boston, who invited DeCarlo to join the group as their new lead singer after being impressed by his tribute to the late Brad Delp.

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What they’re saying

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Dad, Tommy DeCarlo, on Monday, March 9th, 2026. After being diagnosed with brain cancer last September, he fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end. During this difficult time, we kindly ask that friends and fans respect our family's privacy as we grieve and support one another. Rest in peace, Dad.”

— Tommy DeCarlo's Family (Instagram)

“I truly have to thank Brad Delp for helping me develop that gift. When I first began to listen to Boston as a young teenager, I absolutely loved Brad's voice and how he would sing those classic hits. It wasn't like I was trying to sing like Brad, it was just that I loved to sing along with him.”

— Tommy DeCarlo, Boston Lead Singer (Boston's Website)

The takeaway

Tommy DeCarlo's passing marks the end of an era for Boston, as the band loses the vocalist who helped keep their iconic sound alive for nearly two decades after the death of original singer Brad Delp. DeCarlo's powerful vocals and ability to channel Delp's style made him an integral part of Boston's legacy, and his tribute song that led to his joining the band showed his deep appreciation for the group's music.