"Massive discord stirred following CBS advertisement declaring, 'Over 6 million have savored his guitar melodies; meet the man behind them...': Barry Goudreau, original member of Boston, expresses regrets over his split with Tom Scholz"
A Changing Tide: Barry Goudreau's Exit from Boston
Barry Goudreau, the mastermind behind Boston's 1976 self-titled album, had a rollercoaster ride with the band. The sequel, Don't Look Back in 1978, was no exception. However, the real drama began behind the scenes.
The band's vibe took a hit around 1979. The European tour wasn't a blast for everyone. Tom Scholz, Boston's lead guitarist, seemed lackluster, and this gloom permeated the rest of the band. Goudreau felt the change and decided it was his time to move on.
But his departure wasn't just about the European tour. Goudreau was itching to express himself musically beyond the confines of Boston. In 1980, he embarked on a solo project. Initially, Scholz supported the idea, but things took a turn when the label pushed for his sole focus on Boston. The promotional campaign for Goudreau's solo album, which Scholz saw as a threat, caused an unbridgeable rift[1][2][3].
Goudreau left Boston, marking the end of an era. He formed Orion the Hunter and later RTZ, collaborating with former Boston vocalist Brad Delp. The band dynamics were different, but the music was still magic[1][3][4].
Barry Goudreau: The Guitar Hero's Origin Story
Barry picked up the guitar at the tender age of 11, inspired by the Beatles and the Monkees. His parents, skeptical at first, eventually bought him his first guitar after realizing he was serious about his passion[1][4].
His first guitar was a white 1962 Fender Stratocaster, a dream come true for the aspiring young guitarist. The instrument was a beacon of hope, symbolizing his arrival in the world of rock music[1][4].
Growing up in Boston, Goudreau formed his first band at the age of 13. His musical journey was marked by influences from the blues, especially Michael Bloomfield with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and the combat zone's adult entertainment area, where he honed his skills[1][4].
He met Tom Scholz at MIT, joining forces in a frat house basement band. But music took a back seat as Goudreau focused on college, only to rekindle his passion with a new band and a promotional ad for a keyboard player[1].
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Boston's Demos
The seeds of Boston were sown in late 1969 or early 1970. Goudreau and Scholz recorded their first song, San Francisco Day, which later became Hitch a Ride. Despite the cost, they pursued recording, but as Scholz's perfectionism grew, Goudreau's involvement waned[1].
The demos that snagged them a record deal were mostly Scholz's work, but several early versions of songs like Hitch a Ride and More Than a Feeling bore Goudreau's guitar work[1].
The Road Ahead: Barry Goudreau's Engine Room
After a series of projects, Goudreau is back with Barry Goudreau's Engine Room. The band has released two records, Full Steam Ahead and The Road, paying homage to his blues and '70s rock roots[1]. They continue to perform, primarily in the Northeast, and have recently appeared on the Rock & Romance Cruise[1].
With bandmates Brian Maes and Tim Archibald, who have been with him for over 30 years, Goudreau is living his passion, one gig at a time[1].
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References:[1] [Source URL 1][2] [Source URL 2][3] [Source URL 3][4] [Source URL 4]
- Barry Goudreau's departure from Boston marked an end to an era, leading him to form Orion the Hunter and later RTZ, still collaborating with former Boston vocalist Brad Delp.
- Barry Goudreau's first guitar was a white 1962 Fender Stratocaster, a dream come true for the aspiring young guitarist.
- Barry Goudreau's musical journey was marked by influences from the blues, especially Michael Bloomfield with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and the combat zone's adult entertainment area, where he honed his skills.
- The seeds of Boston were sown in late 1969 or early 1970, with Goudreau and Scholz's demo of San Francisco Day (later Hitch a Ride) being their first recorded song.
- Barry Goudreau is currently back with Barry Goudreau's Engine Room, releasing records like Full Steam Ahead and The Road, which pay homage to his blues and '70s rock roots.
