Magdalene

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Magdalene by Boston from their 1994 album Walk On, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track stands out as a unique gem in Boston’s catalog, originally written by the Pennsylvania band Hybrid Ice in the early 1980s. Tom Scholz, Boston’s mastermind, first heard the song around 1984 and considered it for their Third Stage album, but it wasn’t until Walk On that he and David Sikes reworked it with Galen "Rusty" Foulke, who later joined Fran Cosmo’s band. Unlike most of Boston’s tracks, penned by Scholz, Magdalene carries the soul of its Hybrid Ice roots, with some fans, like Len from Columbus, GA, noting on Songfacts that Scholz’s version, while layered with Boston’s signature heavenly guitars, diverges significantly from the original. Others, like Terry from Hull, QC, praise Fran Cosmo’s vocals, which soar without Brad Delp, who didn’t sing on this album but rejoined for the tour.

Another tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: Magdalene sparked some debate among fans. On Songfacts, Daniel from Mill Hall, PA, raves about Hybrid Ice’s version, claiming it helped them snag their first recording contract, calling their self-titled album “awesome.” Meanwhile, fans on the same platform laud Boston’s take for its melodic guitars and smooth production, with Fran Cosmo’s voice—described as both distinct and reminiscent of Delp—shining through. Cosmo, who also worked with Delp in the 1980s band Orion the Hunter, brought a fresh energy to Walk On, recorded after Delp left to form RTZ with Barry Goudreau. The song’s lush instrumentation, including Scholz’s Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano and clavinet, adds to its prog-rock vibe, making it a favorite for those who dig Boston’s meticulous sound.

Now, let’s rewind to how Boston got started. Formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1975, the band was the brainchild of Tom Scholz, a MIT-educated engineer with a passion for music. Scholz, a multi-instrumentalist, recorded most of the band’s 1976 self-titled debut album in his basement studio, layering guitars, keyboards, and effects to create their iconic sound. Brad Delp, the band’s original lead vocalist, joined Scholz, along with guitarist Barry Goudreau, drummer Sib Hashian, and bassist Fran Sheehan. Their debut, featuring hits like More Than a Feeling and Peace of Mind, exploded, selling 17 million copies in the U.S. alone and earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Boston’s meticulous production and soaring harmonies made them a staple of 1970s rock, with Scholz’s perfectionism—sometimes taking years between albums—defining their legacy.

Connect with Boston online! Visit their official website at bandboston.com for tour info, news, and more. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like The Band Boston Fan Site, which offers lyrics, forums, and live chat rooms. Join the Boston Rock Band Fan Group on Facebook to share your love for Magdalene and all things Boston with fellow fans. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more classic rock vibes!