Manami -Tears For Fears Travel Fan Animation Artist

Manami animates herself wearing the 365 TFF shirt she bought for tour 2012.
Manami animates herself wearing the 365 TFF shirt she bought for tour 2012.

Manami is the fan club artist who creates lovely photos for fans’ birthdays and special occasions. As with all fan-generated projects, Manami volunteers her time to make fun and exciting artwork that fans and the band have recognized on numerous occasions. Despite both she and Juli-Juli’s claims to “not know English very well” they have managed to communicate just fine with so many of us each  and everyday.

Holiday Card designed by Manami for the Smith Family Rockers.
Holiday Card designed by Manami for the Smith Family Rockers.

Manami’s 2012 Greeting Card was used by the beloved Smith Family for their holiday greeting card. She was later approached by other high profile artists to create cards for them too. What an honour!

We enjoy Manami’s work and cool sense of humour to the daily ongoings in superfan life….from fun conversations to more serious situations she has managed to do a great deal of work in her years volunteering with us. We appreciate all who respect her work by  giving her credit on the contributions she has made to their projects vs. taking them as their own. We feel she is a huge asset to the group and can’t wait to see more of her magnificent art.  Thanks again Manami!!

We’re very happy she got some great hugs from the band while they were in Japan. Stellar night for our dears in Tokyo and Osaka!

Special art can be purchased. That which features the band’s image is not for sale and must be shared with permission from multiple sources.

Charlton Pettus of Tears for Fears
Charlton Pettus of Tears for Fears
Roland and Curt Animated
Roland and Curt Animated
Personalised Photos by Manami. Here's one she did of Tears For Fears as SuperHeroes 2011 based on a funny day in Vegas and Andye's glasses
Personalised Photos by Manami. Here’s one she did of Tears For Fears as SuperHeroes 2011 based on a funny conversation in Vegas and Andye’s glasses…

Juli Juli -Travel Fan Team Lead Japan

A warm night in Japan turns totally cool when Roland Orzabal  and Curt Smith are around. (no reposting of this photo please)
A warm night in Japan turns totally cool when Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith are around. (no reposting of this photo please)

Juli (Admiral Juli) is a fun little lady from Japan with a determined spirit and a heart of gold. Known for her famous Tears For Fears Bible of Dreams website for Japanese TFF fans (inclusive of Curt’s Solo work, Roland’s, Julian Orzabal of DelaQ and many others past and present), Juli is a wealth of information on band media. She has pictures dating back to 1982 again featuring band members past and present. It’s amazing.

Juli has newspapers, magazines, you name it... about Tears For Fears dating back to day 1.
Juli has newspapers, magazines, you name it… about Tears For Fears dating back to day 1.

Juli and Joyce have been generous in their fan club funding by supporting members financially in other regions. We trust their fan club fund account will be reimbursed by those who benefit from their savings.

Archive of Curt Smith Juli kept...from Japanese media
Archive of Curt Smith Juli kept…from Japanese media

Pushed by Maurin, Juli and others led a campaign in 2012 to do fan meetups before the Tears for Fears concert. They were very successful and one of the few regions to pull off the sunflower crowd surfing which also led to the formation of the Sunflower Club -a branch of the Japan TFF fan club at large. *Juli is also an illustrator and does animated photos of the band regularly. 

Juli, you are one thoughtful, passionate person. We wouldn’t be the same without you.

The Sunflower Club of Japan, one of the longest running (still active) Fan Clubs for Tears for Fears... established in the early 90s.
The Sunflower Club of Japan, one of the longest running (still active) Fan Clubs for Tears for Fears… established in the early 90s.

 

 

Carolyn -Tears For Fears Travel Fan (Missouri)

Carolyn poses for a picture at a TFF concert venue.
Carolyn poses for a picture at a TFF concert venue.

Hello, my name is Carolyn and I am a Tears For Fears fan. (All together now, HI CAROLYN -said the members of TFF&Curt’sKerfuffles Anonymous) I do not apologize for being addicted to Tears For Fears, on the contrary, I shout it from the rooftops (just ask the people I work with, they have put up with my addiction for many years). I have TFF things (photos, ticket stubs, a very cool blue water bottle, a signed M&G badge, etc.), all over my desk at work. I would post a picture of the desk, but cameras are not allowed where I work. Suffice it to say that any hardcore fan would be proud to sit at that desk.

A little about me……I have been a fan since the 80’s. I was not able to see a TFF concert back then because I was busy being a Paramedic in Kansas City, Missouri, being in the United States Air Force, and then being a Mom. I had to make due with listening to their albums (yes, the vinyl ones), and watching their videos on MTV back when MTV actually played music videos. I went to my first TFF concert in 2007 in Las Vegas at the MandalayBay. Needless to say it was a dream come true! I felt like my life was complete. Since then I have attended 5 more…….GreenValley, LV…….Red Rock, LV……….Baltimore, Maryland…….San Fransisco, CA……..and Sunset Station, LV. The last two were this year. 2012 was the only year I went to two shows and I am going to try and make it to two shows each time now. I was lucky enough to meet Roland and Curt at the GreenValley gig. THEN it felt like my life was complete.

TearsForFears logo on Guitar...
TearsForFears logo on Guitar…

At the Red Rock show, I was sitting (more like standing and dancing) next to Andye, but I didn’t know her then, I just admired her enthusiasm. Lord that girl can dance and sing!!!! I was hip bumped by her all night, she is a hoot! The Red Rock, Green Valley and the Sunset Station concerts were my favorites (I loved ALL of them, but if I HAD to pick…..). Red Rock because of Andye and Rise, Green Valley because I met Roland and Curt, and Sunset Station because of Julian Orzabal and the Cabana peeps. So that is a brief history of me and my obsession with Tears For Fears. If they ever play in Kansas City, Missouri, I would be more then happy to assist everyone with airport details, hotel help, etc, etc. Hope to see you all at the next concert!!!!!!
Love, Carolyn

Tears For Fears Baltimore Stage
Tears For Fears Baltimore Stage

Carri, Travel Fan Team’s Sherlock of Risk Management

Carri poses for a photo before the show... taken by Andye A.
Carri poses for a photo before the show… taken by Andye A.

We met Carri through Curt Smith’s official fan page in 2010. Carri participated in the TeamCurtSmith Twitchange via Shaun King of HopeMob. Carri is known for her quick to contribute character…often the first to donate to causes that we’ve looked into at Curt Smith’s mention. She was also the highest contributor to Longacre Hall in our #25DaysOfLovingBathUK

Carri’s Travel Fan Story goes back to 1983. 

Little Carri D and her BFF Kai-Kai  spent their grade school years perched in Kai’s bedroom after school and on weekends. They were addicted to the idea of seeing their mega favourite music artist on this new thing called MTV. This was before DVRs and all the great technology we have today…you too may remember having to perch in front of MTV just waiting on your favourite bands to appear. In our case, it was of course Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and Michael Jackson –The King of Pop. This pattern of perching and waiting has not ended. These two still sit (now on social media) on twitter, facebook and other media platforms chatting with their favourite bands.

Curt Smith/Tears For Fears San Francisco 2012
Curt Smith/Tears For Fears San Francisco 2012

Carri said she was eager to see her favourite, Curt Smith and Kai waited for Stewart Copeland of The Police (for our dancer friends in the fan club yes, that’s Miles’ brother). We have a picture of him somewhere in our archives hanging out with us at a show. Anytime Curt, Stewart or Michael Jackson appeared on the TV, these two were fixed…glued. Then, there was Roland Orzabal…Kai couldn’t get enough of his mega dance moves. She soon learned his moves and can, now, do them with perfection and ease. We’ve witnessed this.

