Boston took flight in the 1970s, cementing its legacy as a classic-rock band of that era.
Its 40th anniversary tour hits Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., at 9 p.m. EDT May 21, where a sold-out audience will watch the Massachusetts-born group evoke memories of a career that was propelled by its 1976 self-titled debut album, which notched stratospheric sales.
Bassist Tracy Ferrie is a native of Elkhart who joined Boston in 2012. He relishes being to able to present the band’s catalog.
“It’s quite a rush, not only playing for the wonderful, large audiences, but just to be able to get in your car at any given moment, turn on the radio station and hear a song of the band that you are playing for,” Ferrie said.
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The rocker cited the thrill of having the chance “to play those songs live and look out into the audience” to see “the elation of the crowd” and that “they’re singing every word in every song ’cause you’re playing the hits that they love.”
Boston first made waves nationally with the soaring power-pop of “More Than a Feeling.” That Top 10 hit in 1976 was followed by “Long Time” and “Peace of Mind” — a pair of Top 40 songs in 1977.
But it wasn’t until nine years later that Boston would enjoy its most successful single, “Amanda.” The straight-out love song stayed atop Billboard’s mainstream music chart for two weeks in 1986.
Another track rates particularly high with Ferrie, a resident of Cape Cod, Mass.
“I would say ‘Don’t Look Back’ is my ultimate favorite Boston song,” he said. “I love the message in it. I love the arrangement of the song. I love that the song keeps lifting and lifting. I love the production of it.”
Prior to joining Boston, Ferrie played bass for Stryper, a heavy-metal band with a Christian message. Familiar with the rigors of touring, he said he enjoys life on the road in a band, but is realistic.
“It takes a lot of discipline,” the 50-year-old musician and singer said. “You’ve got to force yourself to sleep. You’ve got to force yourself to stay healthy. You’ve got to force yourself to exercise. It’s really important to eat healthy. It’s sort of a different kind of grind.”
Ferrie’s opportunity to play with Boston on its current “Four Decades Tour” stems from an association with founding member Tom Scholz that dates back to Ferrie’s days in Stryper. The Boston song “Peace of Mind” was being worked into a cover version by Stryper — and Scholz chipped in.
“Tom had joined the band on the recording,” Ferrie said. “He played the lead guitar track.” And later called Ferrie for the 2012 tour, connecting with a band that boasts persistence and staying power.
After its second album, “Don’t Look Back,” was released in 1978, Boston did not issue a studio album until “Third Stage” in 1986.
“It’s a phenomenal album,” said Lou Samaniego, a Portage rock musician known in Northwest Indiana for his work in Chris & Lou, and Rito.
Samaniego, a bassist, said “Third Stage” is the Boston album with which he feels the most allegiance. He also is impressed with current Boston lead singer, Tommy DeCarlo.
“He has a really excellent voice,” said the 46-year-old Samaniego, who has seen Boston perform in concert twice.
He’s also amazed by the song craftsmanship of Scholz.
“He could really write a fantastic pop song,” Samaniego said.
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Boston
Where: Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino Resort, 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich.
When: 9 p.m. EDT Saturday, May 21
Tickets: sold out
Information: 866-494-6371, www.fourwindscasino.com
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Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter.