What's A Fella To Do?

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your cosmic guides at THE ZOO are groovin’ to the sweet vibes of What’s A Fella To Do? by Barry Goudreau from his 1980 self-titled album. This track’s got that classic rock soul, with Brad Delp’s soaring vocals painting a tale of love’s tug-of-war. Did you know this song was born during a wild time for Goudreau? He was fresh off his Boston days, and in a 2003 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Barry spilled that the album was a chance to flex his songwriting chops outside Tom Scholz’s shadow. He and Delp, joined by Sib Hashian on drums and Fran Cosmo on vocals, cooked up this gem in just nine months, a speedy feat compared to Boston’s marathon recording sessions. The track’s lush harmonies and gritty guitar riffs echo that “almost Boston” sound, but with Goudreau’s personal stamp—think heartbreak wrapped in a rock ‘n’ roll bow.

Now, let’s talk trivia that’ll make you wanna spin this vinyl again. In a 2015 chat with Carl Hose, Goudreau shared that What’s A Fella To Do? was part of a creative burst when Scholz hit pause on Boston due to legal battles. Barry didn’t just sit around—he grabbed his guitar, teamed up with his Boston buds, and poured his heart into this album. Fans on the Steve Hoffman Music Forums rave about the song’s catchy hooks, with some calling it a hidden gem that could’ve been a Boston hit. The album, including this track, was so Boston-esque that it stirred some drama—Scholz wasn’t thrilled with the record label’s “Boston sound” marketing, which led to Goudreau’s exit from the band. Yet, this song’s enduring charm keeps Zoo Freaks dancin’, a testament to Barry’s knack for crafting timeless rock.

Let’s rewind to how Barry Goudreau kicked off his musical journey. Born in Boston on November 29, 1951, Barry was hooked on music early, as he shared on his official website. Picture a young Barry, pre-seatbelt era, bouncing in his mom’s car to Elvis and Roy Orbison. By 11, he was strumming a borrowed acoustic guitar, playing till his fingers bled. His parents finally caved, gifting him a 1962 Fender Stratocaster—wish he still had that one! At 13, he joined his first band, The Tornadoes, and by 15, he was gigging seven nights a week with future Boston drummer Sib Hashian in nightclubs, as noted in a 2017 01907 The Magazine piece. While studying geology at Boston University, Barry’s heart stayed with music, leading him to meet Tom Scholz through a band ad. That connection sparked his rise with Boston, where his guitar licks helped make their debut the fastest-selling of its time.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Barry’s latest grooves on his official website, where you’ll find news on his band, Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. Connect with him on Facebook for updates and throwback pics, or check out Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. Over on X, Barry shares quick hits of rock wisdom and tour news. For fan love, dive into the Band Boston Fan Site, a hub for all things Boston and Goudreau, or join the Boston Fans Facebook Group to swap stories with fellow rockers. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep rockin’ with Barry Goudreau!