Tears for Fears in Japan 2012 -Juli’s Experience

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.

*Note from the moderator, Andye* This was one of the most detailed and fascinating accounts submitted by a fan for this 2012 Tour. I cried a lot when translating it. It was very touching. Our original goal for Japan was that they remain visible for the whole show… Let the band know they are there…show Curt and Roland that you showed up for the show. Have sunflowers, wear your fan travel shirts or something that will be representative of this ongoing #365TFF theme that we’ve kept for so long so they know the loyal people are present and accounted for. But it went far beyond any of that. Curt and Roland, for whatever reason of kindness, took time out to meet with them. We didn’t expect that at all. Those things can’t be promised. So, when it happened we were floored!! It is beyond a blessing and more than a sweet gesture. There are no words to describe how grateful we are as a team that Japan was received so well.

Please enjoy this blog post in “Juli’s words,” in Juli’s style. She is not a native English speaker but does a darn fine job relaying her info and it is so fun to read. I hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I have translating and helping her with phrases. Juli-Juli you are so loved!

Curt and Juli hanging out. Notice she was smart and wore her #365DaysAYearForTearsForFears Kerffuffle of Kooks shirt ;) oh yeah! She's was representing that night! — Curt and Juli hanging out. Notice she was smart and wore her #365DaysAYearForTearsForFears Kerffuffle of Kooks shirt 😉 oh yeah! She’s was representing that night!

Who is Juli? It’s my online name that I’ve been using for many years. I’m Japanese. A housemaker & freelance DTP operator. Before my marrige, I was a sales engineer and advertising person in an IT company in HITACHI Group (Please buy HITACHI’s merchandise!!). Of course I’m a huge TFF fan. For our honeymoon we went to Bath and London.

The TFF Japanese fan club is called “The Bible of Dreams, a Tears for Fears Fan Site.” It has been known in Japan since 1997 and is fan generated …and one of the oldest TFF fan site in the world. Some old famous TFF fans may still remember me & my site and all the activities we did. BTW actually I wanted to call it “Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams.” But at that time already there was “Johnny Panic’s TFF Home Page.”

After the TFF live show, 19th, Aug, I was sitting at the private area for the acts of Summer Sonic festival Tokyo. I was so nervous. At the very least, I wanted to fix up my makeup and my hair. I was sweaty,too! Except me, some Japanese old & true fans (All of them are my friends and we are called the Sunflower group) were waiting with me.

All of them were nervous like me, we were all shaking and asking ourselves, “Are we in dream now?” We all said yes. Then someone else said, “This is a dream that we can see Curt & Roland!!”

All of this happened like this… ::enter the dream like state, taking you back to day 1 where it all started::

After the press release said TFF will come to Japan this summer, I began to sound to TFF’s record company & Summer Sonic head office that TFF organize autograph session in Summer Sonic festival.

I’ve envied overseas TFF fans that were able to take pics with Curt & Roland. My hope was to give the same chance for Japanese TFF fans, too. But in Japan, for fans to come in contact with foreign Rock artists is so rare. It’s a very difficult thing.

I thought, in this festival, the musician’s autograph session is open well. Though typically young bands do it but big bands like TFF don’t it very often. Summer Sonic head office seemed to check up but as expected both of them didn’t give me answer. So sweet Andye AndinhaNiakan heard my demand and encouraged for us to keep checking and gave us some information in the marketing and media on who to contact and politely ask if a meet and greet was going to happen. I tried and gave up.

Then two weeks before the concert, I recalled that Curt & Roland have a privileges. In Summer Sonic area, every performers can walk around like the public. They can see other band’s gigs, something eat at food stalls (In Summer Sonic, food stalls are almost institution) and when they meet their fans, they can hold an impromptu dialogue with them.

If Curt & Roland do it, by any chance,we can see them…!?

Curt Smith Signing Autographs backstage at show

Part II
Our meeting & greeting mission began. I made contact with Andye again. “Can we get together & may I ask Curt do autograph session somewhere in a quiet place?” She said she didn’t know but thought it would be nice…Fortunately, Curt & I had a positive exchange. We spoke to him in the nick of time.

I wrote again to Andye. She answered first saying she understood it is the promoter who grants those wishes, not always the band. But he maybe can see just a few? She didn’t know if Curt can see us (Andye reminds people she is not TFF staff, she is fan like us. Happy and at shows.) but hopes that maybe he would. There were some fans who were furious with us about our plans and we had fights. I don’t want to talk about it. From all of this I learned who I can trust and who are really true fans of the band.

Finally I assembled them & asked them simple self-introductions by English on my BBS. If Curt saw it, he’ll understand a little about them. I sent my all contact informations to Andye too. My cell phone number and my husband’s ones. Andye was quick and responsive to me. She says, “Please decide your clothes & your land mark for the day of the show so Curt will know who to look for.” I selected blue TFF KOOKs fan T-shirt & decided to bring the suggested Sunflower for gig.

Andye advised me “The current day, you must keep front row position and you need to have something in English that says “This is Juli from Twitter” so he knows who you are. You can hold it during the show. He will see you in the audience.” I still couldn’t feel easy. I bought a big false sunflower like bouquet and pasted lots of Swarovski rhinestones on it like rain drops.
My husband took a video of me in that I wore blue TFF KOOKs fan T-shirt and had my “Super Shining Sunflower”. I read aloud the message for Curt and Roland in my clumsy English (BTW I’m bad at English especially hearing & speaking are horrible). Needless to say Andye sent the video to them (I really can’t thank her enough!).

Waiting to see the band...holding sunflowers cause they are...The Sunflower club...now that's CUTE! This is the only region where our crowd plan worked. — Waiting to see the band…holding sunflowers cause they are…The Sunflower club…now that’s CUTE! This is the only region where our crowd plan worked.

In Japan, only a bit Japanese true TFF fans have known about this plan. One of them believed in me completely, and worked hard at full blast (I can’t thank this person enough,too). But for the initial period of time, one of them (He’s my old friend so we can confer each other without any reserve) critisized that my plan was loose and would not work. But when he saw Joycee’s (Joyce PhilsKoosk) pics on the meeting and greeting in Philippines,he changed his thought. Because in Joycee’s pics, Curt and all of them were shining happily… I continued with the plans I had already set up and how the band can have quick meet-up for Japanese TFF fans.

