Boston Leader Tom Scholz Pays Tribute to Late Singer Tommy DeCarlo

Scholz calls DeCarlo 'an incredible singer... a sweet man... and a gentle soul'

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:22pm

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Boston's founding member and lead guitarist Tom Scholz has paid tribute to the band's late lead vocalist Tommy DeCarlo, who passed away from brain cancer at the age of 60. Scholz praised DeCarlo's incredible singing abilities and described him as a 'sweet man' and 'gentle soul' who worked hard to become a top-tier live performer for the band.

Why it matters

DeCarlo joined Boston in 2007 after the death of the band's original lead singer Brad Delp, and went on to contribute vocals to their last studio album and perform with the group for over a decade until his passing. Scholz's heartfelt tribute highlights DeCarlo's significant contributions to Boston's music and live shows, as well as his character as a dedicated father and gentle person.

The details

DeCarlo was diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2025 after suffering a sudden brain bleed, and his family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical bills. His final concert with Boston was in July 2017, and he later formed the band DECARLO with his son, releasing an album in 2020. Scholz praised DeCarlo's ability to 'rescue' Boston after Delp's death and provide the band with 10 more years of memorable live performances.

  • Tommy DeCarlo died on March 9, 2026 at the age of 60.
  • DeCarlo's last concert with Boston was on July 20, 2017 in Bristow, Virginia.
  • DeCarlo formed the band DECARLO with his son and released an album in 2020.
  • DeCarlo was diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2025 after a sudden brain bleed.

The players

Tom Scholz

The founding member, lead guitarist, and principal songwriter of the band Boston.

Tommy DeCarlo

The late lead vocalist for the band Boston, who joined the group in 2007 after the death of original singer Brad Delp.

Brad Delp

The original lead singer of the band Boston, who died by suicide in 2007.

Tommy DeCarlo Jr.

The son of Tommy DeCarlo, with whom he formed the band DECARLO in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone who has heard Tommy sing on stage, or on BOSTON albums, knows what a gifted artist he was, but few know how hard he worked to fill that role of BOSTON's lead vocalist, and to turn himself into a top tier live performer—or more important, what a dedicated father he was to his children.”

— Tom Scholz, Founding member and lead guitarist of Boston

“Tommy was a competitive athlete, and yet a gentle soul who is remembered by his son and many others as a sweet man who did not deserve to be cut down at such a young age. It's not surprising that one of his favorite BOSTON songs to sing was 'To Be a Man'.”

— Tom Scholz, Founding member and lead guitarist of Boston

“While many people will remember Tommy giving his audience amazing live performances, I will remember him as the incredible singer who appeared out of nowhere to rescue BOSTON in 2007, and gave all of us with the band 10 additional years of performing our most memorable live shows. Rest in peace Tommy, you did know what it took to be a man.”

— Tom Scholz, Founding member and lead guitarist of Boston

The takeaway

Tom Scholz's heartfelt tribute to Tommy DeCarlo highlights the significant impact the late singer had on Boston's music and live performances over the past decade, as well as DeCarlo's character as a dedicated father and gentle soul who worked tirelessly to become a top-tier live performer for the band.