Some might say the rock band Boston was responsible for a whole generation of girls named Amanda, thanks to its 1986 eponymous chart-topping power ballad. Although the group already had hits such as “More Than a Feeling and “Peace of Mind,” “Amanda” was the first song to reach #1 on the Billboard charts. Since its formation, Boston has recorded six albums; it is currently playing venues throughout the country as part of its Hyper Space Tour, with a stop on June 11 at the S.B. Bowl. Guitarist Gary Pihl, who has been with the band since 1985, provided some insights into the group’s history and new tour and spoke about his illustrious career. In addition to being the second-longest-tenured member (after legendary tinkerer Tom Scholz), Pihl is also known for his work with Sammy Hagar prior to Boston.
On what to expect from the Hyper Space Tour. Last year was the 40th Anniversary Tour, so it seemed kind of anticlimactic to do a 41st anniversary tour. So we came up with the Hyper Space Tour, which is “a small step for our band, but a giant leap for bandkind.” We got some brand-new special effects that Tom has invented, some visual effects, and he’s also written some new music to go along with it. People will be able to see and hear things they’ve never seen at a Boston concert before. We’re certainly going to play all the old hits that people love singing along with and then some deep cuts. You know, people will run into us and say, “Hey, you haven’t played this song in a long time; how about doing this song?” So we’re going to throw some of those in. Probably a song or two from our latest CD, Life, Love & Hope.
On how touring has changed since he started. I’ve been playing in bands since I was 15, 16 years old. You’re standing up there in front of the audience, trying to play the best you can and hope people like it. That part hasn’t changed. I ran into an old high school buddy a couple of years ago who asked, “So Gary, you’ve played with Sammy Hagar, and now you’ve been with Boston all these years: What’s it like being a rock star?” Well, it hasn’t changed much since high school. I still get up and run three miles a day like I did when I was on the track team. I’m still in a rock band. And I’m still with the same girl!