Another energizing expedition for more than just another band out of Boston

When Boston blazed into “Rock & Roll Band,” “Feelin’ Satisfied” and “Smokin’” right in a row at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre backed by special effects galore, the “Hyper Space” Tour achieved one of the group’s most energizing lift-offs. And for 130-minutes, that tone pretty much stayed the same as the band from its namesake wound around one of classic rock’s most recognizable catalogues that continues to attract a multi-generational audience (who filled up most of the pavilion, though the lawn was completely closed).

At this stage of Boston, it’s unclear how much future recording is in the cards, but with a backstory this enjoyable and capable of being so crispy replicated, chances are it will be full steam ahead until at least the time to turn 50.

While Boston hasn’t churned out new material since 2013’s “Life, Love & Hope,” this outing could very well be considered an encore to last year’s “40th Anniversary” Tour featuring all the hits, plus album tracks that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Speaking of that latest project, the straight-ahead rocker “Heaven On Earth” found its way into the festivities, along with the lost monster ballads “Hollyann” (from the most frequently featured “Third Stage” album) and “Magdalene” (a “Walk On” alum).

These days, the group is carried by co-founding lead guitarist/keyboard player/technical mastermind Tom Scholz, who alongside longtime rhythm guitarist Gary Pihl, singer since 2008 Tommy DeCarlo and other latter day additions have the Boston sound locked in with such accuracy, anyone who closed their eyes could’ve easily been transported back to the days when “Don’t Be Afraid,” “Amanda” and “More Than A Feeling” were first making the rounds on radio. Of course, there’s no way to ever replace late singer Brad Delp, but he would surely be proud of everyone’s decision to carry on the legacy with such precision and eye-popping production.

The most obvious example of such top-notch musicianship came during the “Foreplay” jam that preceded “Long Time,” which also kicked into gear with DeCarlo nailing the highest of highs after having already sung well over a dozen flashbacks. At this stage of Boston, it’s unclear how much future recording is in the cards, but with a backstory this enjoyable and capable of being so crispy replicated, chances are it will be full steam ahead until at least the time to turn 50.

Click here for more Boston photos from the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

For additional information on Boston, visit BandBoston.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre include Vans Warped Tour (Jul. 22); Paul McCartney (Jul. 25 and 26); Dierks Bentley (Jul. 28); Incubus with Jimmy Eat World (Jul. 29); Rod Stewart with Cyndi Lauper (Aug. 5); Kings Of Leon (Aug. 12); Linkin Park (Aug. 14); Lady Antebellum (Aug. 19) and Depeche Mode (Aug. 30). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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Another energizing expedition for more than just another band out of Boston

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