Carri&CurtLaughing
Curt and Superfan Carri in Santa Monica California

Carri has always been fan of the song Pale Shelter as it was filmed in Los Angeles and had its debut in March…which is the month in which she was born. While adoring other bands like Adam and the Ants, she found herself shivering with excitement from Tears For Fears and their outstanding talent. From Madworld to the Working Hour the two friends spent 20 years enjoying the band, nicknaming each other “Tears” (Carri) and “Fears” (Kai-Kai).

Carri moved away but the two reunited in Los Angeles and the two were able to attend both a Curt Smith solo show and a Tears for Fears concert on a birthday weekend. As Carri stared into the microphone she could not believe it had been so long since she had seen him…first time since 1985’s sold out show in Hollywood. Now, there she was with this LEGEND…Later on at a Tears’ show, she became mesmerized as soon as he sang Pale Shelter. She just fell into a myriad of memories and tears. Her soul soared to heights unknown. She mentions time and time again, then and now, how Roland’s voice was so clear and magnificent…he has a timeless energy…he has such a powerful sound you could listen to it infinitely.

Curt Smith and Fan Carri 2012 Orange County California
Curt Smith and Fan Carri 2012 Orange County California

Upon hearing Curt’s heavenly divine, sultry voice…she couldn’t control herself. She just cried…completely out of control. She didn’t know if she was about die or what…memories of the past, overcoming traumatic events…his voice was healing…just pure mega good energy. Roland was intoxicatingly beautiful…hips swaying…and that voice…that amazing voice! It was outstanding! She says that is hands down one of the BEST DAYS of her life. She says she had the best birthday vacation because of this. She has been going full force ever since with Kai-Kai in tow to as many TFF shows as the good L-rd allows them to go.

Tears For Fears Superfans at the OC Show... Photo by Kai G.
Tears For Fears Superfans at the OC Show… Photo by Kai G.

 

Carri has a way of making special photos dazzle even more.
Carri has a way of making special photos dazzle even more.

Carri is also one to discuss risks of this, that and the other. She keeps us well informed of what risks we may be taking before engaging in different topics. We call her our risk management specialists 😉 Thank you Carri for keeping our best interest at heart.

Kai “Kai-Kai” Travel Fan

Kai with Curt
Kai with Curt

Kai, lovingly known as “Kai-Kai” by friends, is a wonderful friend and Travel Fan we met through Carri back in June 2011 at one of Curt Smith’s solo shows. She has been a wonderful support and help to us when we travel to California. She grabs food for those standing in line. She make sure we get back to our hotels after shows, she’s been a really great support and there will not ever be enough thank you’s for her love, support and kindness.

One night Kai-Kai, Carri, David Esquire and Andye stayed up til 4am in the morning in Los Angeles after a show…just reliving the whole thing. She is the perfect person to party with and also very smart and intelligent. She’s one of the best people we’ve met since travelling to L.A. We thought it was really sweet one day when Curt called her out while on stage…he could see her in the audience. She’s a lovely person and we cherish her.

1-Fullscreen capture 1282013 123938 PM-002Thank you Kai!!

David Esquire, Carri and Kai-Kai 2011
David Esquire, Carri and Kai-Kai 2011

Sheila (SheeShee) -Travel Fan Team Activities Lead USA

SheeSheeSheila lovingly called SheeShee by her fellow fan team friends is one of the sweet innovative ladies of the travel fan team. She and her husband Mark have captured some great moments on tour.

In 2011 Sheila lead us in a happy birthday celebratory song to Curt Smith. It was really cool. We gathered around Curt and sang happy birthday. It was an honour and we were happy to be a part of it. Later that year, despite having surgery on her hip, she showed up on the 2011 tour, cane and all and enjoyed the show. Roland looked into the audience and said, “You again!” very lovingly. It was awesome!