I made a list:
Selecting meeting place, advance booking, saving contact informations of all members, deciding the sign of meet-up… Almost all meet-up members were my old TFF mates or my closely TFF mates. I selected Sunflower as the land mark for meet-up members and asked them “When you go to Summer Sonic Festival, please bring Sunflower.” This is how we became the “The Sunflower club” later.

At the last minute I talked to them about the secret meeting and greeting. Because I didn’t feel sure of myself. Can we see with Curt at somewhere at Makuhari Messe (The venue of Summer Sonic festival in Tokyo) really? Is this really going to happen?

They Sunflower club was so surprised to know we may have chance to meet them. But deep down we were doubtful. My health became bad. I thought “My health goes bad, then no one can do anything…I began this. I have to make sure it goes well.”

17th Aug things got worse. I passed out suddenly. I dropped in a spin. It was like severe car sickness. When I moved my body a little, I threw up violently. I was carried to a emergency hospital by ambulance car in night with my husband. My husband posted this news on FB. Andye & my friends worried about me so much (Thank you all!).
Even Curt seemed to know it from Andye, too. If I couldn’t go to Summer Sonic, who can wave my super shining Sunflower instead of me? My husband promised me that he would wear my TFF-T shirt and wave my Sunflower if worse came to worst.

(Japan Fans and Kerfuffles like to jam out to this song and Julie Julie of course)

I was examined, after all diagnosed as peripheral vertigo. I had to get hospitalized only overnight (Lucky!). But ENT doctor forbide that I would go to TFF Live!!
As might be expected I was about to give up all. But anyway I need to moderate our meet-up and need to search the place where we can see Curt at Makuhari Messe.

A note from Curt encouraged me so much. Then, I remembered someone adviced me “Use earplug!” So, my husband …Makuhari Messe! At the near station,we joined together some the Sunflower club members. The consult hall where TFF would play was called “Sonic Stage”.The capacity is about 10,000 people. By the way there were four stages (One of them was outdoor stage). But at the same time y with TFF, on the Mountain stage, Garbage and New Older gigs were scheduled. So many listeners had to pick between…TFF or New Order.

We choose the appropriate place soon. I took a pic there and sent Curt by Twitter. If he can’t find the place, someone staff of Summer Sonic will tell him where is this.

In Sonic Stage was so cheerful. Lots of food stalls. The stage of Japanese comedians. Bar,disco.kids room…At the souvenir shops of Summer Sonic official goods we bought TFF merch (Only T-shirt. I regret!). But! When I returned there after 30 minutes, I was surprised at the bottom of my heart. Because there was the new white tent.”The dispensary” I felt “Summer Sonic Festival is alive!” .

It changes as occasion may demand in a day. My husband and The Sunflower club members are surprised in turn. But my husband made a settlement proposal. “Juli, is there any way to tell Curt where you are?” I began to worry I would have been a true trouble for poor Curt and his i-Phone. I continue to send him notes where we are.
All of this excessive messaging by me could have been avoided if these interconnected social media phones would let me send pictures&location on all platforms. Our wait time of The Sunflower meet-up was approaching. Tentatively, we went to a cafe in the hotel New Otani Makuhari. Most of members gather together here. Of course they had sunflowers as we were supposed to.

I saw they were chatting as if they were an old acquaintance. I thought we don’t need to do self-introduction. But I divided out nameplates to them that I had bought and asked them to write their names by English. If we can see Curt, he can call their names. At that time, my cell phone ringed. I still don’t say about that person’s name, but that was…”YOU KNOW WHO”!!!!

Meanwhile, There was the buffet lunch style, but I couldn’t have a lot of food. I was the host so, I had no time to go for tasty dishes! To tell the truth, I wanted to enjoy snacks and cakes and drinks more… When I pinch my second sandwich, my cell phone rang. I heard the tense voice. “Juli, I’m at near station but I got lost. I don’t know how I go to toward Makuhari Messe!!”

“Calm down!” I shouted but she has got confusing already completely.

“Can you figure out where is Makuhari Messe?”

“Never!”

“STROOTH!?” I’m sorry for her. But we were surprised very much that she arrived at the near station but couldn’t find Makuhari Messe. It’s the same situation as or simular situation to someone arrived at Trafalgar Square at London and asked “Where is the statue of Admiral Nelson?”

Probably she was so tired (She enjoyed Summer Sonic TFF Live in Osaka,too) was so feeling heat and was excited so much. And her heart would have beating certainly…”Beat of the Drum”! Just like my heart…

Anyway, now it’s only one of episodes about “The Sunflowers club”. My husband took the phone and for a while he was hearing where she was. He stood up and said.”I’ll meet her at the station!”

Manami's Art from the show... — Manami’s Art from the show…

After a few moments, he brought her into our meet-up. I stood up and offered her a firm and respectful handshake. “How do you do? It’s very nice to meet you at last…MANAMI”. Our little party warmed up but at 14:00 we went our way. “Next time, see you all again at Sonic Stage!”

Some of them went to see their favorite artist’s gig. I then sent Curt our location. My husband & I rested at cafe in Makuhari messe for a while. Then the battery of my cell phone is weakening…then I get message from Curt!! They are coming here now! And he asked me if I would be holding the sunflowers! What a relief! I informed all the Sunflower club members.

On stage, we listened to some tracks. I only remember “Pictures of You” by The Cure,”Ashes to Ashes”.That was David Bowie version.
About 19:10(Japan time). The lights burst bright! The audience broke into a loud cheer! Then…I saw Curt & Roland directly for the first time in my life. I was surprised “Gee! This intro is…Badman’s Song!!”

“Heard every word that was said that night…” Roland’s powerful vocal hit me. Then Curt is getting close near our position…I threw around my “Super Sunshine Sunflower.”Please Curt! It’s me, Juli! Curt did found it. He saw us & my sunflower certainly. At that moment he smiled so brightly!!! My husband,my members and I did thumbs-up in a spontaneous way. Various feelings swirl through my body.My heart is beating so fast. Our dream comes true? Can we see him in real by any chance? And yet,how charming your smile was, Curt!! I became fascinated with him instantly and I can never forget that his smile.

Pucker Up Roland ;) -leave this picture right her, please do not throw it around on fan walls...this was used with permission. — Pucker Up Roland 😉 -leave this picture right here, please do not throw it around on fan walls…this was used with permission.

