Barry Goudreau
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Barry Goudreau (November 29, 1951) is one of the original guitarists for the rock band Boston. The group evolved from Goudreau's college band "Mother's Milk" which also included Tom Scholz and Brad Delp. Goudreau worked with Scholz and Delp as early as 1969 on an initial set of demo tapes, where he performed all of the rhythm and lead guitar work. These early attempts to attract record label interest did not succeed. Later, Scholz re-worked and re-recorded some of these demo songs and wrote several new songs for a second set of demo tapes. This time with Scholz performing all of the guitar, bass and keyboard parts. This second demo set won a recording contract with Epic Records.
Although Goudreau is not credited with any songwriting on any Boston tracks, his guitar work was an integral part of the Boston trademark sound and style.[citation needed] Goudreau composed and performed the lead work for Foreplay/Long Time, Don't Look Back, Used To Bad News and provided much creative input to the primary songwriter, Tom Scholz.[citation needed] In late 1979, Scholz became involved in legal and contractual battles with the band's manager, and later on, with CBS. Therefore, he informed the members of Boston that he would not be working on Boston material for at least a year and that they should feel free to do solo projects.
By this time, Goudreau had written many songs in hopes that Scholz would incorporate them into the next Boston LP. Scholz did not express interest in using any of Goudreau's work. In 1980, Goudreau recorded his first solo LP titled "Barry Goudreau", using Brad Delp and Fran Cosmo (who would join Boston in 1991) on vocals and Sib Hashian (then drummer for Boston) on drums. The record company sought to cash in big time with this "almost Boston" line up and proceeded to promote the solo LP as a kind of "Boston-lite". The LP successfully hit the airwaves with the songs "Dreams" and "Mean Woman Blues".
In 1984, Goudreau formed up the band "Orion The Hunter" and released a debut LP. This time, Fran Cosmo appeared as lead vocalist, while Brad Delp provided background vocals and co-wrote 5 of the album's songs. The album included the single "So You Ran". The band toured in support of Aerosmith in 1984 but ultimately broke up in 1985.
In 1990 Goudreau formed the band RTZ (Return To Zero). Brad Delp left Boston in order to join the band. RTZ experienced some success with the hit "Until Your Love Comes Back Around", but the record company chose not to renew their contract.
In 2003, Goudreau and Delp teamed up for their independent recording of "Delp And Goudreau". The single "It's What You Leave Behind" received limited radio airplay.
In 2005, Goudreau and the members of RTZ released 2 CDs of songs that were earmarked for the never-realized second RTZ CD. Goudreau continues to perform with Brad Delp, Fran Sheehan and Sib Hashian in small, local venues in the greater Boston area.
[edit] External links
| Boston |
| Brad Delp | Tom Scholz Barry Goudreau | Musicians |
| Discography |
|---|
| Albums: Boston | Don't Look Back | Third Stage | Walk On | Corporate America |
| Compilations: Greatest Hits |
