Big thanks to Manami for creating the artwork.
You can follow the Good Man @curtsmith on Twitter
and Curt Smith Official on Facebook.
Happy Birthday Curt Smith!
Category: Band Holidays
It’s Sir Orzabal’s Birthday!!
…and we sincerely hope it’s a HAPPY one!
(From moderator)
For the first time ever I was at a real crossroads regarding what on earth to get the Good Sir for his birthday. I asked around, “What are you all getting Roland? Can you give me any ideas, anything unique and different from the norm? More skulls maybe? A real bidet perhaps? Wait, that requires assembly… ::thinks back to the thigh master::” Collectively fans have given him a ton of things over the years including some of us delivering gifts individually. I remember 2012, handing over something he could wear, something I hoped he’d love. I even consulted with one of his relatives before buying it. Once I put the gift bag in his hand (he had a wine glass in the other…ah the wine 😉 If only we could host a wine tasting in his honour and learn everything he knows about vineyards and more…but I digress)… I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. “I’ve given the best I have right now,” I said to myself. Much like he treats secrets I don’t keep past birthday gifts “alive.” I’m not looking for them in his pictures or asking where they are. If someone loves what they receive then they’ll let you know just as he did on the 16th of September 2011 after the additional quilt we all worked on (led by long time fan Lady Kim) was delivered.
Whether he tires of the annual slew of “stuff” or not, he has shown a surprising amount of LOVE & KINDNESS to many post reception. What several of us have found in person from the Good Sir is that he is a VERY warm and loving-spirit despite knowing all too well he doesn’t “have” to be. Virtually he has really opened up to a crew on Twitter. It’s giving those of us watching the verbal fun unfold something to “gasp” and “hard chuckle” about almost every day. Though he is elevated in many of our eyes to something supernatural, he is also very human. I’m glad that he has gifted us the opportunity to see that side of him as well.
We thankfully, again, get to wish Sir Roland one of the BEST OF BIRTHDAYS yet to come. I pray this day is filled with genuine love from those who truly care about his well-being beyond music and tours. I hope all of his mornings, noons and nights fill him with an overload of gratitude and appreciation for the joys in his life equal to the amount of true love we have for him…far beyond his stunning tresses or other superficial admiration. I know there are many of us that truly LOVE & APPRECIATE Sir Orzabal more than he’ll ever know. We adore him for his gift of music but that’s only scratching the surface, it’s so much more than that. To all of those who literally prayed for him, his family and his friends and band mates throughout the years, this is about you as much as it is about him. There is a love for this man that surpasses anything we tweet or post on social media. Roland means a lot to us and I wish all were permitted the opportunity to show it collectively and in unison with fellow fans who feel the same way.
Here’s to another great year with Sir Orzabal and his fellow music making family. Wishing he and GoodMan Curt an incredible year ahead. I pray we ALL get to be in it with them.
Cheers!
AA
Bon Anniversaire et Se Agapame! ~ Happy Birthday Curt Smith
What do we say to the man we adore and have appreciated and loved for yearrrrrsss, decades??? My goodness, The Good Man is a year older with a youthful spirit and even decades younger good looks. We adore him. Thank you Curt for enriching our lives the way you have, sharing your music, your talent, your TIME and even your amazing angelic family. You spoil us infinitely! Please enjoy these words from a slew of your kooks! Big kisses from Joyce (Manila Kook) who was also born on the 24th of June (hers is actually the 25th but heyyyy…let’s just do a this together…) 😉
“Happy Birthday Curt!!!! Now everyone sing Happy Birthday!! Great memories. Love, Kook Sheila” (SheeShee) -Sherman Oaks 2011 Birthday Song coordinator
“A big Happy Birthday Curt. Age is but a number and your music like a fine wine gets better with age.Have a great time with your family on this special day.” Anthony G.
“Happy birthday dear Mr SMITH. Wish you have more (per molts anys in CATALAN)” -Sabine S.
