What You Leave Behind

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the reflective track "What You Leave Behind" by Delp and Goudreau from their 2003 self-titled album, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This song, a standout from the album, carries a profound message about life’s purpose and legacy. Its lyrics ponder whether we’re here for a reason or simply to make meaning through our choices, urging listeners to cherish time and leave something meaningful behind. According to a post on SonicHits, the song’s introspective tone resonates as a meditation on navigating life’s challenges, whether through intuition, divine inspiration, or logic, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vibe.

Digging into the trivia, "What You Leave Behind" was born from a collaboration between Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, both former members of the iconic rock band Boston. The song was part of an album recorded in Goudreau’s home studio, a project that initially started as a side endeavor. In a 2003 interview archived on ThirdStage.ca, Goudreau shared that he had laid down instrumental tracks, including one that became "Hands of Time," and invited Delp to tweak lyrics and add his soulful vocals. The track "What You Leave Behind" evolved organically, but when Goudreau pitched it to Boston’s Tom Scholz for their next album, Scholz had already finalized Corporate America, leaving these songs to form the Delp and Goudreau project. Zoo Freaks might find it cool that this album features other Boston alumni like Tim Archibald, Brian Maes, and David Stefanelli, who also played in the band RTZ.

As for how Delp and Goudreau got started, Brad Delp, born in 1951 in Peabody, Massachusetts, was a vocal powerhouse whose tenor was described as "flawless" by ILoveClassicRock.com. His musical journey began in 1969 when guitarist Barry Goudreau introduced him to Tom Scholz, who was seeking a singer for demo recordings. This led to the formation of Mother’s Milk, a precursor to Boston, which signed with Epic Records and released the blockbuster debut album Boston in 1976. Delp’s voice defined hits like "More Than a Feeling." Meanwhile, Barry Goudreau, born in Boston in 1951, picked up his first guitar at age 11, borrowing an acoustic from a friend, as noted on his official website. By 13, he was playing in his first band, the Tornadoes, and at 15, he joined a group with future Boston drummer Sib Hashian, gigging relentlessly at nightclubs.

Goudreau’s passion for music grew despite a brief detour to study geology at Boston University, where he crossed paths with Scholz at MIT. Their early demos in 1969, with Goudreau on guitar, laid the groundwork for Boston’s sound, though it wasn’t until 1974 that Scholz’s refined tapes secured a record deal. Delp and Goudreau’s collaboration extended beyond Boston, with projects like RTZ and their 2003 album, showcasing their enduring creative bond. Sadly, Delp passed away in 2007, but Goudreau continues to perform, as seen in posts on his Instagram.

Fans can connect with Barry Goudreau through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates about his music and performances with Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. The official BarryGoudreau.com site offers a deep dive into his career, from Boston to RTZ. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Boston Fan Group on Facebook or check out GonnaHitchARide.com, a fan site dedicated to Boston’s legacy, for more stories and discussions about Delp and Goudreau’s work.