This Is My Life

The song "This Is My Life" by RTZ from their 1991 debut album Return to Zero carries the heartfelt energy of a band striving to carve out their own identity. In a 1991 interview on Rockline, lead vocalist Brad Delp described the track as a personal anthem about staying true to one’s convictions, with lyrics like “Strike me down in this very spot / If I ever told you a lie” reflecting a raw honesty. Barry Goudreau, the guitarist, shared in a later MelodicRock.com interview that the song’s driving rhythm and layered harmonies were crafted to capture the live energy of their performances, though he admitted the studio version felt slightly overpolished compared to their raw rehearsals. Fans on the RTZ Fan Club Facebook group often cite the song’s uplifting chorus as a standout, with one member recalling how it was a staple during RTZ’s 1991 U.S. tour, where Delp’s soaring vocals would ignite the crowd. The track didn’t chart as high as their hit “Until Your Love Comes Back Around,” but its inclusion on the album’s tracklist, as noted on Genius, has kept it a fan favorite for its emotional depth.

RTZ’s formation traces back to a collaboration between Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, both former members of the iconic rock band Boston. According to Wikipedia, the band began in 1989 when Delp, on hiatus from Boston, sought to reignite his creative spark. He reached out to Goudreau, with whom he’d stayed close after Goudreau’s departure from Boston in the early 1980s. Their shared history included Delp contributing vocals to Goudreau’s 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. Eager to explore a fresh sound, they recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald, all seasoned musicians with ties to acts like Nick Lowe and New Man. As detailed on thirdstage.ca, RTZ landed a deal with Giant Records, and their debut album Return to Zero was released in 1991, blending melodic rock with AOR sensibilities. Despite critical praise, the rise of grunge overshadowed their efforts, but the band’s chemistry and Delp’s unmistakable voice cemented their legacy.

For those looking to dive deeper into RTZ’s world, the band’s official presence is limited but accessible. Barry Goudreau’s website, barrygoudreau.com, serves as the closest official hub, offering downloads like the 1987 demo of “Face the Music” and band updates. The RTZ Facebook page shares occasional posts about the band’s history and music, though it’s not highly active. Instagram has no official RTZ account, but fans keep the spirit alive on the platform by sharing throwback photos under hashtags like #RTZBand. On X, you can find fan discussions and tributes, particularly around Brad Delp’s legacy, though no official band account exists. The RTZ Fan Club Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can connect, swap stories, and share rare live recordings. Additionally, thirdstage.ca remains a dedicated fan site with detailed band info, discographies, and archived photos, perfect for anyone spinning RTZ’s records at THE ZOO.