Tommy DeCarlo, Boston Fan Who Became Band’s Lead Singer, Dies at 60 After Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Tommy DeCarlo, Boston Fan Who Became Band’s Lead Singer, Dies at 60 After Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Ingrid VasquezTue, March 10, 2026 at 4:44 AM UTC
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Tommy DeCarloCredit: Daniel Knighton/Getty -
Tommy DeCarlo became Boston's lead singer in 2007 after Brad Delp's death
DeCarlo had several health issues, including brain cancer, which led to canceled shows and a focus on recovery in late 2025
"He fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end," the late musician's family shared
Tommy DeCarlo, a Boston fan who became the rock band's lead singer following the death of their original singer, Brad Delp, has died. He was 60.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Dad, Tommy DeCarlo, on Monday, March 9th, 2026," a message on DeCarlo's social media account reads.
Tommy DeCarlo of Boston performs at Ruth Eckerd Hall on June 29, 2012Credit: Kevin Tighe/Getty
"After being diagnosed with brain cancer last September, he fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end," the message continues.
"During this difficult time, we kindly ask that friends and fans respect our family’s privacy as we grieve and support one another," the statement signed "with love" by his children, Annie, Talia and Tommy Jr., reads. "Rest in peace, Dad."
In a statement to PEOPLE, Boston lead guitarist and founding member Tom Scholz remembered DeCarlo as a "competitive athlete and yet a gentle soul who is remembered by his son and many others as a sweet man who did not deserve to be cut down at such a young age. It's not surprising that one of his favorite BOSTON songs to sing was 'To Be a Man.' "
"While many people will remember Tommy giving his audience amazing live performances, I will remember him as the incredible singer who appeared out of nowhere to rescue BOSTON in 2007, and gave all of us with the band 10 additional years of performing our most memorable live shows," Scholz continued. "Rest in peace Tommy, you did know what it took to be a man."
According to a GoFundMe previously created for DeCarlo, the late musician "suffered a sudden brain bleed and underwent an emergency craniotomy" in late September 2025. During surgery, doctors discovered two melanoma masses on his brain and another spot on his lungs, the fundraiser notes.
Credit: Larry Marano/Getty
"He amazed us by recovering from the surgery and beginning treatment, but before he could complete it, he had another brain bleed and was hospitalized from November 27th to December 27th," the fundraiser continued.
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In October 2025, DeCarlo shared with his fans that he had "been facing some unexpected health issues that have required me to step back and focus on my well-being." Boston then canceled their remaining 2025 shows.
The performer said at the time that while it was "not an easy choice" to step away from performing, it was "important that I take the time I need to recover and get back to feeling my best, so that when I return to the stage, I can give you everything I’ve got."
Boston performs at Hard Rock Live! in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on June 5, 2014Credit: Larry Marano/Getty
Before joining Boston, DeCarlo worked at a North Carolina Home Depot as a credit manager, USA Today reported. He was also a self-taught piano player and choir singer who was inspired by Delp, reported Rolling Stone.
DeCarlo posted Boston covers on MySpace and wrote an original song honoring Delp, according to his biography on the Boston website. A friend of his suggested DeCarlo send a MySpace link to Boston's team. Weeks later, Scholz heard DeCarlo's cover of "Don't Look Back" and was impressed. Scholz asked him to play with the band during a tribute concert for Delp, who died in 2007.
DeCarlo was soon hired to sing with the band, singing hits like "More Than a Feeling," "Rock and Roll Band" and "Peace of Mind" to cheering fans. They also recorded the album Life, Love & Hope, the only Boston album featuring DeCarlo, in 2013.
The musician also formed the band DECARLO with his son in 2012, MLive reported.
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The band released its first album in 2020, and DeCarlo released an audiobook, Unlikely Rockstar – The Tommy DeCarlo Story, per the outlet.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