Roland seemed in the best of spirits. He has been smiling ravishingly, too. My sunflower also brighten his face. I’ve loved his melancholy aspect and have drewn lots of drawings of this aspect of him. But I never knew that his smile was so dazzling… Instantly, my love for them grew more than it already was. I found new magnetic sides to both Curt and Roland …to see them indeed was beautiful like Andye said. The second song was “Sowing The Seeds Of Love”.The audience warmed up so much already. BIG chorus!

When Roland sang “I Love a Sunflower”, I lifted up my sunflower high. Later my hubby said me. “Roland was amused by that!”

!!!THE SET LIST!!!

1.Bad Man’s Song

2.Sowing The Seeds Of Love

3.Change

4.Mad World

5.Memories Fade

6.Everybody Loves A Happy Ending

7.Billie Jean(Michael Jackson)

8.Advice For The Young At Heart

9.Everybody Wants To Rule The World

10.Pale Shelter

11.Break It Down Again

12.Head Over Heels

13.Shout

There were all over Japanese True long time TFF fans. They have waited TFF fir 27 years. When “STSOL” played everyone grooved so much. Almost all of them could sing Almost all of TFF tracks.

When “Break It Down Again” began (Roland made a profound bow) I was so surprised…the audiense sing together! Next “Head Over Heels”, our excitement reached fever pitch. The falsetto of Roland was excellent! The last track,of course Roland didn’t need to sing “Shout” by himself…every fans were singing louder than him.

Both of Roland and Curt were at their finest. We could see lots of their smiles. My sunflower played outstandingly. When Roland played his guitar, I waved very very often it to him (was that an inconvenience to him? We always fear that). Always he noticed and smiled really sweet smiles.

Curt has certainly spotted somebody in this picture... taken at San Fran show by Carri D. — Curt has certainly spotted somebody in this picture… taken at San Fran show by Carri D.

When in gigs we want to believe very offen that musicians can see us,I want to believe it, too. Of course, I also did it to Curt very very often. And he smiled back to me. To tell the truth,I don’t know whether Roland also has known about “The Sunflower plot?” I asked Andye if Roland knows to look for our Sunflowers. She says she does not know. But at least Curt knew who was shaking the shining sunflower for them.

Because my cell phone was dying I could only send one last note to the Sunflower club, “PLZ assemble the place where I took the pic!” However it was my fatal error, accordingly. A TFF fan who I’ve known only on the Net hailed me. So when a woman came near us, I assumed she’s also my TFF fellow on the Net. But it was absolute my misconception. She said to me in Japanese. “Are you Ms Juli? I’m a staff of Mr. Curt Smith. He asked me ‘Please manage that she and her fellows can see me somehow.’ Will you come with me?” At first I didn’t understand what she said. My husband told me again and I understood. She then brought us 6 wrist bands for back stage.
I checked if all members are with me. We are now 6 members… But OMG! Manami and Maurin are missing!!

Meeting Roland..it was so difficult for me to explain his character. We worry we are a bother but he smiled and let us hug him. From Curt, I got lots of kindness from him. His sensitivity to us was beautiful. I never forget the last handshake with him. At that moment I touched his hand I felt like he understand us and knows our innocent intention. I don’t remember, much else, it became a mysterious blur. My husband says I began to scream to him to “Get Manami and Maurin!!” and I am so sorry. I admit I made this blunder. About Manami, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this. Anyway without them, how could we possibly see TFF without them? But the interpreter says “We can prepare only 6 wrist bands.” Who will be coming with me? But anyway ,we should assemble members as early as possible!My husband phoned Manami. Other member searched leftover members and I tried to contact with Maurin.

SunflowerClub2Roland — Roland and Juli pose for a picture… again, let this stay here…do not download and repost, thanks! 🙂

The interpreter backed in the back stage and brought on 7 wrist bands (Many thanks! I was a squeaky wheel). One member left the spot too soon. My husband succeed to put through Manami. He beaconed her to hurry and come over. But I couldn’t find Maurin at last. Later I found her poor tweet, “Where are you all?”
Maurin, I’m so sorry!!!! I can’t believe this…

At this point we were 8 people. Immediately my husband gave up his wrist band and decided to wait outside so the others can go in. “I’ll wait for you and will be at Rihanna’s Live to watch them set up for her show. Meet me there afterwards. I could barely say thanks to him before we were whisked away to meet the band. Members and I passed through what looked like a bar. There weren’t any other Japanese except us. We were so nervous. We imagined many others would be there but it was just us! I think no one has forecasted such situation really,except Manami and I.

If you haven't heard any of Roland's jokes...you haven't lived. Here he does a hard core, "They won't forget this one..." sort of prank... as one person said, ...we love Roland. There's only 1 like him in the world — If you haven’t heard any of Roland’s jokes…you haven’t lived. Here he does a hard core, “They won’t forget this one…” sort of prank… as one person said, …we love Roland. There’s only 1 like him in the world

One of us(My most old TFF fellow), seemed cool and relaxed. I wanted to be this way, but she looked alive when Curt appeared at a distance.Each of us looked to each other to fix our make up. We were all nervous saying to each other, “I wanted to fix up my makeup!”
“Me,too!”
“That’s too baad! I’m shaggy-haired!”
“I’m so sweaty!”
“Will Roland come with Curt!?”
I said, I have a feeling, “He’ll come, too”
I’ve had this strange confidence about it.
Because he knows about me and my weird TFF fan site,surely!

Then, Curt appeared on the scene with smile like the Sun. Just like Andye said, he is even more handsome in person. We ll stood and greet him with applause. “Nice to meet you!” We hugged him in sequence. But when we found the person who comes after Curt, we just panicked and froze. There he was “The Legend Man, Roland Orzabal.”

“WoW, Juli! It’s him!”
“Juliiiiiiiii! They are here, Curt and Roland…”
Members screamed individually.
Because in the next breath, I glomped him.
I don’t even think I introduced myself to him.
But one of members told me later that they said, “That’s Juli.” To Roland so he would know who was hugging him.
Roland respond “Ohhh!”
One of members mailed me later. “If I was woman, I could hug him like you!!”
To this day I can still feel their hands and his body. Curt is very firm and fit. Roland is strong and sturdy and when you hug him and he speaks you can feel his operatic voice in the hug. It echoes through his very nice body.
I hugged him around his neck and I had someone take a pic of him and me. Then autograph session and photo session began. Female members breathed down Curt’s and Roland’s neck so male fans couldn’t even get near them. I regretted that I couldn’t talk to them. I lost my notebook for communicating in writing. I wanted to write down what I wanted to say. I can write English but speaking is hard.

