Joanne

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt ballad "Joanne" by Orion The Hunter from their 1984 self-titled album, and Zoo Freaks, this one's got a story! This track, a standout on the album, was co-written by Fran Cosmo and Brad Delp, the latter a legendary voice from Boston. Delp’s backing vocals shine through, adding emotional depth to the song’s soaring melody. Fans on platforms like Amazon have praised "Joanne" as a quintessential 80s rock ballad, with one reviewer calling it “musically beautiful” and ranking it alongside Journey’s “Faithfully” for its inspired and meaningful composition. The song’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Delp’s influence evident in its lush harmonies, a nod to his Boston roots. Interestingly, the album, including "Joanne," was recorded during a hiatus between Boston’s albums, giving guitarist Barry Goudreau a chance to step into the spotlight. Though no specific interviews detail the song’s inspiration, its tender lyrics and Cosmo’s emotive delivery suggest a personal story, perhaps a lost love, resonating with listeners who cherish its nostalgic AOR vibe.

Orion The Hunter formed in 1984 as a splinter group from Boston, spearheaded by guitarist Barry Goudreau. Goudreau, born November 29, 1951, developed a passion for music early, picking up an acoustic guitar at age 11. By 13, he was playing in his first band, the Tornadoes, and at 15, he joined forces with future Boston drummer Sib Hashian, gigging in nightclubs. While studying geology at Boston University, Goudreau met Tom Scholz and Brad Delp, laying the groundwork for Boston’s formation. After contributing to Boston’s first two albums, Goudreau left in 1981 due to creative tensions and formed Orion The Hunter with Fran Cosmo (lead vocals), Bruce Smith (bass), and ex-Heart drummer Michael DeRosier. Cosmo, who’d sung on Goudreau’s 1980 solo album, brought his powerful voice, later joining Boston in the 1990s. The band’s sole album, released on Columbia Records, charted at #57 on Billboard’s Top 200, with "So You Ran" hitting #7 on rock radio. Despite touring with Aerosmith, the band disbanded in 1985 due to label promotion issues, leaving "Joanne" as a gem for AOR fans.

Tracking down Orion The Hunter online is tricky since they disbanded decades ago, and no official website exists. The band doesn’t maintain active social media, but you can find their music and bio on platforms like AllMusic and Discogs. For social media, there’s no verified Facebook or Instagram for the band, but Barry Goudreau’s official Facebook page occasionally shares throwbacks to his Orion days. Fran Cosmo’s Facebook also mentions his Orion The Hunter work alongside his Boston tenure. On X, searching “Orion The Hunter band” yields fan posts reminiscing about "Joanne," though no official band account exists. Fan communities are sparse, but the Boston Rock Band Fan Group on Facebook often discusses Orion The Hunter, with fans sharing love for "Joanne." Websites like thirdstage.ca and The Music Museum of New England offer detailed band histories, perfect for Zoo Freaks digging deeper.