From the moderator:
The Superfanitis has been intense these past few days dear friends. This happens after every show and every encounter. I sit down and suddenly it hits me that I just saw the band again. It never seems real. It feels like the Great Higher Power has allowed me to touch a heavenly dimension. I’m often in a daze for weeks afterwards, one time it took a few months to adjust to reality. Thinking back to the first time I saw Tears for Fears, I remember feeling like I was floating above the world. I was having an out of body experience. After a week or so I was literally fighting with reality. I was beyond happy that after all those years of being so focused on them mentally and spiritually I finally had that physical euphoric experience of being in their space – in their presence. It’s a very unique feeling and one that is impossible to forget. It propelled me into a whole other mindset. From that point forward, all I wanted to do was support their shows and be present. After a few more Tears for Fears related events that year, I learned I wasn’t the only one that felt that way. Following one event, several fans were in the parking lot (as I came to see was the custom). These fans already had a list of other Tears for Fears events that were coming up. They said the only way to deal with the post show blues is to stay connected and try to go to anything they host. They showed me a list of what was coming up. “You have to fly back in for it. You must!” I have tried to ever since. Now, we are a solid kerfuffle of fans and aim to help each other get to the band’s events.
Just a few days ago I got a note from Lady KT in Florida. She said, “Hey, you got any extra Tears for Fears tickets? I saw (well known band from the same era) the other night, but I didn’t get the same semi-spiritual experience I get with Tears for Fears.” That says a lot. So many of us feel like that. Other bands are incredible but there’s something about Tears for Fears…it’s an unmatched energy that is hard to explain. One fan noted that she had been a fan for years but this was her first show. She was depressed because she woefully regretted not having seen them sooner.
Sitting Speechless
Because of the overwhelming feeling of bliss and otherworldly energy followed by the thud of a sudden landing back to reality, it’s been harder to keep up with this tour despite the very welcomed days of respite between shows at times where we would collect our thoughts. After the Franklin show, I found myself with one of the toughest cases of superfanitis yet…I had bad headaches and felt so weak I slept for two days the following weekend. As many know, I’m in some serious physical therapy for Lymphedema. I have rehab nurses who help me get around and take me to the shows as it’s the only time I get out except for medical reasons. My nurses have been so overwhelmed with awe and joy of the events this year and last (they come to Soundcheck). Nurse Jennifer from Nash was so impressed with the details of the stage. She walked around the venue throughout the night taking in all the gorgeous views of images displayed for each song. It was truly phenomenal to say the least. This tour has been hard to sum up. How does a band supersede themselves year after year? They are the kings of perfecting their craft. They truly rule the world.
So here we are in the home stretch. The band is literally headed to the great pacific northwest in North America including the wonderful city of Vancouver. We’re beyond excited. Then they’ll head down the West Coast for shows in Sacramento, Palm Springs and of course Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl. Soon, we’ll have another year of amazing Tears for Fears shows for the record books. But what does that mean afterwards? For some, it’s simply trying to survive rounds of superfanitis until the next set of shows. It’s real folks. We’ve got receipts!
Stephen Kohlmann is one of the dedicated Tears for Fears Travel Fans that participates in conversations online with fellow fans. His recent post was a clear testament to what it’s like for fans AFTER the show. That aftermath is really something.
He’s not alone. Over 40 posts like these have been floating around in the various groups. One fan has started a practice of meditation and praying because she said she feels an energy leading her to do so. The show is just so cosmic that earth feels uncomfortable and we’re unable to face it. We just want more shows, more events, more time in that beautifully curated space we call a Tears for Fears soundcheck and concert. Serenity now!
Highlights from recent shows
On the Tour page you can find videos that relate to each show. Below are some sentiments and insights gathered from hard core fans as it pertains to some of the historic venues the band played during the tour thus far.
Merch Tips:
A few of us bought every single tshirt and accoutrement. Combined total for each item was in the mid hundreds. Ask for the beach towel first. Most who are buying one of everything have a tendency to also be a part of the VIP Soundcheck. Know that your VIP bag will carry half of all they’ve got available. It’s a huge bag. Bigger in person than in pictures. They also have up to 4XL on some of the shirts. We measured and saw that several shirts went up to 62 inches in circumference.
Madison Square Garden New York
It’s over 100 years old, opening its doors back in 1879 and is named the coolest arena in America. Our darling Cindy “The Concert Chick” represented the very dedicated TFF NYC team with friends in tow. Family and friends of the band were also present and that, in our opinion, made the show extra special. Tears for Fears’ fan base has always been a great mix of men and women appreciating their music and now in the past 10 years the shows are known to include whole families – with second and third generation Tears for Fears fans. The teens and very young grandchildren are singing along word for word. It’s a family holiday to go see them play. That’s huge! The band has acknowledged it as well. They see you out there!
