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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/album85]
BOSTON publicist Gail Parenteau released a statement regarding the departure of Michael Sweet which was published on the news site blabbermouth.net:
"We truly enjoyed having Michael Sweet sing and play guitar on stage for the 2008 BOSTON tour along with Tommy DeCarlo, who was the lead vocalist replacing Brad Delp. However, Michael has not been involved in the recording of BOSTON's next studio album, which is now 85% complete. We have always understood his obvious commitment to his band STRYPER, and wish him and his band the best of luck with their new endeavors.
"The lead vocals for BOSTON's soon-to-be-released studio album include Brad Delp's singing on many songs, along with several excellent performances by our other three lead vocalists. The album reflects an intentional effort by principal songwriter and producer Tom Scholz to capture the recognizable sound and energy of his original releases, combined with the musical sophistication expected from exceptional players and vocalists all performing within the traditional framework of the well-known BOSTON sound."
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/c3debut]
Boston members Gary Pihl, Kimberley Dahme and Jeff Neal will be performing their debut show as Color Three in Chicago on August 23.
Together, Color Three is a group that peforms to help others, in fact, their slogan from their official site is "Joining forces to help those in need." They will be doing just that on August 23rd at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The band takes the stage at 6:45pm and will be performing all new songs. The show is part of Chicago’s 4th Annual Welcome Home Celebration, which helps service members and veterans get information on housing, benefits, education, employment, legal services and more.
For more information about the show, you can go to the Department of Veterans Affairs or bandboston.com.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/msdeparts]
Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet announced his departure from legendary rock band BOSTON today, in order to devote his full attention to his longstanding role as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for multi-platinum rock outfit Stryper – a band he co-founded in 1983. Sweet joined BOSTON in 2008, sharing lead vocals and playing guitar on a headlining tour of North America, performing the band's classic hits like "More than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," "Amanda" and "Don't Look Back."
Following the BOSTON tour, Stryper released the 2009 studio album "Murder by Pride" (featuring a cover of BOSTON’s "Peace of Mind"), which led to a yearlong world tour with all of the original members. In 2010, Stryper released "The Covering," and another world tour recently concluded. Stryper is currently in the studio working on an untitled release for 2011, with tour dates already announced for this fall.
"My focus and my loyalty lies with Stryper, the band that I've committed almost thirty years of my life to," says Sweet. "The guys in Stryper are my brothers and I’m excited about our future together. The music of BOSTON helped shape who I am as an artist, and the opportunity to be a part of their musical legacy is overwhelming. It’s been an honor to share the stage with them, and a bigger honor to call them my friends."
In addition to the increasing demands for Stryper, Sweet has been spending some of his time off the road in Nashville, writing with A-list songwriters such as Blair Daly (Rascal Flatts, Uncle Kracker, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Luke Laird (Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw), Britton Cameron (Steel Magnolia, Lonestar, Eden's Edge) and others.
"I’ve always loved the writing process and to be able to collaborate with some of the greatest writers in Nashville is an absolutely amazing experience for me," explains Sweet. "I’m looking forward to many more successful trips to Music City."
Stryper has sold more than 8 million albums worldwide. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album "To Hell with the Devil" went double-platinum and was named one of the "100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music" by CCM Magazine.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/its2011]
Radio show In The Studio this week features Tom Scholz. The show celebrates the 35th anniversary of the release of the first album. The show features interview with Tom and clips from Brad Delp. The show is airing the week of July 11. To find out what stations carry the show you can see the list of radio stations.
There is a 20 minute clip of the show on the front page of the site.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/bdlastverse]
June 12 marks what would have been Brad Delp's 60th birthday. Rock Hard Magazine has released an article featuring interviews with some of the people who were closest to Brad. The article also features a sample of a never before released song sung by Brad called "That's All Love Is".
The article gives some encouraging news with info from Brad's daughter Jenna. There is work being done on cleaning up some of Brad's unreleased solo material and collaborations with hopes of release! At the time of the interview, Jenna had hoped to have one song released on iTunes in time for Brad's birthday, however there doesn't appear to be any release yet. You may have seen the video on YouTube that Mark "Guitar" Miller posted of him recording in Brad's studio in the 80s for Brad's solo work. If you haven't seen it, you can check it out.