A clever female member wrote about her love to TFF in advance, entered it in her smartphone and showed Curt and Roland. They read it heartily. Roland seemed to read aloud it. Except one, we could speak English barely. We had admiration for her good idea. We wished we had done that. I heard a rumour that Roland seemed to kiss on someone’s cheek…but she doesn’t seem to remember it. Who was that so lucky person? You know …giggle giggle! I remember at first Roland stood alone and paced like a butterfly. He made me think of Mr. Bean with a wine glass. (Sorry Roland, it was interesting to watch you thinking)

We then took group picture and I stood right next to Curt. I still remember how he took me by the shoulders gently. And damn if that picture didn’t turn out because the SD card became corrupt. Fans, I warn you, when you get ready to take a picture make sure you have more than one camera and take 2 to be safe.
Suddenly Roland left, the secret meeting and greeting was over. At parting, Curt shaked me by the hand.He watched me, sincerely. I felt that he wanted to remember me as the symbol of Japanese TFF fans. In Japan, meeting and greeting with foreign Rock artist is SO RARE!! If TFF will come to Japan again, probably we can never see them again in such grand style. When we went out ,my husband got close to us. “You are too late!” Really? I felt almost bad for a moment… But I had no energy to feel anything after finishing this gorgeous event and threw myself into his arms! My working hour was over!

Show compilation from entire festival

Tears for Fears San Francisco 2 August Jason DeBord’s Experience

We had an incredible time attending this year’s tour. We spent over a week on the West Coast, going from city to city and attending the shows, meetups plus (and certainly a highlight-bonus) spending time with relatives of the band. Most travelling fans went to at least 2 shows. During these travels, we made a new friend, a professional photoragpher and fellow media maniac. His name is Jason DeBord and he shared his experience at the San Francisco show. Enjoy!

Click here for the full review: Jason DeBord

Brief Summary: Obviously, the duo have reunited and produced new work, and are in the midst of what appears to be a very successful tour. I definitely have my own associations with the music of the band – a lot of great memories to be sure, and some that simply make me laugh today in retrospect (like going to school dances in middle school and standing along the outskirts of the dance floor like the geeks in Sixteen Candles).

In any event, the concert performance by Tears for Fears tonight was amazing. Also performing with the band was Charlton Pettus (lead guitar), CJ Vanston (keyboards), and Jamie Wollam (drums). It was such an experience to hear all of this wonderful music played live on stage.

I loved the way the full set was played tonight. I’ve heard some different renditions of some of the songs from other live performances, and I really feel this performance totally nailed all of them, and would love to see a live Blu-Ray of this set and tour produced some day – it was really that spectacular. Also, Carina Round really added a tremendous amount to the song “Woman In Chains” with her added vocals – truly incredible rendition.

It was really just a fun night, and it was a privilege to have such a great seat from which to enjoy it (the benefit of F5ing Ticketmaster as they went on sale, buying just one ticket, and the front rows being composed of three seats – and a little luck). The guys were really funny with some comments and stories in-between songs, and the audience was great and enthusiastic and genuine (and a little odd in a funny way – booing when Mr. Orzabal said that they were in Burbank the night before).

Really, I’m not sure what else to say about this one… it was such a thrill and joy to see them, and it’s another one of those shows where you immediately want to see it all again. I can’t recommend enough catching this tour if you have the chance – just fantastic music by a talented band. Even if you aren’t familiar with all of their work, it is all great music and framed throughout by their many hits. Truly a fantastic night.

Enjoy these videos on HD video from the concert.

Jason, we thank you so much for your kindness and hard work. It is greatly appreciated by fans all over the world. We love this band with so much of our mind, body and soul and can’t imagine life without them. It’s great to share that passion with other media professionals who have the ability to capture it so well. See you next time we trust.

*All pictures are the property of Jason DeBord. Please do not download, copy and repost/retweet without alerting Jason and getting a response. If the ethics&fairness team see his photos reposted you will be contacted and questioned. Thanks for understanding.

Tour Logistics & Funding Fan Travel 2012

Tour Logistics for Bands and Fans (in response to those who continuously email & ask, “How on earth do you all just run off and follow that band?) the answer, it’s not always easy but we get it done. Please Join Us!)
Unspeakable amounts of sacrifices were made this year by many fans who are attending next month’s Tears For Fears tour. Despite this difficult economy, many fans took second jobs at night and on weekends. This proved daunting, exhausting and challenging especially for one fan who ran into a less than friendly new boss and had to quit. Somehow she managed to get the funds anyway and will be at the Vegas show. **virtual hug for her** what an experience!

So how much is this tour for fans? Airfare (which went up to $350-$400 round trip from the East Coast, $250 from Midwest), hotel ($90-$200 a night), city transportation/taxi/car services ($30-85 each way) food ($150) tickets ($85-$100) gas, band merch&music… We calculate that most fans spend approx $2000-$3000 USD total (if attending 2-3 shows). The Asia leg of the tour has been equally challenging for our fellow kooks aka “friends and family” in Japan and The Philippines. Their SVIP pass was excruciating to get from what we read. We’re still awaiting the details and pray these fans got the passes and the seats they deserve. There will be some major tears shed in Manila when these kooks see Roland & Curt again. They really love them. (update: we heard from them and they got the passes! high five to the #PhilsKooks)

Bread & Butter
Meager meals are apart of the mix when you’ve got numbers like the above lingering over your head and less than 3 months to get yourself together…in addition to paying regular bills, taking care of your family, etc. It can stress you out and lead to sleepless nights. That thin coconut soup “tour soup” many of us chugged 5-6 nights a week w/ the occasional peanut butter sandwich was a test of the nerves. But knowing you are going to see the band and spend nearly a week with fellow superfanatcis you dont even notice any of these things or care what you are giving up to afford it.

