Amanda

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the classic track "Amanda" from Boston's 1986 album Third Stage. This power ballad, written by mastermind Tom Scholz, holds the honor of being Boston’s only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the charts for two weeks in November 1986. What’s wild is that "Amanda" climbed to the top without a proper music video, a rarity for the MTV-driven '80s. A leaked demo of the song in 1984, despite its rough quality, became the most requested track at album-oriented rock stations, proving its instant appeal. Scholz, a perfectionist, spent six years crafting Third Stage, and during recording, he injured his back so badly he had to lay flat on a surfboard to play some of his guitar parts. Fans have speculated about the song’s muse, but there’s no evidence "Amanda" refers to a specific person—its counterpart, "Hollyann," bookends the album, suggesting the names were chosen for their lyrical flow.

Another fun tidbit: "Amanda" has inspired countless parents to name their kids after it. Fan stories on sites like Songfacts reveal people named Amanda crediting the song for their moniker, with one fan from Cincinnatus, New York, saying her parents were obsessed with the track. The song’s romantic urgency, with lines like “I’m gonna take you by surprise and make you realize, Amanda,” captures Boston’s knack for blending raw emotion with polished production. The 12-string guitar parts, all played by Scholz, give it that shimmering, signature Boston sound. Posts on X, like one from @OldSchool80s in 2019, celebrate its chart dominance, noting its two-week reign at number one, a testament to its enduring love among classic rock fans.

Now, let’s rewind to how Boston got rolling. The band, formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1975, was the brainchild of Tom Scholz, a Toledo, Ohio, native with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT. While working at Polaroid, Scholz spent nights in his basement studio, teaching himself guitar, bass, and organ, influenced by The Kinks, The Yardbirds, and classical composers like Beethoven. His demos, featuring Brad Delp’s soaring vocals, landed a deal with Epic Records in 1975. Scholz played nearly every instrument on their self-titled debut, which dropped in 1976 and became the biggest-selling rock debut ever, with 17 million copies sold in the U.S. alone. Delp, the only other core member, brought a high-register voice that defined hits like "More Than a Feeling." Boston’s meticulous sound, blending progressive rock and pop, made them arena rock legends, though their perfectionism led to long gaps between albums.

Want to dive deeper into Boston’s world? Check out their official website for tour info and news. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan chatter. For fan communities, The Band Boston Fan Site offers lyrics, forums, and live chat rooms for Zoo Freaks to geek out. You can also join the Boston Music Fans Facebook group to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!