Until Your Love Comes Back Around

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt ballad "Until Your Love Comes Back Around" by RTZ from their debut album Return to Zero, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this classic AOR track. Written by keyboardist Brian Maes, the song was originally intended for former J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf, but it found its home with RTZ, showcasing lead vocalist Brad Delp’s soaring vocals. The single climbed to #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit #1 in several markets, becoming RTZ’s biggest hit. A black-and-white music video, featuring the band performing with emotive close-ups, accompanied the release and captured the song’s raw emotion. Fans on platforms like YouTube often praise the track’s piano-driven melody and Delp’s ability to convey heartbreak, with comments noting its resemblance to Boston’s power ballads like “A Man I’ll Never Be.”

Trivia about the song includes its bittersweet backstory. According to a Classic Rock History article, the song’s lush production and chord progressions make it a standout power ballad in the vein of Journey or Night Ranger. Some fans speculate the lyrics, which speak of waking up crying from a dream of lost love, reflect personal experiences, though Maes has not confirmed this in interviews. The track’s success was a high point for RTZ, but the band felt their label, Giant Records, didn’t fully support the album, leading them to seek a new deal. Sadly, Delp’s departure to rejoin Boston halted the band’s momentum, and Return to Zero eventually went out of print, making original copies a collector’s item among Zoo Freaks and AOR enthusiasts.

RTZ began as a collaboration between former Boston members Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau in 1989. Delp, known for his crystalline voice on Boston’s hits like “More Than a Feeling,” was on hiatus from the band and eager to write new material. He reached out to Goudreau, a guitarist from Boston’s original lineup, who had stayed in touch after contributing to Delp’s side projects, including Goudreau’s 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter record. The duo 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 acts like Nick Lowe and Epic Records’ New Man. This lineup gelled quickly, landing a deal with Giant Records and releasing Return to Zero in 1991, a polished album that blended melodic rock with Delp’s unmistakable vocals.

The band’s official website is BarryGoudreau.com, which includes RTZ’s discography and a downloadable 1987 demo of “Face the Music” featuring Fergie Frederiksen. For social media, fans can follow updates on Barry Goudreau’s Facebook and Instagram, as RTZ does not maintain separate accounts. Goudreau occasionally shares RTZ-related posts, including tributes to Delp, who passed away in 2007. On X, Goudreau’s account offers glimpses into his current projects and RTZ nostalgia. Fan communities thrive on platforms like Facebook’s Brad Delp Fan Page, where Zoo Freaks and Boston devotees share memories, rare photos, and discussions about RTZ’s music. Another fan hub, ThirdStage.ca, provides detailed RTZ history, discography, and news, making it a go-to for die-hard supporters.