Going Too Far? I think this is the first year some of us put off surgeries, doctor appointments, left certain bills until the last minute and drained our savings to cover the costs of touring. Last year we knew in March and we had until late August-September-October to wrangle and lasso funds. This year it was the last week in April/Early May. You wouldn’t think a month’s difference would have such an impact…but the thing is many already had their summer holidays booked (trips to France, etc). So, this sudden tour news caught us off guard. Many of us were not prepared. But forbid we not get to see Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal walk out on stage “TOGETHER”…for those of us who spend 2-3 hours a day focused on that band for our precious sanity and “special place” …not attending the tours is equal to saying you can’t go to the family reunion…it’s unspeakable, not an option. You are going on that tour if it means you eat a can of beans and a glass of water for three months til show time.

How to Fund the Tour
Savings accounts, scaling back on luxuries (do your own nails, hair and work out at home vs. pricey gym memberships) and in many cases dipping into savings & selling shares in stock (called the band stock fund) have proven to be a very successful funding method. This is not a joke. Andye (the moderator for @papasfans & this blog has done all of the above. She is often asked how she & the team managed to do this for 3years).

“Aside from prayer&begging the Almighty,I believe it is because I don’t have a husband and kids. I work like a horse and don’t buy petty things if I can avoid it. Still it’s hard. I emptied my piggy bank at times. I’ve done unspeakable things to make this tour and I talk to people who literally are eating rice, Dahl and water and using that extra money to see this band. It’s something about Roland & Curt walking out on that stage –at the same time– it’s surreal, there is nothing much else that compares. I mean, we talk about them (& sometimes to the band members themselves) and listen to their music everrrryyy dayyyy of the yeaaaarrr! That’s 365 days of Tears For Fears. You have to be on the tour. We do all we can to make sure we each get there. I start logistics planning as soon as Curt sends the tweet. Yes, last year we had so much more time but I still had to crash my savings to make it. These hotels and airfare are double than what we pay on the East Coast. I’ve all but moved permanently to California to be close to this band. They are beyond important to me…so I’ve made insane sacrifices just like many others so I can be in their presence. It’s my one splurge in life. Im not ashamed of it. If I can move out here I will. Their energy has proven life saving…what else can I say? I know I’m not alone. For years I kept $60 on hand just in case they were coming anywhere near me so I could get a ticket. Just a superfan habit.”

Top three things for fans to remember:
Stay prepared — a show can get announced at any time&you have to be ready to roll
Create an automatic savings account that stores money for these tours
Sign up w/airlines to get the latest deals on discount flights
Partner w/reliable fans to share a hotel room
Buy your tickets first, then flight…prepay hotel in advance for lower rates
Subscribe to Curt’s website & Follow @curtsmith, check his account everyday to get true tour news
Buy tickets from the outlets or venues directly w/in the 1st week of ticket sales
Interact w/other fans — healthy ones — to keep up morale, it’s essential to have other people with which to enjoy the band.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or tips on fan travel send them to @papasfans on twitter or leave them on the Tears For Fears & Kooks fan page wall. We encourage input and dialogue.

Have an excellent tour, be nice, be careful and sing all the songs! Cheers!

Enjoy these blog posts on new tools bands are using to fund their projects: http://www.musicnomad.com/Sell_Your_Music/Creative_Financing_and_Sales_to_Fans

Here’s another with details from bands on what they did to fund a tour: http://gigdoggy.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/band-quotes-organizing-and-financing-your-tour/

Tears for Fears Live at the Wiltern 17 September -SOLD OUT SHOW

WilternShow — Tears for Fears sold out show -17 September Photo: (@SnapHappyPam)

2011 show recap – TFF Wiltern 17 September 2011 I wanted to wait a bit before posting the recap of this show. It was as Carri would say, “EPIC!” I’m still not sure if that even sums up what happened that life changing evening. This concert took place on the anniversary of the TeamCS formation, which can be explained on the profile of (@papasfans) on twitter.

Waiting for the Plane

I was whisked off to the airport at 9am in the morning from the Red Rock Hotel in Vegas. Mind you, this was just 30 minutes before seeing what we have to assume was one of “the band” skidaddling into an elevator. My heart was already racing. Now, a higher power had to be watching over me as I dropped my drivers’ license, all cash, etc after checking my bags at the flight counter. Some kind soul walked up to me afterward and handed them to me. I’m not joking when I say these shows are spiritual experiences that make a believer out of you. I get to the boarding terminal to learn that the plane is late. So I take this time to turn this excitement into what I call profitable tweets.

Twitter, Tweets and RTs

Between the hours of 9:30am and 11am I sent about 50 tweets to Michael Wainwright, Curt Smith and the Tears for Fears official profile that included what I felt were profitable ideas for the band. Of course, I didn’t expect the band to take me seriously, but if they did, then more power to them. It’s just that after the Vegas show I knew there’s was no way I could possibly handle a day to day without Tears For Fears podcasts, subscription based guitar lessons, etc week after week. Call it insane but those concerts leave you on cloud 9 and eager for more. Rumour has it that these tweets nearly drove Michael Wainwright up the wall. So I’ve taken him off the list of profitable tweets to save his sanity. I’ve also scaled back to 1-2 tweets a day and fewer RTs.

The plane finally arrived. I slurped down the last of that Vinti Frappucino (the only thing I’d consume that entire day) and boarded the plane. It was a tiny thing. Crammed inside, we flew across the desert and I could see cars below. I was looking around wondering if by chance any other fans were on this flight. I didn’t recognize anyone…just a bunch of men in suits. We were all clearly in a hurry to get to point B. Getting off the plane I hit my head on the overhead cabin…numb from excitement I didn’t even feel it. Others around me seemed worried and shocked that I recovered from that ghastly cranial crash as I looked back to make sure I hadn’t left anything since I was prone to dropping items. I scuttled off the plane and met my driver at baggage claim. He dropped me off at the Wilshire Hotel and I checked in immediately. On the way there I could already see people lining up along the Wiltern’s sidewalk… at 2:30pm.

Perfect Time to Perch I get inside, I immediately clean up, again, wash my hair…the whole nine yards. I’m in OCD mode at this point. I put my DelaQ Tshirt out and my fan jacket. I put these new jeans I bought just for this show and some TEVA sandals. I phoned every fan I knew and said, “we need to meet up now…let’s just go line up.” They thought I was crazy. Pam was the only one who came right away and we walked over to the line to find ourselves numbers 7&8 behind a very organized group from L.A. inclusive of Penelope and Kim Tang. Over the next few hours the line grew and grew. People came and played cards decked out in their Tears for Fears t shirts. Most of us were in the same section (The Pit) so we got to know each other’s names and exchange Facebook profile info so we could keep in touch and share photos.

