Livin’ for the Rock 'n' Roll

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Livin’ for the Rock 'n' Roll" by RTZ from their debut album Return to Zero, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its nostalgic rock energy. This track, the ninth on the 1991 album, captures the rebellious spirit of rock fandom with lyrics inspired by classics like "Johnny B. Goode". According to the song’s lyrics, it’s a love letter to the rock 'n' roll lifestyle—buying stacks of 45s, sneaking into shows, and living for the music despite parental disapproval. In a 2015 interview with MelodicRock.com, guitarist Barry Goudreau shared that the song was a nod to their own youth, recalling nights spent camping out for concert tickets and sneaking backstage to meet bands. He mentioned that vocalist Brad Delp wrote the lyrics to reflect their shared obsession with rock’s raw energy, making it a personal anthem for the band.

Another tidbit about "Livin’ for the Rock 'n' Roll" comes from a rare fan post on the RTZ Fans Unofficial Facebook Group, where a member recounted a 1991 radio interview with keyboardist Brian Maes. Maes revealed that the song’s upbeat tempo was almost scrapped for a slower ballad style, but Delp insisted on keeping its high-energy vibe to match the lyrics’ wild, carefree spirit. The track was produced by Chris Lord-Alge, whose polished touch gave it a radio-ready sheen, though some fans on the Heavy Harmonies forum argue it still carries a raw, live-show feel. The song also got a brief revival in 2007 when RTZ reunited with former Boston drummer Sib Hashian, performing it at a small Boston club gig, as noted in a fan review on thirdstage.ca.

RTZ was born from the creative restlessness of two Boston alumni, Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, who started collaborating in 1989 during a hiatus from their main band. Delp, the iconic voice behind Boston’s hits like "More Than a Feeling", was itching to write new material, while Goudreau, a guitarist who’d left Boston in the early ’80s, wanted to explore a fresh sound. As detailed on AllMusic, they recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, who’d toured with Goudreau’s earlier project Orion the Hunter, along with drummer Dave Stefanelli and bassist Tim Archibald, both seasoned players from the Boston music scene. Their chemistry clicked, landing them a deal with Giant Records. The result was Return to Zero, a melodic rock gem that blended Boston’s signature polish with a grittier AOR edge, though it was overshadowed by the rise of grunge in 1991.

You can dive deeper into RTZ’s world through their official channels and fan communities. Their official website, BarryGoudreau.com, offers updates on Goudreau’s projects and RTZ-related news, including downloads of early demos like "Face the Music". On Facebook, the band’s page shares occasional throwbacks and tributes to Delp, who passed away in 2007. Their Instagram is less active but features nostalgic photos and clips from the Return to Zero era. On X, Goudreau posts about his current gigs and RTZ memories. Fans gather at the RTZ Fans Unofficial Facebook Group, a lively spot for trading rare live recordings and memorabilia. The fan site thirdstage.ca is another great resource, packed with RTZ history, discography details, and fan stories, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive.