Delp was found dead in his Atkinson, N.H., home on Friday afternoon of still-unexplained causes. Police called his death untimely.

For the last decade or so, Delp was part of a popular Beatles tribute band called Beatlejuice. He came home to Danvers last month to perform a benefit concert in the Danvers High School auditorium to raise money for the school's Falcons baseball team.

Beatlejuice played regularly in Salem at Bay Bridge Restaurant and Night Club, where they were scheduled to perform on May 12. The owner, John Colantoni, said Delp was always willing to stay after shows to talk with audience members and sign autographs.

"I've been in the business since the middle-'80s and worked with a lot of big names, and he's probably one of the most well-respected people in the business," said Colantoni.

Delp also played at the 25th and 30th reunions for his graduating class, the Class of ebony porn 1969.

"It was fabulous," said classmate Jan Levasseur. "It was just amazing that someone so successful was so down to earth."

Delp grew up on Wadsworth Street in Danvers and his musical talent was evident early on.

"He was always about the music," said Gene Demsey, who graduated with Delp in 1969. "I remember him carrying around sheet music when we were at the Holten Richmond Junior High."

Raiche said Delp had the ability to listen to a piece of music, transpose it onto paper, and then guide the other musicians in how to play it.

"He had an incredible ear for music," said Raiche. "I remember once saying to a friend of mine who stopped by during practice, 'You hear that (Beatles) record playing now? Wait till they play the same thing. You'll have a hard time telling the difference.' Well, it was actually them playing. It was just incredible."

The other members of The Monks were Steve Frary, Steve Cohen, Roger Kimball and Bobby Hayes. When the group came together again in 2001 for a reunion concert at the Danversport Yacht Club, more than 600 people turned up, according to Hagan, who organized the event.

"He was a wonderful guy and it's unfortunate," said David DeLuca, who sat behind Delp in homeroom all four years at Danvers High. "Now I hear his songs and it's sad to know that he is gone. It's just sad."

Funeral services

Brad Delp's family is conducting a private funeral, and will hold a public memorial service at a date to be announced, according to statement released by his family.

By Amanda McGregor , Staff writer
Salem News

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