Anyone who was alive in the 70s and 80s knows about Boston. Songs from the first album are songs that still evoke memories when you hear them. Long Time, Peace of Mind, Rock 'N' Roll Band, and More than a Feeling are all indelibly etched upon my mind, as are songs from the next album Don't Look Back. Original guitarist Barry Goudreau was not only instrumental in forming this band, he was at the core of the band's sound and musical direction on the first two records, which are the only two he appeared on. Fortunately, Barry went on to other projects, including a wonderful solo album simply titled Barry Goudreau which, no offense to Tom Scholz, was better than any Boston album after Third Stage and as good as Third Stage. It included the awesome song Dreams, written by Barry. This album was, in my opinion, on par with the first two Boston records as well. He also did some great stuff with his bands Orion the Hunter, RTZ, some stuff with Boston singer Brad Delp, and most recently Ernie and the Automatics. I was lucky enough to get this interview with Barry and catch up on what he's been up to. If you get a chance to find Barry's stuff after Boston, I highly recommend you get your hands on it.
Carl
Hose: Thanks for talking to me, Barry. Before I even talk about Boston,
I have to bring up your first solo album, Barry Goudreau. I wore my
first copy of the album out and had to scour record conventions to find another copy
because the record was out of print. It finally saw release on CD, which
pleased the hell out of me. I can't be without that record. It's
essential listening, and quite frankly, a killer Boston album without
Tom Scholz. Do you remember much about the recording of the album?
Barry
Goudreau: In 1980 Tom came to the band and said we had a year to do a
project, like a solo record, since he would not be recording. I began to
work on some songs involving Brad and Sib, and moved ahead with a
record getting it written and recorded in just nine months. It was a
great experience for me and Sib and Brad, since Tom had been the main
songwriter and producer, so it gave us a chance to write and record
outside of Boston. It got off to a great start, but disappeared quickly
when the promotional campaign was stopped, which of course was a great
disappointment for all of us.
CH:
You played on the first two Boston records and left. You were not only
an instrumental part of forming the band, you were an integral part of its
sound and success. Did you go through a period of time where you missed
playing with Boston or did you simply take the advice of the second
album's title, Don't Look Back?
BG:
Being asked to leave a band I had had a hand in creating was
tremendously disappointing, but I pulled myself up out of a funk, and
released Orion the Hunter in 1985.
CH:
There have been many projects since Boston, including Orion the Hunter,
RTZ, and a collaboration with Brad Delp. Any particular favorites?
BG: My favorite record of mine outside of boston is RTZ. It's the best sounding record of mine and for me, has the best songs.
CH:
What happened with Brad Delp was tragic. The world lost a great voice
and you lost a friend. Anything about Brad you want to say? You guys
worked together many times after you left Boston, so the friendship
remained true.
BG:
Brad was a close friend and also my brother in law. His death was
difficult for all of us, but left me thinking there might have been
something I could have done to prevent it from happening.
CH:
Having played in Boston, you're not a stranger to the tech side of
things. How do you feel the technological strides we've made since
Boston days have affected the music industry? The a Internet, social
media, smaller devices that allow musicians to write and record
anywhere, the indie scene? Do you believe the record industry is in
shambles?
BG:
People being able to record a record in their bedrooms with very little
in the way of musical talent is how the business has evolved. There are
only a handful of major labels left, and they may soon be gone as well.
Where it ends up, God only knows.
CH: Have you listened to any of the Boston albums since Don't Look Back, and if so, is there one you've one enjoyed?
BG:
I've listened to each of the Boston albums after Third Stage once,
except for the most current one, and to me, it doesn't sound like the
Boston I knew. I take that back, I didn't make it all the way through
Corporate America.
NOTE: I agree with Barry's assessment of the newest Boston CD. I would be a little harsher in saying I think it sucks. I really don't like it.
CH:
How have you spent your time the last few years? You've stayed out of
the spotlight. Can we expect you back on the music scene or have you
given it up?
BG:
I still play a handful of shows a year, mostly for charitable causes.
Having a career has been difficult having been sued for trademark
infringement three times in the last five years by TS.
CH:
From my heart, thank you for all the awesome music you've given us
through the years, and thanks for taking the time to talk with me.
