When You Love Someone

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "When You Love Someone" by RTZ from their album Lost. This track, a gem from the 1998 release, captures the heartfelt essence of RTZ's melodic rock style. While specific interviews or social media posts about this song are scarce, the album Lost itself has a fascinating backstory. According to information from thirdstage.ca, the tracks for Lost were leftovers from the recording sessions of RTZ's debut album, Return to Zero. After the band felt neglected by their original label, Giant Records, and frontman Brad Delp temporarily left to rejoin Boston, guitarist Barry Goudreau hunted for a new label. He eventually secured a deal with MTM Records, allowing these tracks, including "When You Love Someone," to see the light of day. The song's smooth, emotive vocals and polished production make it a standout, reflecting the band's knack for crafting radio-friendly AOR tunes.

Another tidbit about Lost comes from its release history. As noted on Wikipedia, the album was later reissued in 2005 under band member Brian Maes' Briola Records as Lost in America, with some versions including a bonus track, "Dangerous," previously exclusive to the Japanese release. While "When You Love Someone" hasn't been singled out in quotes or posts, its place on this album ties it to RTZ's resilience, as they pushed to share music despite industry setbacks. The lack of direct social media buzz about the song isn't surprising, given RTZ's limited online presence and the era of the album's release, but its inclusion on platforms like Apple Music keeps it alive for fans. The Zoo Crew's choice to spin this track is a nod to its enduring appeal among AOR enthusiasts.

Now, let's dive into how RTZ got started. Formed in 1989, RTZ—short for Return to Zero—emerged from a collaboration between former Boston members Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau. As detailed on Wikipedia and thirdstage.ca, Delp, Boston's iconic vocalist, was on hiatus from the band and eager to write again. He reached out to Goudreau, a guitarist from Boston's original lineup, who had left the band earlier but stayed in touch with Delp. Their friendship had already led to Delp contributing to Goudreau's 1980 solo album and the 1984 Orion the Hunter project. Together, they recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald, forming RTZ. Maes and Stefanelli brought experience from working with producer Nick Lowe, while Archibald had a background with the band New Man, which had released an album on Epic Records.

RTZ's big break came when they signed with Giant Records, releasing their debut album, Return to Zero, in 1991. The album spawned the hit single "Until Your Love Comes Back Around," penned by Maes, which reached #26 in the U.S. and hit #1 in several markets, as noted on AllMusic. Despite early success, tensions with their label and Delp's return to Boston halted the band's momentum. RTZ's story is one of persistence, as they regrouped years later to release Lost and other material, including a 2007 tribute single to Delp after his passing. The band's journey reflects their passion for music, even when faced with industry challenges.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with RTZ, the band's official online presence is tied to Barry Goudreau's website, barrygoudreau.com/rtz, which offers band history and music details. Social media accounts specifically for RTZ are limited, but you can follow updates through Barry Goudreau's Facebook page, where he occasionally posts about RTZ and related projects. No dedicated RTZ Instagram or X accounts exist, but Goudreau's X profile sometimes shares nostalgic content about the band. For fan communities, check out the RTZ Fan Club on Facebook, a group where enthusiasts share memories and updates. Additionally, thirdstage.ca, a fan site focused on Boston and related acts like RTZ, provides detailed band info and discography, making it a great resource for diehard fans.