Curt, thank you so much for continuing to do what you do so well. Have a wonderful birthday with that loving family of yours. Many wishes for your continued success! Happy Hatching Day! (My version of Happy Birthday) Love, Carolyn Henneforth” (@Truman555)
Wishing you an amazing birthday and cherished time with friends & family! Here’s to this year being the best yet!! Much love, Becky (@eandbandri) Soboski
Happy B-day, beloved Mr. Curt Smith !!! 30++ yrs, you’ve been my #1 fave singer, hella Coolness (Like a Boss) Superb Kick Ass bassist, and Godsend Idol Extraordinaire talented twilight man. N’joy 2 the fullest.  Have a magnificent day with beautiful celebration. Thank you for being You!
P.S. Thank you so much for all the universal soulful care you have given me during my teen years..
You don’t know how much you got me through many hardships because of your courageous inspiration.
Immensely Grateful
CaRRi’
Bonne Anniversaire et S’agapo! We appreciate you and all the detail and attention you pay to us despite your busy life. You really are a shining example of the concept that family doesn’t always mean “blood relatives.” You take your kindness to levels unknown and we’ve been so grateful to experience that on many occasion. Here’s to more good times and Skittles showers. I love it when you make it rain!! Post rain at the Tulsa show I literally said, “Omg, I’m so happy!” Then I ate them. Lol! Hope to see you soon. Have a great time away with your family. Beijinos, Andye  P.S. Next time I won’t run for Cadbury before the show, arriving soaked with rain and heat, unable to properly shake hands. #LessonLearned #NoMoreFrazzledKook
A very Happy Birthday to you Curt! I speak for all of us, “We  adore you!”  Bobby Russell
My cat, Missy, and I are wishing you a very Happy Birthday!! I hope you liked the pressie that SnapHappy Pam and I picked out for you. I am very grateful that I was able to see your show again, and that I left with a great inner peace.
Much love, Lael T. Mark
You bring us all together, near and far! xoxoxo
🎂 FELIZ ANIVERSARIO 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 – Marcio Campo (Brasil/Brazil)
Amelie and Yara Nash, who once drove 7 hours to see your solo show, sends virtual Sour Skittles for your birthday. Her daughter has always remembered that he likes those after she met you at a solo show at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks :). “I hope Curt has a most fabulous and beautiful birthday with his sweet family!! Wishing him great experiences and the best for the coming year :).” -Yara Nash
Thanks for signing our shirts and being our hero! We appreciate you and your pal Mr. Orzabal. You both keep us going day after day! Life isn’t good unless you two are in it. From the fun during Brit Week to the best tours ever, we cherish every moment near you, Curt. Thank you for making life great!
Sincerely,
Your Kerfuffle of Kooks xoxo
Tears for Fears In Concert – Vegas Baby!
Curt Smith had mentioned during a chat (can’t remember if it was offline – pardon if this is sharing too much) something about Vegas. Well, as he is known to do, he made good on his word! This is technically not a tour, so…we’re legit on the fact that the band has committed to everything they said they’d do (i.e. that’s it for 2014). This is a bonus and  oooohh how lovely it is!
On Saturday, the 13th of December, Tears for Fears will have a concert at Palms Casino Resort. Pre-sale for these tickets is the 11th of November (next Tuesday). Password is BIGCHAIR. Click here to buy tickets.
We suggest you stay at the resort. Buy your plane tickets now not later as some of us have been burned by the high prices to Los Angeles. If you have questions about the airport, how it works, etc. Email us, respond, etc. We’ve done that route many times. The later you wait, the higher the ticket price. So, if you think you can make it, book no later than Tuesday (after you have secured your concert ticket of course). Yes, this is near the holidays…it could touch into gift funds, etc. Think of this as a gift to yourself!
*Bonus News from Silver Kitty* Tears for Fears will appear on the annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas.  If you are going to the Vegas show you may want to stick around the west coast and head over to L.A. the next day. Tickets for the show will be announced soon. We’ll update here.
*Update* – the KROQ show is now sold out but a few local radio shows associated with KROQ were giving away tickets in various contests and sweepstakes.
– UPDATE –
Let’s MeetUp!
So, one of our dear travel fans, Alfredo, has been so kind to scope out some great cool spots in the Palm. The plan is to meetup for drinks on Saturday afternoon well in advance of the show. It looks like more fans will be arriving on Saturday morning/midmorning than Friday so no Friday night dinner this time but instead hanging out from 12pm-3pm at the Casino bar.
To RSVP – send an FB email to the ‘Tears for Fears & Kooks’ fan generated page with an email and or phone number where you can be reached. Your name will be placed on a list (for the purpose of having a headcount). You will be contacted the week of the event by one of your fellow travel fans and again that Friday evening and Saturday morning as a reminder and with any updates or changes.
Location: Palm Casino
Cost: no charge- everyone can buy drinks from the bar at their leisure
Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm
RSVP by FB email
What to expect: Opportunity to make new friends and mingle.
Enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
-AA
Bonne Anniversaire a Roland Orzabal
It’s Roland’s birthday 🙂 Wishing the Good Sir a fantastic year ahead and many happy returns. Roland has shared some fun moments with us online these past 5 months and we’re grateful for every encounter. We encourage everyone to send a cheerful tweet to @rolandtff today!
*Artwork by Manami of the Tears & Kooks Travel Fan Team – Japan Branch
On Twitter –
More Love From Around the World:
Happy Birthday Curt Smith!
Curt Smith continues to leave us spellbound and speechless…except on his birthday when we’re barely able to keep our cool screaming BONNE ANNIVERSAIRE, CUMPLEANOS FELIZ and other well wishes in all of our languages! 🙂 The Good Man’s Kerfuffle of Kooks are an international bundle of joy, always ready to rock be it online or in line before the shows. Curt has inherited a huge global family and the love is mutual. Led by Carri D (USA) and Patricia Patty-O (France) in their signature fashion, we’re celebrating Curt Smith ALL DAY!!
Happy Birthday to Curt Smith ~ 24 June
One of the leaders of the Phils Kooks, Joyce, is known for her daily interaction with her favourite rockers Tears for Fears. She and other fans are known for their amazing art work, sketches and jewelry. Here, she presents a new gift to Curt. Enjoy this great fan art!
Our sweet Juli-Juli of Japan leads us in a birthday song 🙂
Here’s a great poem from Melanie M.
From “Big Chair” onward,
TFF’s music’s kept me strong.
It’s truly been an inspiration,
Never steering me wrong.
Listening numerous times,
I taught myself to play your songs by ear.
Because of this ability,
My heart is filled with cheer.
Besides enjoying your music,
TFF and solo alike,
I also enjoy seeing you on “Psych”.
“Shawn 2.0”, “100 Clues”,
And “A Nightmare on State Street”,
Now, everything Pineapple is my favorite treat!
This poem’s to wish you a Happy Birthday, Curt, from a fan in New Orleans!
And of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday party unless Curt’s political other half Traci joined in. Loyal as the day is long Traci shows up at concerts military style. She sends her love to Curt in a great message.
Happy Birthday to Mr. Coolness!!! I remember affectionately calling you this in ’09 and said to myself how it just fits you and your world! Your vibe in bass playing and singing is so to my fan heart. When talking with other TFF admirers we find ourselves talking or can discuss aspects of Tears For Fears music, life etc and what we adore from you both. I can tend to be on the shy side often though some may say otherwise but it’s very true. I adore the fact you have taken a shy person like me and helped me enjoy social media from time to time. Because you engage with your peeps it strips away the stigma to what many of us only saw through a distance of stage and interviews. I thank you so much for filling my musical file with your great music. Many other fans may share more in how much they enjoy TFF and your solo but my love for your music is nonetheless. I can feel as though my words can’t express what you bring to my little world and therefore as I want to say them to you my words etc. are not enough. I get nervous or even somewhat overwhelmed to point I could be a fool then I back off and go silent. I thank you again you have worked to get to know me and didn’t run away or push me away. Even as I type this out tears are forming in my eyes because Tears For Fears, both you and Roland’s solo work means so much to me. I will try to share more or better as I can. Please know I respect you, your sense of style, your love for your family and you voice sends me to known joy. Thanks as always Papa S.
Traci Lynn Smith
More kickass cool pictures and fan art coming in from Japan!!