There are some challenges with the material -- namely mold. Apparently some of the material was damaged in a basement flood, and the tapes need to be cleaned. There's a video on YouTube of Brad's friend Roger Carmody working on transfering a tape wearing protective gear:
You can read the whole article at: http://www.rockhardmagazine.com/delp.dwt
The article is posted as a series of JPG images. If you have trouble reading it, I created a full transcript of the article in text form which can be accessed here.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/scholzpops]
From the Boston Globe:
Among those celebrating Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s 150th anniversary over the weekend was Tom Scholz. The MIT alum and mastermind behind the formerly mega-selling band Boston performed with the Pops at Symphony Hall, wearing a tuxedo shirt and playing his signature Mighty Mouse Les Paul guitar. (In his intro, Pops conductor Keith Lockhart recalled how Boston’s first LP was the soundtrack to his senior year of high school.) Scholz played a new song, "Last Day of School," on the Symphony Hall pipe organ. He played four songs on guitar to a sold-out house backed by the orchestra, ending the set with "To Be a Man" from the "Third Stage" album.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/fb]
As the owner of this site, I like to take advantages of different social media services available to help share the news and content of this site in other ways. There is the RSS news feed, which you can get updates in any RSS reader or modern browser. There's also a Twitter account, which the feed for is embedded on the front page. There is also a MySpace page, which I will admit does not get a lot of attention. Now thirdstage.ca has a presence on Facebook.
If you're reading this, then you've probably heard of Facebook, and perhaps are even one of the over the half a billion people in the world who have a Facebook account. The new Facebook page will have postings of any news that comes up, which you will be able to see in your Facebook news feed. By "liking" the page, you can not only get the latest info, but view/add photos, video and share comments or stories on the page with other Boston fans.
To be a part of the page, just click the Like button on the side of the page, or click here to go to the page and click "Like".
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/tmbenefit]
Fran and Anton Cosmo will be performing to help raise awareness for organ donation.
The concert, which will be held at The Stage on 6th Street in Austin, is to help raise awareness of organ donation and raise funds for Austin booking agent Tammy Miranda. Tammy has an autoimmune condition that causes liver failure. She has about a year to live. Tammy doesn't qualify for Medicaid and cannot get insurance.
Fran knows the importance of organ donation; his brother Ralph was saved with a double lung transplant. Fran has said "My brother Ralph had less than a month to live, but then had a double lung transplant! Now he is doing GREAT. I know in my heart that this is all going to turn out just as well for Tammy, I can feel it!"
Tammy Miranda is forming a foundation to raise funds for organ transplants.
You can buy tickets or make a donation by going to teamtammymiranda.com
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/technight]
Tom Scholz will be appearing at MIT's Tech Night at the Pops on June 02.
From MIT:
Each year the MIT Reunion Classes invite the graduating students (undergraduate and graduate) to join them at Tech Night at the Pops. This year's Tech Night at the Pops is Thursday, June 2, from 8-10 pm at Symphony Hall in Boston, featuring guitarist Tom Scholz '69 of the Platinum Award winning band BOSTON and mezzo-soprano Stephanie McGuire '96.
For those interested, the Boston Symphony Orchestra site has the program listing.
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This is a song from the Ryan Dupont Band, featuring Brad Delp on backing vocals.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/myaero] On March 02, Jeff Myaero (Myaeromusic) released the single of Everybody Says I Love You. This recording features Brad Delp on vocals, as well as Barry Goudreau on guitar. This song was originally released in 2008 on the album Shut Up and Kiss Me, which is still available at Discark. Now, the song has been released as a single, with half of the proceeds going support to the Brad Delp Foundation.You can get the single in iTunes and at Amazon. Info from WAAF Blog. |
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/brad2011]
I can't believe it's been four years since Brad Delp died.
I remember the day like it was yesterday, when I first heard the news that Brad was gone, I couldn't believe it - in fact I didn't believe it right away, not until I read a news article from a major news organization. Once I was forced to accept that this was real, I spent hours going through all the news channels on TV, looking for articles online, anything that had more information as to what happened. Then when it was revealed that he took his own life, I was in utter shock. I, like many others had no idea of the depression Brad felt or any problems he was having in his life.
Many try to point the finger, find a reason why this happened. I don't think there is one thing that pushed Brad to that point and I don't think we'll ever truly understand, even with the recent article The Boston Globe wrote, or the emails that have surfaced. Even if we could find an answer, it doesn't change what happened, doesn't change what the world lost on that day.
The Brad Delp Foundation was created by his friends and family to carry on the legacy of giving and kindness of Brad.
