Face the Music

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Face the Music" by RTZ, a standout track from their 1991 debut album Return to Zero, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, the album's first single, has an interesting backstory. Its original 1987 demo featured vocalist Fergie Frederiksen, not RTZ's lead singer Brad Delp, and was later made available for download on BarryGoudreau.com. The demo offers a raw glimpse into the song's early evolution, showcasing a different vocal texture before Delp's iconic voice defined the final version. A music video was produced for "Face the Music," capturing the band's early '90s energy, though it didn't achieve the same chart success as their later single "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," which hit #26 in the U.S. The song's driving rhythm and melodic rock vibe made it a favorite for fans of AOR (Album-Oriented Rock), with some reviewers noting its catchy chorus and polished production as a highlight of the album.

Another tidbit about "Face the Music" comes from its critical reception. While the Calgary Herald critiqued Return to Zero for lacking raw power, fans on platforms like Rate Your Music praised the track for its strong opening to the album, often comparing it favorably to the work of bands like Foreigner and Styx. The song's lyrics, co-written by Delp and guitarist Barry Goudreau, touch on themes of confronting reality, which resonated with listeners. In a 1991 ROCKLINE interview, the band discussed the album's creation, hinting at the collaborative spark between Delp and Goudreau that birthed tracks like "Face the Music." Though no direct social media posts from the band about the song have surfaced recently, fan discussions on Facebook groups like "RTZ (Return to Zero) Fans" keep the song's legacy alive, with members sharing memories of live performances and its radio play in the early '90s.

RTZ's story began with Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, both former members of the rock band Boston. Delp, known for his soaring vocals, and Goudreau, a skilled guitarist, were part of Boston's original lineup in the 1970s. After Goudreau left Boston, he and Delp stayed in touch, with Delp contributing to Goudreau's 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. By 1989, Delp was on hiatus from Boston and eager to write new music. He reached out to Goudreau, and their collaboration birthed RTZ. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, who had toured with Orion the Hunter, along with drummer Dave Stefanelli and bassist Tim Archibald, both of whom brought prior experience from other music projects. This lineup signed with Giant Records, releasing Return to Zero in 1991, which marked RTZ's entry into the melodic rock scene.

For more about RTZ, check out their official website at barrygoudreau.com/rtz, maintained by Barry Goudreau, which offers band history and music details. Their official Facebook page shares updates and fan interactions, while the RTZ (Return to Zero) Fans group is a vibrant community for Zoo Freaks to connect over the band's music. RTZ's Instagram features throwback photos and occasional posts about their legacy. On X, the band engages with fans, though activity is sporadic. For deeper dives, fan sites like thirdstage.ca provide detailed discographies and band info, perfect for any Zoo Freak wanting to explore RTZ's journey.