Here’s wishing TFF all the best for the coming year, 2015! Curt turns a healthy 53 years young today, and he looks OUTSTANDING! We’re very grateful for his continued interaction and including us in family life. We look forward to seeing him again, more amazing success stories, fun times with Tears for Fears and more! Cheers!
!!From all of us!! Happy Birthday
-Andye, Carri, Joyce, Patricia, Candra and contributors
It’s Official! It’s Mr. Orzabal – ‘Roland Tweets’
Late October…a new ‘Roland Orzabal’ Twitter profile surfaces. Much like the others that seem to appear every few months, we ignored it thinking it was yet another impostor. But on the afternoon of April the 1st…our travel fan team members were pretty sure this was indeed the Good Sir Orzabal himself. By that Saturday morning he was tweeting about Tears and Kook’s New York Branch travel fan team lead Cammie, and her playlist. Also known as C. Horton, Cammie is the creator of the #SexDrugsOperaOrzabal Spotify accompaniment, her fan generated project for the book club that has formed online.
Between Sherlock Silver Kitty Carri D and Cam’s careful attention, we sat in various parts of the world with our chins on the floor. He’s. On. Twitter! As Mr. Nadal, one of two travel fan team leads in the Philippines tweeted, “I still can’t believe @rolandtff is on Twitter. It’s the end of the world and everyone is happy…” Let’s hope the next apocalypse is just as exciting!
Roland quickly got acquainted with his fellow loyalists, many of whom have been a part of his life for years as regular concert attendees and past TFF fanclub members. He began following several and joining in conversations with selfies, verification photos and pictures of his cat, Schro.  We’ll leave it to you to figure out what Schro is short for.
Our top 10 Roland Moments thus far?
10.The Mirror Selfie – Gasps went out around the world when this was tweeted. The intricate shells, the cultural decor, the floor to ceiling windows…absolutely stunning! For so many it was like looking at the reflection of a heavenly being! People reported they burst into tears, kissed their screens and held their iPhones and iPads to their hearts. It was truly touching.
9. Larousse Wine – Book published by Hamlyn –  Noticed on the left side of the desk in the mirror selfie. Five hundred plus pages devoted to wine. For those who’ve already read (or re-read) Sex, Drugs & Opera, you know this book is right up Solomon’s alley.  That got us going…got the succubus going too! 😉
8. The Silver Bones of the Orzabal Brothers /the Skull Masks
7. Roland’s First Hashtags: – Like proud fans we watched Roland navigate through Twitter his way, and tweet his first hashtags.  #FridayReads (What Roland’s been reading), #MadWorldBook (Tears For Fears’ latest project), and #ElvisShouldPlaySka, a little joke about his Graduate days.  And speaking of Graduate…
6. Sulking At The Mention of  ‘Graduate‘ – Honestly, we’d love them to reunite for one show! According to Roland’s tweets, he seems amenable!
5. The Not So Bad hair Day – As if a bad hair day were ever possible for Roland.  Either way, this was another awesome selfie that sparked other fans to tweet Roland their own photos… and somewhere, singing commenced.
4. The Inner Thigh Machine – He assembled it by himself via Twitter and by the end of the night finally figured out how it worked.
3. The Ultimate “Sleeping” Selfie – Supernatural creatures certainly know how to take great pictures of Roland!  It turned into deco den for fans; we immediately grabbed it and started colouring it with fun things as if we were 3 years old!  Instead of milk glasses and cookies we had wine and pasta.
2. The Free-Flowing Interaction With Fans – He’s been replying and spending lots of time with everyone online and we are all so grateful!!
1. The fact that he’s even HERE! Talk about party time out of bounds.  Yes! We’re truly appreciative of every minute and he knows it…cause he retweeted it. 😉
What many fans are looking forward to are chats about the book. We’ve got two hashtags going, one of which is #SexDrugsOperaOrzabal (which was used during the Kindle release countdown. Lady Puppin of Brazil won the Kindle download. Para Bems a ela!). Roland also seems to have hinted about an SDO part II with the character Rosa getting a little naughty?! That should be good! It’s certainly an exciting time for all of us, a wonderful opportunity to interact with the Good Sir. And yes, this is all legit, the Good Man Smith said so himself!
