Leavin’ Tonight

The song "Leavin' Tonight" from Barry Goudreau's 1980 self-titled solo album, featuring vocals by Fran Cosmo, captures a raw, emotional plea wrapped in a sound that echoes the arena rock vibe of his former band, Boston. In a 2003 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Goudreau shared that the album, including tracks like "Leavin' Tonight," was born out of a period of uncertainty with Boston, as band leader Tom Scholz was entangled in legal disputes, giving Goudreau a window to explore his own songwriting. He recorded the album in just nine months, a stark contrast to Boston's meticulous multi-year production process, and described the experience as liberating since it allowed him, Brad Delp, and Sib Hashian to step out of Scholz’s shadow. Fans on platforms like the Steve Hoffman Music Forums have noted the song’s catchy, Cars-like energy, with one Amazon reviewer calling it a “cross between The Cars and Boston,” highlighting Cosmo’s dynamic delivery and the track’s Queen-inspired flourishes in its closing moments.

While specific anecdotes about "Leavin' Tonight" are scarce in Goudreau’s interviews, the song’s lyrical urgency—lines like “If you don’t love me, I’m gonna be leaving tonight”—resonated with listeners, as seen in discussions on Genius Lyrics, where fans dissect its themes of heartbreak and decisiveness. Goudreau’s solo album, including this track, stirred tension with Scholz, who was reportedly irked by the album’s “Boston Sound” labeling, contributing to Goudreau’s eventual departure from the band. A fan on Amazon recalled discovering the album decades later, marveling at how “Leavin' Tonight” and other tracks felt like hidden Boston gems, underscoring its enduring appeal among Zoo Freaks who dig its classic rock grit.

Barry Goudreau’s musical journey kicked off in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was born on November 29, 1951. His passion for the guitar sparked early, inspired by the raw energy of Elvis and Roy Orbison, as he recounted on his official website, barrygoudreau.com. At age 11, his parents, initially skeptical of his commitment, borrowed an acoustic guitar for him, and by 13, he was playing in his first band, the Tornadoes. By 15, Goudreau was gigging in nightclubs alongside future Boston drummer Sib Hashian, sometimes playing seven nights a week, honing his chops in Boston’s gritty music scene. His biography on The Music Museum of New England notes that he met Boston vocalist Brad Delp and bassist Fran Sheehan during this time, auditioning for Delp’s band but not making the cut—though the connection proved fateful.

While studying geology at Boston University, Goudreau tried to sideline music, but fate intervened when he met Tom Scholz, then an MIT student, through a band called Random Sample. Their collaboration in 1969 on demo tapes laid the groundwork for Boston, with Goudreau’s rhythm and lead guitar work shaping the band’s iconic sound, even if Scholz later downplayed his contributions. After leaving Boston, Goudreau formed Orion the Hunter and RTZ, and continued collaborating with Delp, cementing his legacy in rock. Fans can connect with him through his official Facebook page, where he shares updates on his current band, Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, and on Instagram, where he posts nostalgic photos and performance clips. His X account offers occasional insights into his ongoing projects.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room website showcases his latest work, while fan communities like the Boston and Beyond Fan Group on Facebook buzz with discussions about Goudreau’s contributions to Boston and his solo career. These platforms keep the spirit of his music alive, celebrating tracks like "Leavin' Tonight" that continue to rock the airwaves at THE ZOO.