Monday, November 21: Rock Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (Nov, 21) to guitarist Gary Pihl of Boston. He's 66. Also celebrating is bassist Alex James from the band Blur (48).

Guitarist Gary Pihl was playing in Sammy Hagar's band when they opened for Boston on the band's first tour in 1977. Pihl met guitarist Tom Scholz on the tour, and he would eventually join the band Boston a few years later. He's been with the band since the release of the album Third Stage in 1986.

Boston formed in 1976 and had a string of hit singles throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Hits include “More than a Feeling”, “Piece of Mind”, “Rock and Roll Band”, “Foreplay/Longtime”, “Smokin'”, “Don’t Look Back”, and “Amanda”. Their self-titled debut album is one of the best-selling debut albums of all time in the U.S. with over 17 million copies sold. The band has released six studio albums. Boston’s current lineup consists of Tom Scholz on lead guitar, Gary Pihl on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Tommy DeCarlo on lead vocals, Tracy Ferry on bass, and Curly Smith on drums. Boston announced that they will be going on tour to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary this year.

For more info on Boston including tour dates, check out the band’s official website here.