Vexed by VIP Around 5pm members of the band could be seen either driving by or coming out of the Wiltern. Gruno came out and handed Kim Tang some guitar picks. She showed them to us and then put them in her pocket so they wouldn’t get lost I imagine. Forbid she drop one of those…that would’ve been awful. Pam would leave the line and come back, go make a phone call, come back…restless she seemed. I was too afraid to move. Alexis, her friend, Traci and others came. Then about 5:30 a woman with the Wiltern comes out offering us VIP for $20. “What does VIP entail?” we asked. She said, “You get access to the VIP bathroom, can get drinks at the bar, access to the exclusive lounge and that you’ll get to go in early.” We bought it. I got one for Pam who had again walked off at this time. I figured she’d want one too. We then went over to a different line placing Penelope and I at 1^st and 2^nd. Then Carri shows up with Kai…and some hottie blond trailing with them. I told them to get a VIP pass and get in line, no time for hellos and all that, just get the pass.

A Mini-MeetUp In Line This is where the life changing moments began. It’s about 5:55pm…we did a roll call and saw that just about every fan that promised to come to the Wiltern show was there. We took turns swirling in and out of line having people save our places so we could take pictures together. It was then that Carri brings forward Sir David Esquire. “This…is David…” she says. My chin had already dropped from seeing him Moments ago. We thought he was a member of Duran Duran…because we knew he had worked with them in the past on something…and that he took some photos of Curt…long story short, a few of us assumed he was a member of some band but we knew it wasn’t Tears for Fears. Turns out he has some sort of connection with Duran Duran…and he looked the part. It was insane. He kissed our hands…who does that? We were impressed and struggling to keep from drooling like sick children every time he said anything. We met a lot of other cool people that hour but the whole Sir David Esquire encounter would then drag on for another 7 months inclusive of some online fun, wild promises, fun phone calls, cherished gift exchanges and total admiration for his work of which we still promote. We considered him our new Best Friend Forever…

VIP stands for what? Around 6:30 we were moved about 3 feet forward next to a gate. From there, Gruno shows up again followed by 3 women who were all wearing TFF lanyards. They went into the theatre. We stayed behind and waited…then about 10 minutes later were led downstairs to a very small room that was dimly lit. The line we had so carefully formed with respect to those who had been there since noon that day dispersed. I cleaned my hands and got a drink from the bar. I knew I was going to need it. I think at this point chaos broke out. There was nothing VIP about what we got to do. We paid $20 to go to the bathroom pretty much. Only a handful of people bought drinks. Penelope went back to the woman who sold us the passes and explained that we’d been waiting in line all day and now that line was ruined and we weren’t guaranteed to be first in for this general admission show anymore. Security came, reorganized the line and we stood down in that small room (over 100 of us) for another hour and then later led to the top of the stairs …where we were finally allowed to go into the theatre. I think that’s the worst VIP experience I’ve ever had. I don’t know what was VIP about it…I really don’t.

Security checked to make sure everyone was in the right place. Pam and I were slammed against the stage, our chins literally sitting on it…the photo shown is a chin shot. It was front row nonetheless and I wasn’t moving. In fact, I couldn’t. I was so oxygen deprived I began to feel light headed. I laid my head on the stage…Penelope beside me, Kim Tang beside her and some people we’d never met before who admitted they hadn’t even heard of the ELAHE album (that’s a crime in itself) next to Pam while others who didn’t buy Pit seats were on the front row of the floor section just above us.

Waiting We’d been on our feet for what felt like forever. A screen came down and allowed us to text messages to the monitor. People text how upset they were about the VIP, people text that we were waiting too long, that many of them were old now and couldn’t do this concert scene anymore if it meant standing forever…there were funny tweets, marriage proposals (fake ones and real ones). Simultaneous oohs and awes for certain tweets. We kooks got a few messages in and then finally the screen went away and Michael Wainwright came out.

Michael Wainwright opens the show

You’d have thought it was POTUS Obama cause the crowd went wild. He did his same set inclusive of the sad clown (Blue). That freaked a few people out. It was a beautiful set as was the night before and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Pam got most of it on camera either via video or picture. When Michael left the screen came down and people began texting their thoughts about his performance saying they liked it and hoped he’d turn into a happy clown one day. Some who were new to him expressed their thoughts about the clown make up more than anything. Overall he was well received and Blue seemed to be a favourite as was the award winning song “Heart Shaped Man” of which many sang along. At this point I was feeling even more light headed. My heart was racing, I was so excited but very much drained. I knew at some point I was going to pass out. I decided, “Do I want to have a heart attack thus causing severe damage to my body or do I want to go home and try again in a year or so?” I thought to myself, “I’ve gotten this far I thought I might as well die doing what I love. If I pass out and die from excitement then so be it…what better place to go than with the two men I’ve loved since I was a small child.”

The Show When those lights went down I nearly lost my mind. Relief swept through me and the heart palpitations decreased as Curt stood above my head, his shoe was level with my chin. He laughed when he looked down at Pam and I…the proof of our dedication was right there where we stood. Roland shook his head and just stared as if he was amazed as we looked over at him. He too looked surprised that two nights in a row at a General Admission show we’d somehow made it to the front again and were staring him in the face. That moment was classic.

The set list was the same as that which was in Vegas if I’m not mistaken and full of electric energy. I, again, sang every single song. There’s something about having these two men towering above you. It’s like looking at two magnificent statues of talent and grace. Roland had on this olive coloured button down and I had on an olive coloured jacket. It was quite a coincidence and I just couldn’t get enough of it. At times he’d look over at us (the loyal Kooks of which he may or may not be aware of, perhaps we were the loudest?) and he’d just stare…maybe because we knew every word to every. single. song. Now, mind you…I had no voice and was lip synching because no sound was coming out. I was done after Vegas. I barely had enough energy to stand there let alone belt out a song. But I put passion into it…whole heart and soul. We all did. We swayed, we danced out songs, we danced out the moves according to the videos (i.e. Roland’s dance during Change, Mad World Flying Wombat, the four leaf clover)…we fans did a complete set. We left nothing out.