As always we encourage everyone to follow @TearsforFears, @CurtSmith and now @rolandtff – feel free to follow us as well at @PapaSFans (dedicated to celebrating the band, all members, all events 365 Days a Year)
Roland’s New Book & a 12″ Vinyl? Yes, Please!
Yes indeed, we got word on Sir Orzabal’s book some time ago and didn’t know when the big announcement was going to take place. There were always rumours, then there was the confirmation and on Wednesday the first reports. We were patient…well Carri was…Andye, not so much (I wanted an advanced copy, lol!!).  So here you have it in all its glory 🙂 , ‘Sex, Drugs and Opera, There’s Life After Rock N Roll’ by the one and only (drum roll please) …Roland Orzabal! It is said to be released on the 26th of March via Kindle (available for purchase on those devices only, to pre-order your copy click here) and then other formats will be released (including a paperback book most likely) on the 4th of May. According to the Good Sir Orzabal, the May editions include iBooks and paper copies at Barnes and Noble (I think that’s how I understood it). He says not sure about the rest but we know in due time he’ll let us know. So sit tight. In celebration of its release, our TFF Travel Fan Team is giving away an Amazon gift card to one fortunate follower on Twitter. We’ll be in touch with the details next week.
Excited? Puleeze…more like biting our nails to the nub, we’re freakin’ thrilled. Inspired by several moments in time, this novel is written by the Good Sir himself. Here’s the background of the book as noted in contactmusic.com’s report. This is what appeared in their article: ‘I was halfway through writing a gothic, country house mystery when, out of the blue, I received an email inviting me to audition for the ITV show, Popstar To Operastar,’ says Roland. ‘It felt strange, I must admit, being targeted like that. I mean, I’d sung a little opera in my youth and had lessons for about six months, a fact I’m sure the producers were not aware of. Anyway, I went along for the audition, enjoyed the experience and got quite excited about the prospect. But the more I thought about it, the more nervous I became; I realised the fantasy was far more attractive than the reality. That’s where the idea for Sex, Drugs & Opera came from. The show might not have been right for me but it provided the germ for an alter-ego, a fictitious character, a semi-retired pop star called Solomon Capri who thinks he can reignite his marriage and relaunch his career not just by appearing on Popstar To Operastar, but by winning it.’ (from contactmusic.com)
Tears for Fears fan walls and group pages lit up like lightening as soon as TFF Fan Travel member Colleen posted the link. Many haven’t been able to calm down since the announcement. To say fans are happy is an understatement. Let’s all be sure to buy a copy (be it via the Kindle download or the second release on the 4th of May). Don’t forget books make good gifts too so get one for a friend. Let the world know your excitement by tweeting, uploading and tagging social posts on all platforms with #SexDrugsOperaOrzabal. You may even win a cool prize for doing so.
To top that off, we have a new 12 inch vinyl to look forward to on the music front. “Ready Boy & Girls” has already gotten quite a bit of buzz with many curious about the title, the visual imagery and what it all means. It’ll all unfold in due time. For now the Good Man Curt Smith said (paraphrase) “Let me be clear…this is not the album, it’s not done yet.” It is, however, a limited edition 12″ vinyl and it looks like it will be available at one of the Record Store Day participating stores. We’ll see…in the meantime all kinds of fainting and falling out by fans has commenced. So take your B12 and enjoy the ride we’ll all know more in due time.
On the California side, Good Man Curt held a few chats this month, answering some fun questions from fans. It was very lighthearted with good-natured questions all around. It was like he just took a moment to sit beside us in our big chair. Gotta love those moments, we cherish them for sure. He also recently shared a great photo of his wife taken by neighbour Lady Bumbleward. We enjoy her online presence (and her Pinterest pins too). The time to catch Good Man Curt Smith online is pretty much all day… but he’s usually up for a quick chat around 8-10pm PST and of course that changes with his workload. He’s very friendly, sweet and kind…and hilarious. So follow (@curtsmith) and join in the online fun.