Bethel New York
Home of the historic original Woodstock, this location had several swooning. We were so excited to see this venue on the list for all the reasons a music aficionado can imagine. Legends were born at Woodstock. A new era formed on that soil. That amazing music festival led and helped push for a revolution that included rights for all who step foot in this country. The band is now a part of that history. Tears for Fears’ lyrics and overall message fit right in with the essence of the land.
Toronto Canada
The band finally returned to Toronto after nearly 4+ (they were last there in 2015 or 2017?). Our amazing friend and dedicated die hard fan, Joe G brought his entire family plus friends to the show. He then drove up to Laval, Quebec for the next show! Joe has been coming to the United States for every tour as far back as we can remember. It’s awesome that all he had to do this time was hop in his car! Yay! Finally! Tears for Fears in his backyard!
Toronto is special for many reasons including the city where “Head Over Heels” was filmed. Also, the famous Massey Hall show took place there. Such an amazing city that so many of our fellow fans call home. We hope the band will continue to keep it on the tour list or find a nice spot to set up a weeklong residency.
Raleigh North Carolina, Nashville/Franklin
(From the moderator)
When we hear of the tour we usually get several tickets to shows even if we haven’t booked our plane tickets. In this case, I had planned to ride with my medical team to get treatment the day before and after and then head off to Franklin. But that became impossible. So, I gave my tickets to some dedicated fans in the area including one who had a sick puppy that afternoon. After offering the ticket she noted she wasn’t able to go because of the sick dog. But the suggested pet sitter came to the rescue and she was able to attend what was her very first show AND capture some really cool interactions from the front row. Lisa W. and Roland had a cool convo. So grateful that worked out!
TFF Nash (Franklin)
*This show was recorded for a future DVD. The venue was gorgeous. It was constructed out of a rock quarry. You’ll see it in HD on the DVD.
I first heard Tears for Fears in Tennessee as a toddler. Several of my family members chose East Tennessee as their first stop in America. The band’s music was on rotation on the way to school as well as the faith based international day care center I attended for several years. Returning to the area for this show was a full circle moment. I literally had to stop one of my relatives from coming to the show bearing too many thank you gifts. Huge thanks to Curt, Roland, Lauren, Charlton, Jamie and On the List – they know why. I swear this band just brings me an immense amount of joy and healing. When several relatives returned to our original nation(s), TFF’s music was all I had left to remember those hopeful times. They were a huge part of my every day since age 5/6. This visit to Nashville/Franklin was part of my physical therapy and music therapy program suggested by two of my doctors. To be able to enjoy soundcheck and all the accoutrement that came with it is worth its weight in gold. It is the true lottery ticket. Nothing compares. I lost two inches of inflammation after that show. Now I only have 8 more to go. It was a joy to experience and see signs of improvement in my health while being in the Tears for Fears environment. I look forward to being able to walk again. Sadly the superfanitis hit and I fell into a weird depression like everyone else so now I know that following their events, I need to have rehab lined up so that I can recoup mentally. Crazy but true!
Lady Tamara and Lady Ann were there as were a ton of familiar faces and fans that travel to see the band when they are nearby. Janice Jennings (Alabama), Teresa P (Georgia), Nicole B (Virginia), The Sunflower Sister and so many other familiar faces -most of whom were at the Tampa and Atlanta shows in 2022. Darren from the UK came and so did several patients from various medical facilities. I guess Tears for Fears is part of our medical treatment plan? We are here for it! Their music sure does prompt healing! Shoutout to the lady that flew in from New York (fellow wheelchair user) to be present. She noted how she has been going to shows for years in sickness and in health.
The venue ensured the ADA seating had a great view of the stage. I stayed in my second-row center seat because I already purchased tickets to sit with my friends but had I not, I would have requested a change to the ADA seats. If you’re experiencing any mobility issues, some of these ADA sections aren’t bad at all. At this venue, there was an unobstructed view of the stage and plenty of space to stretch out ailing legs. We can discuss offline if we want to try to sit together next time granted the space is as nice as some of these that have been provided. Very grateful that the world is becoming more accessible for all.
So, here’s to Skittles, Sesame Street minis, car plates and sounding great! #iykyk Huge thanks to Lady Tamara of Nash for all her efforts in ensuring things went extra well that day. Big shoutout to Nurse Jennifer, Vanderbilt Medical team (Kevin from First Bank Amphitheatre ADA and Sam Rivera from Vanderbilt). Gargantuan thanks to the ADA teams and again to OTL for making things so smooth for fans. I hope the band partners with them until retirement! Maybe they’ll handle some of the events in the Tears for Fears retirement community we requested.
