Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer for the rock band Boston, died at age 60 on Monday, March 9, 2026, according to a statement from his children.
The message shared on DeCarlo’s Facebook account read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Dad, Tommy DeCarlo, on Monday, March 9th, 2026.”
DeCarlo had been diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2025 and fought with remarkable resilience until his final days.
Medical complications leading to his death were detailed in a GoFundMe campaign established for him. According to the fundraiser, DeCarlo “suffered a sudden brain bleed and underwent an emergency craniotomy” in late September 2025. During the procedure, doctors discovered two melanoma masses on his brain and another spot on his lungs.
DeCarlo became widely known to rock audiences after joining Boston in 2007, stepping in as lead singer following the death of the band’s original vocalist, Brad Delp, that same year. Boston founder and lead guitarist Tom Scholz credited DeCarlo with helping the band continue performing for another decade.
In a statement, Scholz described 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.” Scholz also noted that one of DeCarlo’s favorite Boston songs to sing was “To Be a Man.”
Scholz reflected on DeCarlo’s pivotal role: “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.”
Before joining Boston, DeCarlo worked as a credit manager at a Home Depot store in North Carolina. He was also a self-taught piano player and choir singer who had long admired Delp.
DeCarlo’s path to the band began online. He uploaded Boston cover songs to MySpace and wrote an original tribute to Delp, according to a biography on Boston’s website. After a friend suggested he send the recordings to the band’s team, Scholz eventually heard DeCarlo’s version of “Don’t Look Back.” Impressed, he invited DeCarlo to perform during a tribute concert for Delp.
The performance led to DeCarlo joining Boston as a touring singer, performing hits including “More Than a Feeling,” “Rock and Roll Band” and “Peace of Mind.” He later appeared on the band’s 2013 album “Life, Love & Hope,” the only Boston record to feature his vocals.
Outside of Boston, DeCarlo launched the band DECARLO with his son in 2012.
