Foreplay / Long Time

The song "Foreplay / Long Time" by Boston is a standout track from their 1976 self-titled debut album, known for its electrifying instrumental intro and soaring vocals. In an interview for the Best of Boston CD, Tom Scholz, the band’s founder, revealed that "Foreplay" was the first song he ever recorded, capturing it on a two-track machine in his basement in 1969. He wrote it while studying at MIT, showcasing his early knack for blending classical influences with rock. The instrumental "Foreplay" is often seen as a nod to the classical music term "Prelude," with its structured, organ-driven sound evoking a symphonic feel, as noted by a fan on Songfacts. The song’s seamless transition into "Long Time" creates a dynamic suite that became a radio staple, peaking at No. 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.

Behind the scenes, Scholz’s perfectionism shaped the track’s creation. He played most of the instruments on the album, including lead electric guitar on "Foreplay" with a space pedal effect, while Barry Goudreau handled the electric guitar solos in "Long Time." Scholz originally sang the vocals for the demo, but brought in Brad Delp, whose powerful voice elevated the final recording. On Genius, Scholz shared that the song was written six years before the album’s release, highlighting his long-term vision. Fans on Songfacts have shared personal stories, like a school bus driver from Portsmouth, VA, who secretly played the song for kids at a Christian school, bonding over its rebellious energy. Another fan from Lubbock, TX, even declared it the perfect song for their funeral, citing its poignant lyrics about moving on.

The song’s cultural impact extends beyond radio. It was featured in the video game Rock Band, with fans on Songfacts praising its challenging bass and guitar parts. Interestingly, the band Phish covered "Foreplay / Long Time" in a bluegrass style during their 1994 tour, with Mike Gordon reworking the organ intro for banjo, as detailed on Phish.net. This adaptation shows the song’s versatility, bridging arena rock with other genres. An alternate mix of the track also exists on the 1976 Epic Records Promo LP It’s a Knockout, a rare find for collectors.

Boston was formed in 1975 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Tom Scholz, a multi-instrumentalist and engineer with a master’s degree from MIT. Scholz began his musical journey in the late 1960s, studying classical piano as a child and later diving into the Boston music scene. He recorded demos in his apartment basement with singer Brad Delp, initially under the name Mother’s Milk. Despite numerous rejections from record labels in the early 1970s, Scholz’s persistence paid off when a demo tape caught the attention of Epic Records in 1975. Scholz assembled a full band, including Delp, drummer Sib Hashian, guitarist Barry Goudreau, and bassist Fran Sheehan, to meet Epic’s requirements, though he retained much of his demo work for the debut album. Released in 1976, the album sold 17 million copies in the US alone, propelled by hits like "More Than a Feeling" and "Foreplay / Long Time."

Scholz’s innovative approach, blending classical and 1960s pop influences with complex, multi-tracked guitar harmonies, defined Boston’s sound. He developed the Rockman amplifier, later used by artists like Journey and ZZ Top, and his engineering skills gave the album its polished, space-age quality. Delp’s vocal style, influenced by The Beatles, added emotional depth. The band’s rapid rise saw them headlining arenas within months, including a historic debut at Madison Square Garden. Despite lineup changes and Scholz’s meticulous recording process, which led to long gaps between albums, Boston has sold over 75 million records worldwide.

You can follow Boston on their official website or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or "Zoo Freaks" in the spirit of THE ZOO, can join discussions on the Boston Fan Page on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing memories and updates. Another fan hub is the Boston Rock Band Fan Group, where enthusiasts post about concerts and rare memorabilia. For more, check out Boston.org, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and tour archives.