Let's take the time to remember the man, remember the voice. Listen to any recordings you have with Brad and celebrate the life of Brad. Please share any stories or memories you have of Brad in the comments.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/coveringrelease] It took a while, but Stryper's latest album The Covering has finally been released. If you've haven't been keeping up on this album, it comprises of cover songs of some of the bands that influenced Stryper, like Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Sweet, Judas Priest, Van Halen and more.The album was originally due to be released last fall, but the release date was pushed to February 15 to give more time to set up the release. Stryper did make early copies available for sale on their website in the second half of January. You can get the album online at Stryper.com, iTunes and Amazon |
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/tdsingle]
BOSTON singer Tommy DeCarlo has just released his first single. The song I Think I Fell In Love With You, is the story of how Tommy met his wife Annie.
Here's the story from Tommy's official site:
The story goes back to 1987 when native upstate New Yorker Tommy was visiting his grandparents in Florida. Chance brought Tommy and Annie to the same restaurant on the same night and there was a strong and immediate attraction. However given Annie's shy nature, the fact that she had no telephone, and the geographical distance, a year-long correspondence via mail ensued. In the age of texting and instant messaging, not to mention online dating, the randomness of the couple getting together permanently was like destiny. Given their very young ages, 20 and 22, it's all the more extraordinary they reunited, got married, raised two wonderful adult children and continue the romance. They have literally been together their whole adult lives and have done and learned and experienced most of life's biggest milestones together.
The track features guitar performance by long time BOSTON member Gary Pihl. Tommy has also released another track A Man He'll Always Be. If you've been following Tommy, you may have already heard this song as it was a tribute he wrote for Brad Delp. The song has been expanded from the original version, which featured Tommy with a piano.
You can get these songs at CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/tommydecarlo2
If you want to sing along to these songs, I transcribed the lyrics.
Update January 10: Tommy posted a behind the scenes video from the recording of the single.
Update January 11: Now available on iTunes.
Update January 12: Now available on Amazon.com.
Update January 21: Now available on CD through eBay (includes autographed 8x10)
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/gibson1]
Gibson.com published a list called Rock This Town! 10 Great Bands Named After Places, where they highlight bands named after places. Boston was featured as #10.
10. Boston
Were there any mid-’70s album collections that didn’t include Boston’s 1976 debut album? The group did in fact emerge from the Beantown scene, and songs such as “More Than a Feeling” and “Peace of Mind” almost instantly became part of the classic rock canon. While the bands’ hits have been overplayed enough to lose some impact, it’s worth remembering just how revolutionary, innovative and influential founder Tom Scholz’s guitar and production work were at the time.
You can see the remaining entries in the list at www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/rock-this-town-1209/
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/anton1]
Former Boston guitarist/songwriter Anton Cosmo (aka Anthony Cosmo) has recently released a new album. The album, called The In Between, was released in October. It appears by looking at iTunes, Amazon and Magnatune that the release date is different between them. This album contains some tracks that first appeared on Anton's 2007 album Regrets, released under the name The Casting.
The album is available on iTunes, Amazon and Magnatune.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/dpshows]
The December People, which features BOSTON member Gary Pihl, have a couple of performances lined up:
Sunday, Dec. 5 San Jose Holiday Parade
The International Award-Winning SAN JOSE HOLIDAY PARADE, considered one of the “TOP 25 PARADES IN AMERICA” by the International Festivals and Events Association, is ready to step off the holiday season in Northern California! The San Jose Holiday Parade, the largest parade of its kind in Northern California, and one of the largest in the state, is ready to usher in the holidays with its giant helium balloons, over two dozen marching bands, creative floats, dozens of specialty units, clowns and Santa Claus.Beginning at 8:30 a.m., televised live on NBC Bay Area at 9:00 a.m. and streamed worldwide on NBCBayArea.com.
Friday December 10 - San Jose "Can Jam" at the Avalon
KFOX Radio 98.5 San Jose sponsors a Can-Jam charity food drive with the December People and the winners of this year’s Last Band Standing contest. Starts 7:30 PM
Location:
777 Lawrence Expressway
Santa Clara, CA, 95051
Phone: 408-241-0777
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/shortener]
You've all seen these - short and confusing looking links on sites and services like Twitter. I've been using these on the Twitter feed to keep links shorter. They're convenient, but confusing. What's worse is that using these you need to rely on another site somewhere else in the world. I've wanted to have my own custom shortener for this site for a while now. Well, now I do.
I've set up a service and a new domain name: 3rdstg.ca (a shorter representation of thirdstage.ca) which I will use to create short links that can be used on Twitter and elsewhere. Stories published here will also feature short links at the top, which you can easily copy and paste to share.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/635]
As previously reported over the summer, Stryper was recording a new CD called The Covering, which features covers of some of the greatest metal songs. The album was expected released sometime in September, but has been delayed.
