Change for Change

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the track "Change for Change" by RTZ from their album Lost, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, tucked into the 1998 release, carries the band’s signature AOR sound with its melodic hooks and introspective lyrics. While specific interviews or social media posts about "Change for Change" are scarce, the album Lost itself has a compelling backstory. It was compiled from leftover recordings after RTZ’s initial breakup when lead singer Brad Delp left to rejoin Boston. Barry Goudreau, the band’s guitarist, shared in a thirdstage.ca interview that the tracks were nearly lost forever until he secured a deal with MTM Records to release them, giving fans a second chance to hear gems like "Change for Change."

Trivia about the song’s context reveals its place in RTZ’s turbulent history. The Lost album, unlike their debut, didn’t get much label support, which frustrated the band. In a rare comment on Barry Goudreau’s official Facebook, he once hinted at the emotional weight of releasing those tracks, calling it a labor of love to preserve Delp’s vocals. Fans on the RTZ Fans Facebook group often speculate that "Change for Change" reflects the band’s own struggles for creative control, though no official quotes confirm this. The song’s upbeat tempo and layered harmonies, however, make it a standout for Zoo Freaks craving that classic rock vibe.

RTZ began as a passion project in 1989, born from the collaboration of Boston alumni Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau. According to their bio on AllMusic, Delp was on hiatus from Boston and eager to write again, while Goudreau, who’d left Boston earlier, wanted to recapture their chemistry. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald, blending their arena rock roots with a fresh edge. Their debut album, Return to Zero, dropped in 1991 via Giant Records and spawned the hit "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," which climbed to No. 30 on the charts. Despite early success, label disputes and Delp’s return to Boston halted RTZ’s momentum, leading to their eventual dissolution after Lost.

For fans wanting to dive deeper, RTZ’s digital footprint is modest but active. The band’s official website is hosted under Barry Goudreau’s site, offering discography details and updates. Barry maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where he occasionally shares RTZ throwbacks. His X account is quieter but still worth a follow for sporadic posts. The RTZ Fans Facebook group is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks and others to swap stories and rare tracks. Another fan site, thirdstage.ca, provides detailed band history and is a treasure trove for RTZ enthusiasts.