If you grew up in the late 1970s and early ’80s, you couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing a song by the band Boston. The group’s hit songs included “Peace of Mind,” “Rock and Roll Band,” and “Amanda,” and its two albums sold over 31 million copies in the United States. I had the chance to sit down and talk with Barry Goudreau, former lead guitarist for the band, at G Bar & Kitchen in Swampscott. I quickly learned that living in Swampscott for 38 years has been “More Than a Feeling” for this self-described “former rock star.” —Kim Carrigan
How did you choose Swampscott as the place you call home? I grew up in Lynn and after the initial success of the band I realized I would be able to buy a house. After looking at a few houses in Gloucester and Manchester, we made our way to Swampscott. We walked into this contemporary house with high ceilings and a view of the ocean and I bought it on the spot and still live there today.
What keeps you in Swampscott? It has a small town feel. I love being close to the water and the school system was great for my kids. It’s been a great place to live and I’ve never thought about moving.
Are you recognized when you go out in town? I’ve been here for so long I’m like part of the landscape.
Why do you think Boston’s music is still so popular today? I think a lot of today’s music is predictable and canned, which is why people turn back to the music of the ’70s and ’80s. That was when music had some real guts to it.
What’s your favorite place in Swampscott? The beach. Living on the hillside, I look down on the beach. I get up in the morning and that’s what I see, and I love it!