To state that Brad Delp deprived his fans from his voice by committing suicide would be selfish. But at the risk of sounding self-centric I am going to declare that Brad Delp deprived me of his amazing voice by taking his own life.
Back in 1976 when Boston's self-titled first album was released, I was a kid living far away from America and couldn't even speak English. My only knowledge of Boston was that of a city somewhere in the US. But all that changed when I arrived in the US as a student and was introduced to the band through friends and dorm residents in college. It was love at first hear and to this day I have never looked back.
On November 2nd, 1987 I actually got to experience Boston in concert at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut. That's almost 20 years ago and my memory of the act is hazy, but I can confidently say that it was the best concert I ever saw. In fact it remains the only concert I have ever been to.
Some may dismiss Boston as an opening act to the hair band era of the 80's. Be that as it may, that doesn’t change the fact that for me Boston has always been one of the most admired bands, right up there with Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Doors. I realize that to some comparing Boston with those rock legends is akin to heresy. I can appreciate the sentiment, but that's their opinion and this is mine.
I didn’t know much about Brad Delp other than his voice delivery, and now, the way he died. Judging by what I've read in the media about the fact that he posted notes warning people of carbon monoxide, I can only infer that he was as dignified as he was talented.
As I write this I am listening to the song "Hitch a Ride" from Boston's first album. It is one of favorite cuts from their work. The music is still as fresh as the first time I heard it. I don’t really care why Brad decided to take his own life. I can only assume that he must have had a good reason. A man's entitled to do what he wants with his life, including ending it. In the end he might have deprived me from his voice, but he lives forever as the unmistakable sound of Boston.
Rest in peace, Brad.
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