Shee Shee and CurtIn 2012, Sheila and Mark helped us take the now famous Sunset Station photo. If it hadn’t been for them our photo op may not have happened. She held the group together for us and Julian Orzabal was in tow. Many pictures were taken and a lifetime of dreams came true.
SheeShee we love you!!

Tears For Fears Fan MeetUp #7 Sunset Station  2012
Tears For Fears Fan MeetUp #7 Sunset Station 2012

Becky -Travel Fan Fashion Coordinator

 

Becky is a singer, a dancer and a mega Tears for Fears Superfan. She also likes Skittles.
Becky is a singer, a dancer and a mega Tears for Fears Superfan. She also likes Skittles.

Rebekah “Becky” “Becks”
is the fun and fancy free lady we met through Janice Whaley via Curt Smith’s twitter feed. She was also the winner of the 2012  Tears for Fears Tour countdown trivia contest. Long before that and long after Becky was active online with a  cheerful and supportive attitude.

In 2012, she contacted us about t-shirts and consulted on the slogan and design. After some approvals from higher authorities in the TFF/Curt Smith camp, our Kerfuffle of Kooks & Roland Orzabal Superfans shirts were approved. These t-shirts became quite trendy in regional circles and were seen on fans in Japan.

Travel Fan Fashion evolves...can't wait for the next set of official merch.
Travel Fan Fashion evolves…can’t wait for the next set of official merch.

Becky has been a fan since the very early 80s around the time of the band’s official start “The Hurting.” She says the music helped her deal with a very difficult time in her life. When she found Curt Smith online after a YouTube search she jumped aboard the band wagon with full speed.

Becky, Janice and Carri in San Francisco...
Becky, Janice and Carri in San Francisco…

Bobby R. -Tears For Fears Travel Fan

Bobby hanging out with the Captain, they look cool don't they...ahh yeah.. (pls do not repost)
Bobby hanging out with the Captain, they look cool don’t they…ahh yeah.. (pls do not repost)

We met Bobby through Julian Orzabal this past year. He’s a cool guy with a good sense of humour and a calm demeanor. Bobby was spotted on the 2012 Tour recently and hung out with the Captain…and clearly had some pretty cool moments during his travel.

Bobby’s admiration for Tears For Fears is found in the most subtle of ways…it’s fascination. We like that about him. This guy is really cool! 😉

We’re happy to have Bobby onboard and look forward to him hanging out in the future! 

Roland and Bobby pose for a quick photo in 2012. Hello Guys! (do not copy or repost this photo, thank you)
Roland and Bobby pose for a quick photo in 2012. Hello Guys! (do not copy or repost this photo, thank you)

Joyce -Tears For Fears Travel Fan Team Lead -The Philippines

Joyce A and Curt SmithJoyce A is a Tears For Fears Superfan from The Philippines. We met her in 2010 via Curt Smith’s official Facebook page. Over the last few years she and the Manila Kooks get together and have meet ups inclusive of Curt Smith’s spirit. He gets his own plate of fast food including Tex Mex and Starbucks drinks.

Curt Smith and his Phil Kooks
Curt Smith and his Phil Kooks

You can join the Manila Kooks online with these following webpages.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/149875971727206/?fref=ts

For video of the outstanding concerts of the band in their country check out Joyce’s YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/wattsjoyce

Jan (Johnny Blaze) -Manila Kooks

Jan Nadal and the Manila Kooks 2012
Jan Nadal and the Manila Kooks 2012

Jan (Johnny Blaze) is a wonderful and fun guy we met via the Tears For Fears Manila team. He is the handsome guy you see with the gorgeous baby and our beloved Roland Orzabal. The picture is one of the most endearing photos we’ve seen in many years and it shows us a side of the band that is very comforting. Jan has been very helpful in Manila and keeping the spirit alive. He’s active on social media and easy to get along with and we are grateful for his friendship. He serves as a great contact in the region.

TFF Manila


Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Jblaze143
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.j.nadal

Jan and Curt in Manila 2012
Jan and Curt in Manila 2012