Rain Down on Me

The song "Rain Down on Me" by RTZ from their 1991 album Return to Zero carries the signature melodic rock sound that defined the band’s AOR style. One piece of trivia about the track comes from fan discussions on platforms like Rate Your Music, where listeners note its evocative lyrics, such as “I can feel the thunder comin’ from miles around,” which capture a sense of longing and emotional intensity. The song’s production, handled by Chris Lord-Alge, gives it a polished, radio-ready sheen, with Brad Delp’s soaring vocals standing out as a highlight. In a 2013 interview with MelodicRock.com, guitarist Barry Goudreau mentioned that the album, including tracks like "Rain Down on Me," was crafted to blend Boston’s classic sound with a fresher, late-’80s vibe, though its release timing in 1991 meant it competed with the rising grunge movement, limiting its commercial reach. Fans on the Brad Delp Fan Club Facebook group often share how Delp’s performance in this song showcases his ability to convey raw emotion, a trait that made him a beloved figure in rock.

RTZ’s formation traces back to 1989, when Brad Delp, on hiatus from Boston, sought to reignite his creative spark. Delp, who passed away in 2007, had been the iconic voice behind Boston’s hits like “More Than a Feeling.” He reached out to Barry Goudreau, a former Boston guitarist who had left the band after their early success. According to thirdstage.ca, the two had stayed close, with Delp contributing to Goudreau’s 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. Their collaboration as RTZ began as a way to explore new music outside Boston’s shadow. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, drummer David Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald, all seasoned musicians with ties to the Boston music scene. Maes had toured with Orion the Hunter, while Stefanelli and Archibald brought experience from working with producer Nick Lowe and the band New Man, respectively. This lineup secured a deal with Giant Records, releasing Return to Zero in 1991, which included the hit single “Until Your Love Comes Back Around.”

RTZ’s official online presence is limited, reflecting their status as a side project that disbanded after Delp rejoined Boston in the mid-’90s. Barry Goudreau maintains a personal website at barrygoudreau.com, where fans can find updates on his projects and download early RTZ demos, including a 1987 version of “Face the Music.” The band does not have an active official Facebook page, but fans can follow Goudreau’s updates on his Facebook. There is no official RTZ Instagram or X account, though Goudreau occasionally shares music-related posts on his own social media. Fan communities keep the band’s legacy alive, with the Brad Delp Fan Club on Facebook serving as a hub for discussions about Delp’s work with RTZ and Boston. Another fan site, thirdstage.ca, offers detailed band history and discography, making it a go-to resource for Zoo Freaks diving into RTZ’s catalog.