Also enjoy this great article from Lady Tamara on her experiences that day! https://bunnylousadventures.com/2023/07/12/no-small-thing/
Kansas City, MO Houston and Austin
There were some hopes that Oleta Adams would show up at this one. Maybe in future? Some haven’t gotten the memo that she has her own band and tours. Not sure she was even in town. Her next stateside show is noted as December (as of now, that could change). Check out her page.
Some fans that were worried they wouldn’t be able to go did indeed get tickets. We’re happy to hear that. We’re also happy that there were interpreters at the show. We hold a special place in our heart for those who sign at Tears for Fears shows. Some of our Travel Team members sign on their own at shows and to see Roland recognise these professionals providing this service is so heartwarming.
The Texas shows were definitely the hottest shows on record with temps soaring into the 100s. A few fans even sold their tickets and bought seats at other shows to avoid that overwhelming heat. But that didn’t stop the band from bringing the house down with an amazing performance. Fans are STILL talking about this show and rightly so… Roland sang happy birthday to a child in the audience wearing her birthday crown.
Tears for Fears fan generated group page admin, Danny Cricks, was there as were several from last year’s Texas shows including travel fans that attended multiple concerts. You know how we are, one tour date is never enough. These travel fans have plans to keep it going by attending a few more this year. Looking forward to seeing them in various cities. Shoutout to Mr. Liguez and his wife for being such dedicated fans and taking their whole families to shows.
Denver Colorado
Fans who participated in the VIP Soundcheck were on edge due to bad weather. No one expected that they’d eventually be led to the side of the stage where they were able to stand and listen to the band right on the very stage they would be performing on later that evening…and what an amazing show it was!
Coming Up Next! Hollywood Bowl!
This is a big deal. As Curt noted on the Psych podcast, the band is excited about it. It’s close to home for many on the team. Many hardcore fans know, this will be a very special concert.
Lots of family, friends and long-time fans who always fly in for the Los Angeles based shows will be there. This venue’s tickets began to vanish pretty quick. Fans had already bought 2/3rds before the band even got out on the road to head to Atlantic City. There are some left so if you plan to attend you will certainly want to buy now and prepare for that event quickly.
Big hugs to all, another birthday hug for Lady FP who celebrated on the 18th of July. Lady Emily’s is in the summer as well. Many happy returns to both! Be on the lookout for the Tears for Fears dolls. They are also on tour and have been seen in various cities along the way.
Enjoy these great Moshe (Moses on a Motorbike) stickers one fan forum member, Lara Olgletree Gautreaux, made! These were gifts she mailed out to fans.
*Thanks for reading – please follow @tearsforfears on FB and TW plus @tearsforfearsmusic on IG for official information. Lookout for @curtsmith on TW for fun tweets and post show online commentary that you won’t forget.
**Fan Fun Online & Core Fan Goals Disclaimer
There are so many different Tears for Fears fan groups and pages online. Some are more focused on the admin’s experiences and some are focused on the band and fans. There’s lots from which to choose. The Tears for Fears Travel Fan team page is dedicated to helping make travel easier for fans. We have a lot of things in place for those that subscribe to our updates and follow us on our social media channels. Our focus is the music and the band. We do not claim “ownership” (e.g. this is x member’s group). We do have dedicated admins and a moderator who remains semi-anonymous though most already know who it is. We aren’t seeking accolades, continuous praise or validation for the work we do behind the scenes to assist others. For us, being a Tears for Fears fan is not a competition. It is not for Olympic glory. When we focus on the gratitude we have for the music Tears for Fears has given us all, it makes fan life a lot easier. We don’t consider Tears for Fears’ fans to be something we try to capture and obtain. The band’s fans belong to the band, not us. If one’s desire is to have a relationship outside of fandom, focus on band aesthetics, compare the band at ages 19-21 to now or focus on things that are far from their music, the travel fan team can’t help you there. Sorry! That’s not our focus. Our goal is to make sure hardcore fans who enjoy the music and being present are able to get the best seat possible and rest well in a 4 star hotel without going broke. We’ll continue to focus on that and nothing else. Thank you for understanding!
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 
So much gratitude for the TFF travel fans! Being connected to other fans at shows has brought me some wonderful lifetime friends who have now become family, TFF family. 🌻🌞
You are SUPER appreciated Lady BunnyLou! The things you do for the band are in many ways unmatched! Unselfish, pure love, pure appreciation. Tears for Fears is fortunate to have you as a fan. Looking forward to highlighting you further this fall. Your article is also added in this tour synopsis. Always enjoy reading about your TFF experiences.