Hard Time (In The Big House)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hard Time (In The Big House)" by RTZ from their 1991 album Return to Zero, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. This track, the tenth on the album, is a high-energy rocker with pounding drums and a gritty groove, showcasing Barry Goudreau’s searing guitar work. In a 2017 interview with MelodicRock.com, Goudreau revealed that the song’s lyrics, penned by Brad Delp, were inspired by a playful take on being "locked up" in the pressures of the music industry, not a literal prison tale. The song’s raw production, handled by Chris Lord-Alge, gives it a punchy, live feel, which Goudreau noted was a deliberate contrast to the polished sound of their former band, Boston. Fans on the RTZ Fans Unofficial Facebook group often cite it as a standout for its driving rhythm and Delp’s soaring vocals, perfect for cranking up on a late-night drive.

Digging deeper, "Hard Time (In The Big House)" didn’t get a single release or video like "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," but it’s a cult favorite among AOR enthusiasts. A 2005 post on the now-defunct Heavy Harmonies forum mentioned a rare live performance of the song during RTZ’s 1991 tour, where Delp improvised a comedic rap verse, much to the crowd’s delight. Unfortunately, no official recording of that moment exists, but it’s a gem of a story passed down by longtime Zoo Freaks. The song’s placement near the album’s end makes it a bit of a hidden treasure, but as Goudreau shared in a 2020 Facebook post, it was one of the band’s favorite tracks to play live because of its infectious energy and crowd-pleasing riffs.

Now, let’s rewind to how RTZ got started. The band formed around 1989 when Brad Delp, the iconic voice of Boston, was on hiatus from his main gig and itching to write new material. He reached out to Barry Goudreau, Boston’s original guitarist, who’d left the band after their early success. The two had stayed tight, with Delp contributing to Goudreau’s 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. According to a bio on BarryGoudreau.com, their collaboration sparked RTZ, short for Return to Zero, a nod to starting fresh. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, who’d toured with Orion the Hunter, drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald, both with solid resumes from working with producer Nick Lowe and Epic Records’ New Man, respectively. By 1991, RTZ landed a deal with Giant Records, releasing Return to Zero, which blended melodic rock with a sleeker, late-’80s sheen.

RTZ’s journey wasn’t without bumps. Despite the success of "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," which hit #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, the band felt neglected by their label, as noted in a 2004 ThirdStage.ca article. Delp left to rejoin Boston for their Walk On tour, and RTZ disbanded, though they later released Lost in 1998 and Lost and Found in 2004 under Brian Maes’ Briola Records. A brief 2007 reunion with Boston drummer Sib Hashian produced "Rockin’ Away," celebrating Boston’s 30th anniversary. Sadly, Delp’s passing in 2007 marked the end of RTZ’s active years, but their music lives on through dedicated fans.

For more RTZ goodness, check out their official site at BarryGoudreau.com, where you can find band history and rare demos. Follow Barry Goudreau on Facebook and Instagram for updates, though the band’s official X account is mostly inactive. Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow fans on the RTZ Fans Unofficial Facebook group, a lively spot for sharing memories and rare tracks. You can also explore fan-curated content on ThirdStage.ca, a site dedicated to Boston and related projects like RTZ. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!