Devil To Pay

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Devil To Pay" by RTZ from their 1991 album Return to Zero, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its playful, honky-tonk-inflected energy. This track, a standout on the album, has been praised for its lively spirit, with one reviewer noting its unique "honky-tonk swagger" that sets it apart from the more polished AOR tracks on the record. In a 2013 interview with MelodicRock.com, guitarist Barry Goudreau shared that "Devil To Pay" was one of the songs where the band let loose, aiming to capture a raw, fun vibe in the studio. He recalled how lead vocalist Brad Delp improvised some of the vocal flourishes, adding a spontaneous edge that made the track a fan favorite among those who caught RTZ’s live shows in the early '90s. Though no specific social media posts from the band’s official accounts dive into this song, fans on the Brad Delp Fan Club Facebook group have mentioned it as a hidden gem, with one user in 2020 calling it "the kind of song that makes you want to crank the volume and hit the open road."

RTZ’s journey began in 1989 when Barry Goudreau and Brad Delp, both former members of the iconic rock band Boston, decided to collaborate on a new project. Goudreau, who had played guitar on Boston’s first two albums, and Delp, the voice behind hits like "More Than A Feeling," were itching to create music together again after staying in touch post-Goudreau’s departure from Boston. According to a bio on thirdstage.ca, Delp was on hiatus from Boston and eager to write, so he reached out to Goudreau. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, who had toured with Goudreau’s earlier project Orion the Hunter, along with drummer David Stefanelli and bassist Tim Archibald, both seasoned players with ties to the Boston music scene. The band landed a deal with Giant Records, and their debut album Return to Zero was released in 1991, blending melodic hard rock with a slightly less polished sound than Boston’s signature style. Despite the grunge wave overshadowing their efforts, RTZ built a loyal following, thanks to Delp’s soaring vocals and Goudreau’s sharp guitar work.

For those wanting to dive deeper into RTZ’s world, the band’s official website is hosted under Barry Goudreau’s page at barrygoudreau.com/rtz, where you can find details on their discography and history. Their official Facebook page shares occasional updates, though it’s less active now, with posts mostly from fans reminiscing about the band’s '90s heyday. Unfortunately, RTZ doesn’t have an official Instagram or X account, reflecting the band’s pre-social media peak. Fans keep the spirit alive, though, on sites like thirdstage.ca, a Boston and RTZ fan hub with detailed band info, and the Brad Delp Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memories, rare photos, and tributes to Delp’s legacy. These communities are perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to connect with others who still rock out to RTZ’s timeless sound.