What else is going on in Band Fan Land? Lots of Art! Our Japanese Travel Fan Juli-Juli has been at it again with some cool pick me ups and jewelry. Beautiful material! Again, follow her on Twitter, she’s got a new Tears for Fears music find each day featuring covers and performances of their music from the vast archives located in her place in Japan. It includes works by all those affilliated with Tears For Fears. We are very grateful for her thoroughness!
Big Thanks to Colleen and Carolyn for this month’s music updates!
Upcoming March 2014:
7 March 2014 – 31st Anniversary of The Hurting (released last year -Did you get your copy?)
8 March – Michael Roland Magno, Birthday (Singer & Fan)
9 March – Richard Quest, Birthday – British presenter of Quest Means Business (this is relative, one of our collaboration wishes)
26 March 2014 – Sex, Drugs & Opera, There’s Life After Rock N Roll by R. Orzabal Kindle release
Thanks for reading! (AA)
“Team Curt Smith” #Anniversary
Happy Anniversary Team CS!
16 and 17 September are certainly anniversary concert days for many of us as well as a great anniversary for those who participated in the “Team Curt Smith” project of 2010 (described on the @papasfans twitter profile). We raised $1000 in about 3 weeks time to benefit a project in Haiti organised by TwitChange and a few community leaders in Atlanta. Only $600 or so dollars were accepted from our gift but we were very happy to help a great cause and win the prize which included a welcomed bond with Curt Smith of Tears for Fears of whom we have loved since our youth, some of us, since our toddler years.
Since then we’ve been contributing to various organisations and doing our part to make the world a much more enjoyable place for those near and far. Some projects have included small personal donations to the Tory Burch Foundation, Friends of Longacre Hall (that project is now changing to a different location), The Angel Tree program and anything else that we either saw on Curt’s fan page or something tweeted/brought to our attention through his social updates and friends.
Curt Smith has certainly helped bring out the best in us. We’re working hard to continue to give to charity groups, share what we have and be inclusive within fan land. We’re a happy, grateful kerfuffle of Kooks led by a great man, and an outstanding band with great minds and endless talent. Much love to Curt Smith, Roland Orzabal and the entire Tears for Fears team, through this band we’ve realised our dreams.
Cheers!
Thanks for reading!
Bonne Anniversaire Roland Orzabal!
We barely know how to act on this day…it comes every year and we go absolutely nuts with excitement and joy that knows no bounds. The traditions continue with birthday cards, artwork, video compilations and more. This is the day that feels as though the whole world is Head Over Heels for Roland Orzabal. Cumpleanos Feliz to the Honourable Earl of “Everything That Is Right In the World.”
Our team members Carri and Manami lead this year’s 2013 Jour d’Orzabal with the following. 2nd Card by Manami from the Japanese branch of the Tears for Fears Fan Travel Team.
Want to send a VERY special SHOUTout 2 thee illustrious Roland Orzabal!! A MEGA talented MOST ILLUMINATING and UNFORGETTABLE *Fascinating* artist, genius of a mystic man. CHEERS & HAPPY 52nd B-day, Roland Orzabal !! We are so Proud of you. Lookin’ hella AMAZINGLY!! Sultry strong voice of the heavens…and beyond…sigh* *still* 2 this Day & Age, you’re My Ultimate SOUL enraptured captivatingly singer of All-time. Cheers to infinity to have My #1 FAVE BAND TFF 2 conquer and Rule Our world, again! Much, Luvs. Have a FAB Celebration! xx CaRRi xx
(From Andye)
It’s impossible to forget the kindness that the Honourable Sir Orzabal has shown to me, they are memories that last a lifetime. From the fun singing opportunity to fast-chats backstage. It’s been lifechanging and encouraging. I’m very appreciative and I celebrate this day with my fellow fans, filled with gratitude and awe. Bonne Anniversaire, Kol Sana ya Rollie Sunshine & Many Happy Returns. Our appreciation for you and Curt (plus team) has no ending. So hashtag that! -AA
*Be sure to sign one of the many online cards. Click here!
*Hear TFF cover something truly special “Ready to Start” by Arcade Fire
*Reserve a limited Edition box set of The Hurting now
Thanks for reading, Band FAQs to come!
-AA
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 