Power Soak: The Clash of Creativity and Commerce - Tom Scholz's Standoff with CBS Records Chief Walter Yetnikoff Over 'Third Stage
Tom Scholz, the mastermind behind Boston's iconic sound, revolutionized arena rock with his innovative recording techniques. However, his relentless pursuit of perfection and disdain for the music industry led to a stalemate with CBS Records chief Walter Yetnikoff in the early 1980s. In an excerpt from "Power Soak: Invention, Obsession and the Price of the Perfect Sound," journalist Brendan Borrell delves into a pivotal meeting between Scholz and Yetnikoff regarding the long-delayed third album, "Third Stage." Borrell's research involved conducting fresh interviews and unearthing extensive documentation from various sources.
For most musicians, sustaining success in the music industry is a daunting task. Boston, under a demanding contract with CBS Records, was expected to release one to two albums annually. Scholz, however, flouted these deadlines with impunity, causing a three-year delay in delivering his third album, "Third Stage." In a message to Yetnikoff, Scholz shifted blame for the delays to external factors, signaling a growing tension between the band and the record label.
When Scholz finally met with Yetnikoff at Black Rock, the CBS Records chief was visibly frustrated. Yetnikoff, possibly fueled by a Screwdriver or a line of coke, shared a cautionary tale about another band's contractual dispute with CBS. He emphasized the consequences of delaying album releases and the harsh measures the label could take. This set the stage for a candid discussion about Scholz's progress on the upcoming album and the involvement of key band members like Brad Delp.
Scholz, despite facing challenges like the departure of guitarist Barry Goudreau, expressed optimism about the album's direction and shared a potential title, "Third Stage." He played a track featuring a new vocalist, Mark Dixon, who had been recruited as a backup for Delp. Scholz's meticulous search for a vocalist with a similar sound to Delp showcased his dedication to maintaining Boston's signature sound. Yetnikoff approved the arrangement but urged discretion in handling the transition to avoid unnecessary attention.
The meeting between Scholz and Yetnikoff shed light on the intricate dynamics within Boston and the band's evolving lineup. Scholz's commitment to delivering a quality album, despite setbacks and personnel changes, underscored his unwavering dedication to his craft. As the saga of "Third Stage" unfolded, the collaboration between Scholz and Yetnikoff navigated the complexities of artistic vision and commercial pressures, setting the stage for Boston's next chapter in the music industry.