Boston Fan Turned Lead Singer Dead at 60

Tommy DeCarlo, who spent nearly two decades on the road with Boston, dies after brain cancer diagnosis.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tommy DeCarlo, the singer who spent nearly two decades on the road with the band Boston after posting video tributes to the band's original frontman, died Monday at the age of 60 after being diagnosed with brain cancer in September. DeCarlo was a lifelong fan of Boston and was working at Home Depot in Charlotte, North Carolina when he was discovered by the band and offered the full-time lead singer job.

Why it matters

DeCarlo's story represents the dream of many music fans - to go from being a devoted follower to actually joining the band they love. His unexpected rise to become Boston's lead singer for nearly 20 years is a testament to the power of passion, talent, and perseverance in the music industry.

The details

A self-taught pianist and choir singer, DeCarlo was working at a Home Depot and performing in local rock bands when he posted tribute songs and covers of Boston on MySpace after the death of the band's original lead singer Brad Delp in 2007. Boston founder Tom Scholz was impressed by how closely DeCarlo's vocals matched Delp's, and invited him to a Delp tribute show before offering him the full-time lead singer job. DeCarlo went on to tour with Boston for nearly 20 years and was among several vocalists on the group's 2013 album.

  • DeCarlo was diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2025.
  • DeCarlo died on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Tommy DeCarlo

The singer who spent nearly two decades as the lead vocalist for the band Boston after being discovered by the band's founder Tom Scholz.

Brad Delp

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

Tom Scholz

The founder of the band Boston, who discovered DeCarlo and offered him the lead singer job after being impressed by his vocal tributes to Delp.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tommy DeCarlo fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end.”

— DeCarlo's Family (Facebook)

“The feeling of performing Boston's songs live was almost indescribable.”

— Tommy DeCarlo (2015 interview)

The takeaway

DeCarlo's story shows that with enough passion, talent, and perseverance, even an ordinary fan can achieve the extraordinary dream of becoming the lead singer of their favorite band. His nearly two-decade tenure with Boston is a testament to the power of following your musical dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem.