Tommy DeCarlo, who stepped in as lead singer of rock band Boston following the death of original frontman Brad Delp in 2007, has died. He was 60.
DeCarlo’s wife Annie and his children, Talia and Tommy Jr., confirmed his death in a statement shared on Facebook. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Dad, Tommy DeCarlo, on Monday, March 9th, 2026,” the statement read. “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,” DeCarlo’s family continued. “Rest in peace, Dad.”
In an earlier update posted on Instagram, the family spoke about his recovery efforts and the support he drew from those around him. “Physical therapy wasn’t easy, but our Dad was strong, determined, and a true fighter,” they wrote. “He’s made incredible strides, fueled by visits from family and loved ones, and by seeing the overwhelming prayers and well wishes from all of you.” They also said DeCarlo was set to begin treatments “to target the remaining cells in his brain,” while acknowledging he still had “a long road ahead.”
Before his death, DeCarlo’s loved ones set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs. The fundraiser said that in September he suffered a brain bleed and underwent an emergency craniotomy, during which doctors found two melanoma masses on his brain and another spot on his lungs. It added that after beginning treatment, he suffered another brain bleed and was hospitalised from November 27 to December 27, before returning home just after Christmas.
Boston’s catalogue includes enduring hits such as More Than a Feeling, Peace of Mind, Don’t Look Back, Amanda and Rock & Roll Band. Current members of the band include guitarist Gary Pihl, bassist Tracy Ferrie, drummer Jeff Neal and vocalist Beth Cohen.
In 2021, DeCarlo released the audiobook Unlikely Rockstar — The Tommy DeCarlo Story, sharing his life story and the remarkable path that led him to the band.