During Sowing the Seeds Roland did just as we had asked the day before in a tweet. We wanted him to give Curt a brotherly kiss instead of a hug. It was charming and we all went absolutely mad. I think I started crying as expected. I can’t remember if Curt threw any Skittles. I think being that close I would’ve caught at least one. The night was just full of everything a fan could ever want. The songs sounded even better than the album recordings.

Curt and Roland really haven’t changed that much. I feel they are stronger in so many ways musicially as a group. Roland looks amazing. Curt is fit as a fiddle and looking mighty fine. The fan base has grown to include the children of the earlier fans and those of us who were too tiny to get into shows as toddlers are now front and center at most if not all shows. We follow them around like puppies or as Curt calls us a “Kerfuffle of Kooks.” As a band, they are crystal clear and nothing is out of place. Everything looks and sounds stellar and the reviews that went out the next day by various magazines, bloggers and music critics all sang their praises. This was a sold out show so the confidence by fans for this band isn’t going anywhere…it’s set in stone. Tears for Fears are truly a timeless band with a classic sound that remains “ahead of their time.” Their lyrics, topics, thought provoking phrases and general “tone” are a force!

Encore The encore was twice as exciting as the night before. Those who didn’t know Michael Wainwright was covering for Oleta Adams got the shock of their lives when he belted out “Calls the man the great whiiitte hope!” Like clockwork the crowd goes nuts! And rightly so…it was absolutely beautiful…

The set ended with Shout (and me singing on Roland’s microphone, no I didn’t jump on stage, just keep reading or click on the blue link above)…[and what was so beautiful was that the song was the full version with the extended instrumental opening…ohhh, if you’ve never heard it check it out in your Tears for Fears collection. It’s worth opening the box set to hear it. I know many like myself buy their music and don’t open it these days because it’s worth it’s weight in gold so you preserve it in the plastic package, etc. So, if you can’t bring yourself to opening it then at least find it on YouTube] Okay, so the band starts singing…Curt’s youngest daughter is out to the left of the stage with Michael and she’s singing ”Shout…Shout…let it all out….” and they go into the chorus and something happened…Roland pulled the microphone out of the stand and it separated from the cord. So Curt had to cover for him on the second verse I believe (by this time I’m just a live wire, too excited to believe that I’m still on the front row, jacket all awry and my DelaQ tshirt showing…yes, Roland saw it ;)). The song goes on and Curt fills in while Gruno fixes the microphone. Our attention is on Curt and we’re singing along and then Roland joins in with the repaired microphone and heads toward our area…next thing I know that gorgeous hair of his is in my face and his microphone is right at my chin and I’m singing the chorus with the 10% of voice I have left. Somehow I get out the rest of the chorus in a lower pitch thank G-d so as not to hurt Roland’s ears. Something must have gone right cause he gave me a thumbs up and Curt said, “Go Andye…” …all I could think was…”My family is gonna go bananas when I tell them what happened, I hope someone got that on video.” Poor Pam was so in shock she didn’t even record it (though many others did, see here). She asked me some weeks later, “Andye did you sing?” We were both in a daze of disbelief and awe that night I couldn’t blame her for not remembering cause had someone not gotten that on camera, the details wouldn’t have been what they were just now.

Filipino Fans — Rosaline and Rochelle flew in for the show… Canada, The Philippines

I owe Roland a kidney if he ever needs it. I’d gladly hand over a lung to Curt if it was necessary. They made, not just my day but my life right then and there…and I thought the Vegas show was awesome…my goodness, they just get better and better with every show!! Whaaaaat!? Ohhh mannnn…I’m still speechless nearly a year later. I think about that moment and I have to sit down…and just thank G-d because that was more than anything I’ve ever wanted in the realm of the band. Just to see them singing together was enough for me…now, front row and a sing-a-long opportunity..ohh mannn, somebody form the clap section, I’ve got choir outfits, we can take this fandom on the road!

The After Party Well, there wasn’t one…just a lot of us hanging out on the street corner after the show. I got swept away by Carri, Sir David Esquire and their pal Kai of whom I’d really not had the opportunity to hang with before. We went out…and we rehashed that show til 4am in the morning. I remember being nervous as Sir David sat next to me…I kept thinking, “Do I really deserve everything that happened tonight? Why am I receiveing all of these blessings…am I about to die? Do I have cancer?” And I don’t blame myself for asking because it was just overwhelming good stuff. My hearing was completely gone, David’s voice was merely a whisper. He had that awesome camera and showed it to me with all the pictures from the show, every single moment caught on camera…They were all so very nice…Still, I was more worried if I sang the song correctly. If I ever get the chance again, I’ll show Roland that I not only took singing lessons but used sign language to help me get the lyrics to every song just right.

I didn’t sleep that night/early morning. I phoned my relatives around the world, didn’t care what time zone they were in…they had to hear this. I wrote to one of Roland’s brothers and told him what happened. I knew he’d be up, it was 9am BST, so why not? Then, I called the drivers to come get me as early as possible and take me out to the Hills. Not far from “their homes”

I sat quietly in ultra gratitude, talking to Carri, thanking Sir David for showing such mercy and adding Kai to my facebook friends list. And sending tweets…It took me a long time to get all of this out. Almost a year… It was beyond a blessing. I’m so thankful and overwhelmed that I’ve not ever been the same. I’m sure there are parts I left out. I hope others will find a way to get their speechless sentiment into a phrase or two to recap the whole event. There’s no way my 1 review could sum up what was the ultimate majestic night with the band that continues to rule not just our lives but a huge chunk of the music world.

Other Highlights: I know of recent we’ve been discussing mentioning Roland’s whereabouts. As of July 2012 he was in Los Angeles, for a fact. He joked at the show that he was surprised at his lack of stalkers with this statement: Responding to “I love you Roland…” He said, “No you don’t. If you did you’d find out where I live and drive by a few times…” or something to that nature. There was a review that stated his exact words. I have no idea where that is right now. If anyone has it please post it in the response section, the full link please, so everyone can read the entire review.

After the show, people stood around getting their picture taken with Michael Wainwright. There was also merch available. I got a totebag for $25 and I use it to bring my lunch to work every week so that I’m not tempted to buy out and thus spend any extra cash that I can use toward future tours. It usually hold’s some sort of soup, we call it “Tour Soup” as that’s what many of us eat in order to save up enough to attend more than 1 show.

