Boston Singer Tommy DeCarlo Dies at 60 After Brain Cancer Battle

Tommy DeCarlo, the singer for the band Boston, has died at age 60. He battled brain cancer for months before his passing on Monday.
By Newsroom | Music, Health |

The rock vocalist, who found fame through an online tribute, succumbed to brain cancer.

Tommy DeCarlo, the longtime lead singer of the classic rock band Boston, died Monday at the age of 60. His children announced his passing on social media, citing a battle with brain cancer that had persisted for months. The singer was diagnosed with the illness last September, and his family confirmed his fight was marked by "incredible strength and courage." DeCarlo passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina.

From Home Depot Aisle to Stadium Stage

DeCarlo's unlikely rise to rock stardom began not in a smoky club, but on the internet. Before joining Boston, he was a fan who worked at a Home Depot in North Carolina. In the late 2000s, he recorded and posted a tribute song to Boston's original singer, Brad Delp, along with covers of the band's hits, on his Myspace page. This digital audition caught the attention of the band, eventually leading him to front the group for nearly two decades.

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Tommy DeCarlo, longtime singer of Boston, dies at 60 - 1

He had been a devoted fan of Boston since he was 12 years old, drawn to their 1976 debut album. DeCarlo also pursued solo projects and performed with his son, Tommy DeCarlo Jr., under the band name DeCarlo. In October, he had stepped back from performing due to his deteriorating health.

The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends, family, and fans globally. While an official statement from the band Boston has not been immediately forthcoming, the band's website was updated with a commemorative image of DeCarlo performing, including his birth and death dates. A fundraising effort for his medical expenses, initiated after his brain bleed and cancer discovery, had surpassed its $50,000 goal, raising over $56,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Boston singer Tommy DeCarlo die and how old was he?
Boston singer Tommy DeCarlo died on Monday at the age of 60. His children announced his passing on social media.
Q: What illness did Tommy DeCarlo battle before his death?
Tommy DeCarlo battled brain cancer for several months before he died. He was diagnosed with the illness in September.
Q: How did Tommy DeCarlo become the lead singer for the band Boston?
Tommy DeCarlo became the lead singer for Boston after posting tribute songs to the band's original singer online. The band noticed his talent and invited him to join them.
Q: Where did Tommy DeCarlo pass away?
Tommy DeCarlo passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina. He had been fighting brain cancer for months.
Q: Was there a fundraiser for Tommy DeCarlo's medical costs?
Yes, a fundraiser was started for Tommy DeCarlo's medical expenses after his brain cancer diagnosis. It raised over $56,000, surpassing its $50,000 goal.