We’re Ready

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning "We're Ready" by Boston, from their 1986 album Third Stage. This track, written by Boston's mastermind Tom Scholz, hit #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, making it their last Top 10 single. Critics like Mark Madden from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called it a "radio favorite" with an "exhilarating vocal hook," while Billy Warden of the Daily Press praised its catchy pop fun, blending the band’s signature "whomp" with children’s choir-style harmonies. The song’s dual lead guitar work by Scholz and Gary Pihl got a shout-out from Phillip Booth of the Lakeland Ledger for its powerful impact. Fun fact: "We're Ready" was penned in 1981, early in the grueling six-year recording process for Third Stage, which Scholz crafted in his Hideaway Studio amidst floods and power failures.

Here’s a wild story from the studio: Scholz shared on The Band Boston Fan Site that the recording of Third Stage was a marathon of mishaps. He burned through 175 light bulbs and hit the record button nearly a million times, risking accidental erasures. The tape for "We're Ready" and other tracks sometimes turned sticky after sitting for years, gluing itself to the playback head like adhesive tape—imagine peeling off a one-of-a-kind mix! Scholz also played DJ with his foot, punching tape deck controls while blasting power chords through a tiny amp. Fans on Reddit rave about the song’s energy, with one user suggesting it, alongside The Rolling Stones’ "Start Me Up," should kick off everyone’s day. Another recalled wearing out their Third Stage cassette from constant play, a true Zoo Freak vibe!

Let’s rewind to how Boston got rolling. Tom Scholz, born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1947, was a rock-loving teen who turned into a tech wizard. After earning a master’s degree from MIT, he worked as a product designer at Polaroid while tinkering with music in his basement. Scholz built a 12-track recording studio at home, where he and vocalist Brad Delp laid down demos that snagged a deal with Epic Records in 1975. Scholz played most of the instruments on their 1976 debut album, which soared to #3 on the Billboard 200, selling over 17 million copies with hits like "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind." His knack for blending classical and 1960s pop influences, paired with complex guitar harmonies via his Rockman processor, gave Boston their signature "violin-like" sound, no synthesizers needed. Delp’s soaring vocals, inspired by The Beatles, sealed their arena-rock legacy.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Boston at their official website, where you’ll find tour info and news, like Gary Pihl’s band Alliance dropping a new album in 2025. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Dive into fan communities at The Band Boston Fan Site, packed with lyrics, forums, and live chat rooms, or visit thirdstage.ca, a go-to for Boston news since 1999. Join fellow fans in the Boston Band Fan Group on Facebook to share your love for those epic guitar riffs and Brad Delp’s iconic voice. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!