According to Stryper's official site, the release will now be sometime in the first quarter of 2011. According to their site, the reason is "the business and label team feel that more set-up time will allow for a stronger release of this amazing recording."
Details on the release date will be posted here when available.
Update February 01: Release date is February 15, 2011
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/632]
The time between Boston albums can be long - very long. So it's natural that members of the band use that time to persue other projects.
Gary Pihl is working with a band called December People. This band, made up of Robert Berry (who Gary has worked with in the band Alliance), Mike Vanderhule, Jack Foster and Dave Medd. This group performs Christmas music - and does an awesome job of it.
The group released their album Rattle & Humbug October 10, 2010, which features Christmas classics such as Joy to the World, Little Drummer Boy and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The music is described by the band as Industrial Strength Holiday Music.
For more info on the band, go to decemberpeople.com.
Buy Rattle & Humbug:
Amazon
iTunes
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/631]
(Courtesy of bandboston.com)
This coming Saturday night, October 16, Kimberley Dahme, Gary Pihl, former Boston drummer, Doug Huffman, and Ric Podmore will be performing Kimberley's songs - and some surprise cover songs - at The Spillway in Aurora, CO. The occasion is Jeff Greenstein's Birthday Party. It's open to the public, so if you're in the Denver area, please stop by and join the party!
Then on November 13th, Gary Pihl will be sitting in with the December People to celebrate the holidays at the The World Theater at California State University Monterey Bay. Partnering with HIPPO FM104.3 to help those in need this holiday season in a canned food drive to benefit the Food Banks of Monterey and San Benito counties and the SPCA. For every five cans of people or pet food you bring to the theater on the night of the performance, you can get a ticket to The December People for only $10!
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/623]
As previously announced, Stryper is releasing a new CD, called The Covering. This features covers from different rock and metal bands. Michael Sweet had been posting hints on his Twitter account during the recording process as to what songs they were covering. Stryper has now released some audio samples on their site.
To listen to them, just go to: www.stryper.com/thecovering777
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/622]
Update Sep 15, 2010: I have received an email from Barry who received a copy of this remaster with the interview he did (which he had forgotten about as it was done a long time ago). He says the release is on the "up and up" and gives his okay to endorse this album.
Previously, some doubts arose as Barry had no knowledge of this remaster, despite the fact it was advertised as having "full involvement from Barry Goudreau." Based on that, I did not recommended purchasing it. However, now that Barry has given his okay to endorse the album, I have reversed my previous recommendation to avoid it.
This info comes from Rock Candy. It has also been posted on melodicrock.com.
There's no getting away from the fact that the debut Boston album was one of the greatest, and of course most successful, recordings in the history of rock music. It was a record that changed the lives of the band members forever, rapidly elevating them from humble beginnings to headlining huge arenas worldwide. But good fortune soon turned to disappointment as the band slowly began to implode under the constant demand to keep the cogs of their hit making machine in motion.
By 1980 Boston was effectively put on ice by leader Tom Scholz, in an effort to resolve numerous business differences, leaving the rest of the group with time on their hands. Guitarist Barry Goudreau seized the moment and set about recording a solo album, enlisting the help of then unknown vocalist Fran Cosmo who, ironically, would later go on to replace front man Brad Delp in Boston.
Every inch as good as a fully-formed Boston album, the record is choc full of superbly constructed songs, great hooks, impressive production (from John Boylan, the producer of the debut Boston album) and Goudreau’s unmistakable, rich guitar tone. Look out too for further support from fellow Bostonians Sib Hashian and Brad Delp. A great lost classic for sure and one that sounds as impressive today as it did when first released.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from Barry Goudreau. Additional previously unseen photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.
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[Short Link: http://3rdstg.ca/621]
Stryper will be releasing a new album in Fall of 2010. The Covering, which will be released on Big 3 Records in the Fall. The release date has not been set, but according to Michael Sweet, they are aiming at a September release.
Based on Michael's Twitter feed, the album will feature covers such as:
Iron Maiden - "The Trooper"
Judas Priest - "Breaking The Law"
Scorpions - "Blackout"
Ozzy Osbourne - "Over The Mountain"
Sweet - "Set Me Free"
Van Halen - "On Fire"
Deep Purple - "Highway Star"
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell"
UFO - "Lights Out"
Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son"
KISS - "Shout It Out Loud"
Led Zeppelin - "Immigrant Song"
Stryper will also include a new song called God.
In addition, Stryper is putting the song God up for auction. If you recall, Stryper auctioned off their single "Alive" in two auctions, in which the winners share in a percentage of the royalties of the song. In this case, they are auctioning a song that has not yet been released. To see the auction, go to SongVest.
