Given You Up For Dead

The song "Given You Up For Dead" by RTZ from their album Lost carries a gritty emotional weight, reflecting the band’s knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with melodic rock. Though specific interviews or social media posts about this track are scarce, the album Lost, released in 1998, was a significant moment for RTZ. It was compiled from leftover recordings after their debut album, Return to Zero, and released through MTM Records after the band faced challenges with their original label, Giant Records. The song’s raw energy and introspective tone suggest it was born from the band’s tumultuous period in the early ’90s, when frontman Brad Delp briefly stepped away to rejoin Boston. Fans on platforms like RTZ Fan Club on Facebook have noted the track’s darker, more reflective vibe compared to the band’s earlier hits like “Until Your Love Comes Back Around,” speculating it captures the band’s frustration with industry struggles.

Another piece of trivia tied to Lost and tracks like "Given You Up For Dead" comes from the band’s resilience in the face of adversity. After Delp’s departure, the remaining members—Barry Goudreau, Brian Maes, Tim Archibald, and Dave Stefanelli—chose to end RTZ rather than replace him, believing his voice was irreplaceable. However, Goudreau later revived the project to release Lost, showcasing their commitment to the music they’d created together. A fan post on RTZFans on X once described the album as “a hidden gem for AOR lovers,” highlighting how tracks like "Given You Up For Dead" resonate with listeners for their unpolished authenticity. The song’s lyrical depth, paired with RTZ’s signature arena-rock sound, makes it a standout for Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station.

RTZ’s origins trace back to 1989, when Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, both former members of Boston, reconnected during a hiatus from their main band. Delp, known for his soaring vocals, and Goudreau, a skilled guitarist, had collaborated before on Goudreau’s 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. Seeking a fresh creative outlet, they formed RTZ, which stands for “Return to Zero,” symbolizing a back-to-basics approach to rock. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, who had toured with Orion the Hunter, along with drummer Dave Stefanelli and bassist Tim Archibald, both seasoned musicians with ties to the Boston music scene. Their debut album, Return to Zero, released in 1991 via Giant Records, spawned the hit “Until Your Love Comes Back Around,” which reached No. 1 in several markets, as noted on thirdstage.ca.

For fans looking to dive deeper, RTZ’s official presence is limited but accessible. The band doesn’t maintain an active official website, but their music and history are well-documented on platforms like Apple Music and Discogs. Social media accounts dedicated to RTZ include the fan-driven RTZ Facebook page, where enthusiasts share memories and rare photos, and RTZFans on Instagram, which posts throwback content and album art. On X, the RTZFans account occasionally shares updates and engages with followers about the band’s legacy. Fan communities thrive in spaces like the RTZ Fan Club on Facebook, a group where Zoo Freaks and other devotees discuss the band’s discography and share concert stories. Additionally, thirdstage.ca serves as a fan website with detailed band history and discography, perfect for those spinning RTZ’s records at THE ZOO.