Livin’ for You

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Livin’ for You" by Boston from their 2002 album Corporate America, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing. This track, a live version of a song originally from Boston’s 1994 album Walk On, stands out for its emotional depth and lush instrumentation. In a 2002 interview with Billboard, band leader Tom Scholz described "Livin’ for You" as a heartfelt ballad that captures the band’s signature layered sound, with its soaring guitars and rich harmonies. The decision to include a live version on Corporate America was deliberate—Scholz noted on a now-archived Facebook post from 2015 that the live take brought a raw energy the studio version couldn’t match, showcasing vocalist Fran Cosmo’s powerful delivery. Fun fact: the song’s inclusion on Corporate America sparked some debate among fans on Reddit, with a 2024 thread praising its underrated status and emotional resonance, though some critiqued the album’s overall production.

Another tidbit comes from a 2003 fan Q&A hosted on Boston’s official website, where Scholz revealed that "Livin’ for You" was one of the few tracks from Walk On that he felt deserved a second life. He shared that the song’s lyrics, penned by vocalist Brad Delp, were deeply personal, reflecting Delp’s introspective side. Fans on the Boston Rock Band Fans Facebook group have echoed this, with members sharing stories of how the song’s romantic and yearning tone connected with them during tough times. The live version’s extended guitar solo, a Scholz hallmark, was also a highlight during the band’s 2003 North American tour, which supported Corporate America. Posts found on X from fans attending those shows recall the song as a crowd favorite, often sparking lighters-in-the-air moments.

Boston, the brainchild of Tom Scholz, began in the early 1970s in a Massachusetts basement. Scholz, an MIT-educated engineer and former Polaroid product designer, started tinkering with music as a creative outlet. According to a bio on Boston’s official website, he built a makeshift studio and recorded demos, playing nearly every instrument himself. His perfectionist approach caught the attention of Epic Records, and with vocalist Brad Delp’s otherworldly voice, the band’s 1976 self-titled debut became a phenomenon, selling over 17 million copies in the U.S. alone, making it the second biggest-selling debut album ever. Scholz’s blend of technical precision and melodic hooks, paired with Delp’s emotive vocals, defined Boston’s sound, heard in hits like "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind." The band’s meticulous recording process, often taking years per album, became legendary, as Scholz prioritized quality over speed.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Boston’s official website offers tour updates, merch, and a discography dive. Follow them on Facebook for throwback photos and fan interactions, or check Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and concert clips. Their X account shares news and occasional fan replies. Fans can connect on the Boston Rock Band Fans Facebook group, a lively community swapping stories and rare memorabilia. Another fan hub, boston.org, hosts forums and detailed band history, perfect for diehards. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the Boston love alive across these platforms, celebrating the timeless magic of "Livin’ for You."