Boston lead singer dead at 60 more than 20 years after the former Home Depot worker sent the band an audition tape

Tommy DeCarlo has died at age 60.

The musician, who became the lead vocalist for the rock-n-roll band Boston in 2007 after Brad Delp died, passed away on Monday.

The singer's family confirmed the news in Facebook and Instagram posts after launching a GoFundMe page to help with his medical expenses.

They said he died after battling brain cancer for six months.

'It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Dad, Tommy DeCarlo, on Monday, March 9th, 2026. After being diagnosed with brain cancer last September, he fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end,' the note read.

'During this difficult time, we kindly ask that friends and fans respect our family’s privacy as we grieve and support one another.'

Boston is best known for the hit songs More Than A Feeling, Peace Of Mind and Amanda. They were formed in 1975 in Boston, Massachusetts by chief songwriter and composer Tom Scholz.

There was also a GoFundMe page that asked for help with his medical bills; it so far raised over $56,000.

'In late September, Dad suffered a sudden brain bleed and underwent an emergency craniotomy,' the note began.

'During surgery, doctors discovered two melanoma masses on his brain and another spot on his lungs. 

'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. 

'Since then he has completed acute inpatient therapy and is currently back on track with treatments from his oncology team,' the family explained.

'Our Dad is strong. He is a fighter. And he’s giving this battle everything he’s got — but he needs your help on this one.'

They explained that they created a GoFundMe page to help support his medical needs. 

'He is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support he’s already received from friends, family, and fans all over the world. It has lifted him up during the hardest moments and reminded him he’s not fighting alone,' the family added.

'If you can donate, share, or simply send your love his way, it means more to us than you’ll ever know. 

'Thank you for helping us get him the care he urgently needs. Sincerely, Annie, Talia and Tommy Jr.'

DeCarlo joined the band in 2007 after original Boston lead singer Brad Delp committed suicide at the age of 55. 

He joined the legendary band in a unusual way.

DeCarlo was a mega fan of the band when he recorded a couple of their songs, placed them on MySpace and sent the link to Boston's management team after Delp died.

Boston founding member Tom Scholz called up DeCarlo and asked him to join their tours.

At the time, DeCarlo was working in the credit department at a Home Depot in North Carolina.

Starting in 2007, DeCarlo served as the lead vocalist or co-lead vocalist for Boston's tours.

DeCarlo recorded the audiobook, Unlikely Rockstar – The Tommy DeCarlo Story, about his rise to fame.

The synopsis reads: 'On a warm summer night in August, 2007 at the Bank Of America Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts, Tommy DeCarlo took to the stage and for the first time with his favorite band, Boston.

'Fourteen years, six tours, and 326 shows later, listen as he takes you on his most unlikely journey from Utica, New York to touring the world as the vocalist for one of the most iconic rock and roll bands of all time.'