Boston Performs at Humphreys by the Bay in San Diego for 40th anniversary of the band- July 2016

Wow what a great show it was. They are still rocking after all of these years.

BOSTON: 40 th Anniversary show on July 12, 2016

@ Humphrey’s Concerts by the bay

2241 Shelter Island Dr. / San Diego, Ca 92106

BOSTON…still rocking with the best of them, while providing some

nostalgia—Cali style at Humphrey’s in San Diego.

If I were to imagine the perfect setting to listen to some classic rock favorites amongst the

stars, palm trees, boats, and beautiful weather…I would be describing Humphrey’s Concerts by

the bay. The venue itself is host to many headliners throughout the year and on the Tuesday

night of July 12, 2016…there was no imagination needed. Humphrey’s featured a special 2-

night engagement with the classic rock icon BOSTON, to celebrate the band’s 40 year

anniversary since their debut album titled simply “Boston”.

The band’s founder and multi-talented musician, Tom Scholz, provided the same childlike

enthusiasm and technical precision that he has since day one…which made this a truly magical

night for all in attendance. Led by the band’s 4 th front man, Tommy DeCarlo, who uncannily

sounds like an exact replica of Brad Delp, the band’s original Lead singer who passed away in

2007…provided a journey down memory lane for their devoted fans.

Singer DeCarlo set the tone early by bringing the high intensity and edgy style to the stage and

engaged the crowd with such classic hits as “Don’t Look Back “, “More Than a Feeling”, and

“Peace of Mind”. DeCarlo, along with the lighting and stage crew, also managed to sooth the

audience with the occasional and intimately lit ballads, such as the 80’s #1 hit “Amanda”.

The showstopper had to have been when the band came back on stage for an encore…going

right into “Foreplay”—a keyboard explosion of eclectic colors, shapes, and key changes. And

just as it all reaches a hush…….the steady rising beat of “Long Time” kicks in and the crowd

erupts in a haze of nostalgia and clapping. The rest of the current band includes Tracy Ferrie

(Bass; Backing Vocals), Jeff Neal (Drums; Backing Vocals), Beth Cohen (Keyboards; Vocals;

Guitar), Gary Pihl (Lead Guitar; Keyboards; Backing Vocals), and Curly Smith (Drums; Backing

Vocals).

Yes, BOSTON has come a long way in 40 years…from the humble beginnings of co-founders

Scholz and Delp scratching out a few songs in a small studio…to playing packed stadiums

throughout the 70’s and 80’s….and finally coming back today and showing all of their fans that

they may have been away at times, but they’re music….their iconic classic rock sound….lives on

forever.

Written by Kelly Cowan, Photos by Todd Elliot