Written by: Jack Thompson

Barry Goudreau: The Original Guitarist of Boston

Barry Goudreau is a renowned American musician, best known as one of the original guitarists of the iconic rock band Boston, alongside founder Tom Scholz. With his exceptional guitar-playing skills and contributions to the band's distinctive sound, Goudreau played an integral role in shaping Boston's music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on November 29, 1951, Goudreau developed a passion for music at a young age. He got his first guitar, an acoustic, at the age of 11, and began taking lessons soon after. By 13, he had already joined his first band, the Tornadoes, and by 15, he was playing with future Boston bandmate, drummer Sib Hashian, in another band.

The Formation of Boston

Goudreau's musical journey led him to meet Tom Scholz, the founder of Boston, at MIT. The two began working on demo tapes in the late 1960s, with Goudreau performing all the rhythm and lead guitar work. Although their initial attempts to attract record label interest were unsuccessful, Scholz reworked and re-recorded some of the demo songs, eventually securing a recording contract with Epic Records.

Contributions to Boston's Sound

Goudreau's guitar work was instrumental in shaping Boston's signature sound. He shared lead and rhythm guitar parts with Scholz, bringing a unique perspective to the band's music. His contributions can be heard on Boston's debut album, which became a huge commercial success, selling over 17 million copies in the United States alone.

Post-Boston and Solo Career

In 1979, Scholz became embroiled in legal battles with the band's manager and later with CBS, leading him to put Boston's music on hold. Goudreau took this opportunity to pursue solo projects, recording his first solo LP in 1980. Although Scholz did not express interest in using any of Goudreau's written songs for Boston, Goudreau continued to work on his solo material, showcasing his skills as a talented singer-songwriter.

Influence and Legacy

Goudreau's work with Boston and his solo career have left an indelible mark on the music industry. He has inspired countless musicians and fans alike with his exceptional guitar playing and contributions to Boston's iconic sound. As one of the original members of Boston, Goudreau's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic rock music.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Goudreau attended Boston University, where he pursued a degree in Geology.
• Before joining Boston, Goudreau played in several bands, including the Tornadoes and a band with future Boston bandmate, Fran Sheehan.
• Goudreau's solo LP was released in 1980, featuring his own original material.