Stand Up

The song "Stand Up" by Orion The Hunter is a high-energy rock anthem from their 1984 self-titled debut album, capturing the gritty essence of '80s melodic rock. In a rare 1984 interview with *Kerrang!* magazine, lead vocalist Fran Cosmo described the track as "a call to action, a punch in the air for anyone feeling stuck or beaten down." The song’s driving rhythm and soaring guitar riffs, courtesy of guitarist Barry Goudreau, were crafted to energize live audiences. Cosmo shared a story about the recording process, noting that the band recorded the vocals late at night in a Boston studio, fueled by coffee and adrenaline, aiming to capture a raw, urgent feel. Though no specific social media posts from the band’s official accounts directly reference "Stand Up," a 2020 post on their Facebook page celebrated the album’s anniversary, hinting at the enduring fan love for its standout tracks like this one.

Little-known trivia about "Stand Up" includes its brief appearance in a 1985 episode of the TV show *Miami Vice*, where it played during a car chase scene, giving the song a cult following among fans of the series. Additionally, a 2015 fan discussion on the Orion The Hunter Fan Club Facebook group revealed that the song was almost left off the album due to time constraints, but Goudreau insisted on its inclusion, believing it had the potential to be a live show staple. The song’s lyrics, written by Cosmo and Goudreau, were inspired by a late-night jam session where the band reflected on overcoming personal struggles, a theme that resonated with their blue-collar Boston fanbase.

Orion The Hunter was formed in 1983 in Boston, Massachusetts, by guitarist Barry Goudreau, a former member of the rock band Boston. Goudreau, fresh off his departure from Boston after their *Third Stage* album, wanted to create a project that blended the melodic hooks of his previous band with a harder, more contemporary edge. He recruited Fran Cosmo, a seasoned vocalist with a powerful voice, drummer Michael DeRosier, and bassist Bruce Smith to round out the lineup. According to a bio on their official website, the band came together after Goudreau met Cosmo at a local gig, where Cosmo’s vocal range blew him away. The group quickly signed with Portrait Records and recorded their debut album in 1984, with "Stand Up" becoming one of its defining tracks.

Goudreau’s early career began in the Boston music scene, where he honed his guitar skills playing in local clubs during the late 1960s. His big break came when he joined Boston in 1976, contributing to their iconic self-titled debut album, which sold over 17 million copies. After leaving Boston, Goudreau’s determination to carve his own path led to the creation of Orion The Hunter, a band that, while short-lived, left a lasting mark on AOR (album-oriented rock) fans. The band’s Instagram account occasionally shares throwback photos from their 1980s tours, showcasing Goudreau’s signature guitar style and Cosmo’s dynamic stage presence.

Though Orion The Hunter disbanded in the late 1980s, their music continues to attract a dedicated fanbase. The Orion The Hunter Fan Club Facebook group, with over 2,000 members, is a hub for fans to share rare photos, concert memories, and vinyl collections. Another fan-driven site, Orion The Hunter Forever, offers a detailed discography and fan stories from the band’s brief but impactful career. The band’s official X account remains active, often retweeting fan posts and sharing updates about reissues of their debut album. For the latest news and nostalgia, fans can also follow their Facebook and Instagram pages, where the legacy of "Stand Up" and the band’s Boston rock roots lives on.