What happens when a die-hard fan creates a website for their favorite band... and ends up backstage with the band itself?

In this episode, Robert sits down with longtime friend Troy Bartlett, whose passion for Boston led to one of the most remarkable fan stories you'll ever hear. What started in the mid-1990s as a simple fan website (Boston.org) eventually opened doors to personal relationships with members of the band, backstage access, exclusive rehearsals, and unforgettable encounters with the legendary Brad Delp and Tom Scholz.

Troy shares how a group of fans launched one of the earliest Boston fan communities on the internet, how the band itself became involved, and how that journey led to decades of unique experiences. Along the way, he reveals rare photographs, signed memorabilia, behind-the-scenes stories from the Brad Delp tribute concert, rehearsals for Boston's Fiesta Bowl performance, and even the surprising story behind Robert's own Brad Delp autograph.

The conversation also explores Brad Delp's reputation as one of rock's kindest souls, Tom Scholz's genius as both a musician and engineer, and the incredible legacy of Boston's first three albums. Fans will also enjoy obscure trivia, including how to identify an original pressing of Third Stage and stories about the many musicians who passed through Boston over the years.

Whether you're a lifelong Boston fan or simply love hearing stories about how passion can create unexpected opportunities, this episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of fandom, friendship, and classic rock history.

Chapters

0:00 Brad Delp autograph and a Red Rocks memory
0:53 Troy's connection to Boston begins
1:35 Creating Boston.org in the early internet era
3:45 How the website led to backstage access
4:39 Meeting Brad Delp for the first time
5:17 Rare photos and memorabilia collection
5:31 The famous green apple photo of Brad Delp
6:54 Capturing "The Big Note" during More Than a Feeling
7:41 Brad Delp tribute concert stories
8:38 The three Boston bass players together
9:18 Boston's drummers through the years
10:59 Michael Sweet, Tommy DeCarlo, and the post-Brad era
12:35 Signed memorabilia and personal memories
13:15 How fandom became friendship
14:35 Behind-the-scenes at the Fiesta Bowl rehearsal
15:45 Tom Scholz's legendary "hyperspace pedal"
16:55 The kindness of Tom Scholz and the Boston family
17:25 Troy's name appears in a Boston CD booklet
18:01 Why Boston's debut album remains legendary
19:55 The anticipation surrounding Third Stage
20:07 Rare Third Stage first-printing trivia
21:49 The iconic organ spaceship stage prop
22:28 Final thoughts on Boston's enduring legacy