Lot #1: The Platinum Edition - 2 Lots
12.5% of Michael Sweet’s Writer’s Share of the song’s royalties
Exclusive studio access to witness the final mastering of “God” to take place sometime between June 18 and June 21 (travel and accommodations paid for by purchaser)
Special Acknowledgement in the album credits
Personalized, one-of-kind platinum album award with handwritten lyrics and signed CD
Lot #2: The Gold Edition - 10 Lots
2.5% of Michael Sweet’s Writer’s Share of the song’s royalties
Gold single award signed by Michael
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(from bandboston.com)
Acoustic Rock Magazine's July 2010 issue presents a guide to the 25 greatest acoustic songs in hard rock, featuring the lightest tunes from the heaviest hitters. By Joe Bosso "More Than a Feeling" comes in at number two, just behind "Stairway to Heaven" at number one.
"Tom Scholz's soaring leads and crunchy, multi-tracked electric guitar rhythms have more than a little to do with "More Than a Feeling" becoming one of classic rock's most enduring anthems. But it is the song's lilting, arpeggiated acoustic intro that puts fans in the mood. Working as something of a one-man band in his basement, Scholz, one of music's first DIY dudes, played all the guitar parts on "Feeling".
A bit of trivia: Noting the similarities between "More Than a Feeling" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit", Kurt Cobain teased fans at Nirvana's 1992 Reading Festival performance with a few bars of the Boston classic."
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Former BOSTON singer Fran Cosmo has released a demo from 1985 called Highway In Your Eyes. The song was recorded with Fran's Orion the Hunter bandmate Bruce Smith. If you enjoyed Orion the Hunter, I think you'll enjoy this track.
To hear it, you can go to Fran's Facebook page.
UPDATE - May 28: Fran has released two more demos:
I Believe In You
Is It Love
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(this was posted on the official Boston site)
Can a human really sing that well?! Not since the late Brad Delp have I heard anyone consistently display that kind of technical vocal ability, and last night I think Siobhan surpassed it. Even the Darth Vader of talent competition, Simon Cowell, had to summon up a compliment or risk looking completely tone deaf.
But it's not just that she has amazing pitch, incredible range, effortless control, and a huge beautiful voice - although that would be enough - she really seems to live in the moment of the song, putting real heart into her performances. OK, so I'm prejudiced, but how could you not love this girl? I suddenly find myself telling people "I met Siobhan Magnus," and walking around with a phone hitting redial for two hours every Tuesday night.
Good luck, Siobhan, you deserve nothing but the best in this new future you've created for yourself.
-Tom Scholz
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If you were like me when you heard that ABBA was getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and wondered how they managed to get in but not BOSTON, well this would be a good time to make your voice heard.
There's currently a petition set up by Boston fan Nick Blazanovic to have BOSTON inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If you want to see Boston inducted, then take a moment and fill out the online petition. www.gopetition.com/online/34819/sign.html
Encourage your friends and family to sign the petition too -- every name counts!
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Yes, you read the headline right, you can get the chance to own a piece of a Stryper song!
SongVest is currently hosting an auction between March 6 to 13, where the winner can get among other things, a percentage of royalties from the song Alive. There's currently two lots up for auction:
Lot #1: The Multi-Platinum Edition
• 40% of Michael Sweet’s Writer’s Share of the song’s royalties
• Private dinner for two with Michael
• Michael's acoustic guitar used on EVERY Stryper and Michael Sweet recording since 1995
• Personalized, one-of-kind plaque with handwritten lyrics and signed CD
• A life-time VIP Guest Pass for two
Lot #2: The Platinum Edition
• 5% of Michael Sweet’s Writer’s Share of the song’s royalties
• Album award signed by Michael
• A one-time VIP Guest Pass for two
The auction ends at 3pm EST Saturday, March 13. If you're wondering if this is legit, Michael Sweet posted this on this official Twitter account.
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March 09 marks three years since Boston member Brad Delp passed away.
Brad, who was the original vocalist of Boston, and involved with other bands such as RTZ and Beatlejuice, died March 09, 2007 in his Atkinson, NH home. It was revealed in the days after his death that Brad had taken his own life.
Brad's legacy of being such a generous and giving person has been carried on with the Brad Delp Foundation, a chartitable organization set up by his daughter Jenna.
Let's all take some time today to remember Brad and his golden voice. Take out your Boston albums (and RTZ, Delp and Goudreau, and anything else Brad worked on) and play them loud and proud.
We will never forget you, Brad.