Again, I’ll add more memories as they surface, I never really “recovered” from that 2011 tour. It was overwhelming. We’re in a our 3rd year of talking about something Tears for Fears related each and everyday. Rekindling the sparks that united the fan club years ago…

Thanks for reading.

Tears for Fears in Las Vegas (Rebekah & Andye’s Experience)

Rebekah’s experience: I was on youtube, drowning in Tears for Fears nostalgia, and found Curt Smith’s Official Webpage. I see where he’s gathering dates for the Tears for Fears concerts for 2011 and will be announcing them shortly. WHAT?! TEARS FOR FEARS CONCERT DATES? IN THE US? I swear, it took me 2 minutes to catch my breath!

The concert dates were announced. I bought my tickets online that day for the Las Vegas venue, as my daughter was living in Las Vegas. What could be more perfect? I would get to visit with my daughter and see the concert! How in the world could that be topped? I corresponded with a precious woman at the Red Rock Casino, Las Vegas, NV, for the Sept. 16, 2011 concert. She and I exchanged several emails regarding this concert, as I had several questions. I expected her to get tired of me, but she seemed to share in my excitement and anticipation for this event. Should I ever need accommodations in Las Vegas, it will be at the Red Rock Casino simply because of this one woman, who I am now ashamed to say I have forgotten her name, but, she was amazing!

It’s March. The very long countdown begins.

In the meantime, I become associated with an incredible artist by the name of Janice Whaley through twitter. She has been recording all the Smiths songs, using only her voice, by herself, in a closet of her home for a solid year! I thought to myself, I’ve got to know more about this woman. So I did. We began tweeting and I fell in love with her. Her spirit and tenacity was infectious!

I digress. (This is why I don’t write for a living!) In our conversations I learn she is working on a project with none other than one of my music idols, Curt Smith! OMG! What are the odds!!

Time drags on to September. Sometime around August, I learn that Janice is going to be in Las Vegas as a guest speaker at a conference, the same weekend of Tears for Fears! The stars are all lining up! I told her we HAVE to get together! Numerous tweets, emails, DMs, and text messages later, my daughter and I pick up Janice at her hotel on September 16, 2011 and headed for the Tears for Fears concert, TOGETHER!!!

I was overjoyed to finally meet this amazing woman! It was so funny! The first thing she says to me is, “I love your accent!” I wasn’t sure what accent she was referring to, (I’m from Texas) but I could not stop hugging her! My daughter drives and Janice and I just talk and talk. I was in heaven, or at least I thought I was in heaven. Little did I know I wasn’t even close. Janice informs me on the drive to the Red Rock Casino, that she spoke to Curt briefly and he told her he couldn’t get any more back stage passes. Back stage passes? I didn’t care about that, as long as he could get her into the concert, because I wanted to share this amazing experience with her!

We finally arrive. It’s been 6 very long months. Well, actually it’s been 29 years, as I have never been to a Tears for Fears concert. We go and look for “Curt’s people” so Janice can get her ticket. We find her and she pulls out 2 VIP Passes. Janice smiles and looks at me and I’m just trying to understand what is happening. It starts sinking in and I begin to tremble. I might actually get to meet Curt Smith! Are you kidding me?! I now look over at my daughter, torn as to what to do? She quickly says, with the biggest smile I have ever seen, “Mom, give me my ticket and go. I’ll find you later”. At this point I can not stop shaking. Janice assures me that Curt is just a regular guy and once I meet him I will feel perfectly at ease.

I digress, again! Time runs out before the concert begins, so we’re told to come back after the concert because Curt really wants to see Janice. We head off to find my daughter and our seats just as the band comes on. I am on top of the world! All is as it should be! The weather is beautiful! The venue is amazing! The band is FREAKING FANTASTIC!! I have never had so much fun in my life! All this and to be sharing it with my daughter and Janice was almost more than I could handle. I was on top of the world. Also, I know that about 6 rows in front of us is a whole row of Kooks that included “Ms. Andye” (who I was also hoping to meet on this trip, but there just wasn’t time), who Roland points out in the course of the concert! This was cool, because I knew exactly who he was talking about!

The concert is almost over. They’ve come back to do their encore, so Janice and I head back to meet our connection to go back stage. The wait is almost unbearable. Finally, she waves us in. Curt sees Janice and the look he gives her makes me melt. This is truly a very special man. Finally, Janice introduces me. We speak only for a few brief moments because there are several other people there, friends of Curt, that he wants to chat with. This wonderful man still graciously poses for a photo and gives Janice one more gigantic and loving hug. I love and respect Curt Smith now more than ever.

Janice, my daughter and I float back to Janice’s hotel where we sit and reflect over the nights events and I try and learn as much as I can about my new, forever friend. We hug goodnight as we put to bed, the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE, yet!

Andye’s Experience: It has taken me months to muster up the energy to talk about this overwhelming, beautiful and exhilarating show. I have yet to have ever witnessed anything like it in my life. As a superfan since childhood, watching the majestic duo and their team outshine the stars in the sky with their angelic, powerful voices; I knew this concert was going to be “an experience.” I just didn’t know how much it would impact me and the hundreds of other fans that flew into Las Vegas to take part in one of the most majestic fan meet-ups I’ve ever attended.

Planning for this show started months in advance. Tickets were purchased the first day, rooms were booked shortly after and the mad dash of watching flight prices remained steady through July. Though some of the others decided to stay at a location far away from the venue in order to take advantage of the “Las Vegas Strip” experience, I wanted to be as close to the venue and “band action” as possible from start to finish. Perched and waiting, we arrived a day early. The blessings of the upper level suite package were made possible by the Red Rock staff. Though other fans had rooms on other floors I wanted them with me as much as possible. There was no way I was going to bask in that big space by myself.

Red Rock Hotel and Casino: The good, the better, the best!
This is one swish venue. The pool is immaculate. The stage is gorgeous. Everything about the place is just dynamite. I’ve stayed in a slew of hotels and blogged about a dozen a year but nothing really compares to the amenities and comfort of those signature suites.

Minutes after we settled into the rooms we took a walk around the property. It wasn’t as hot (temperature wise) as I thought it would be. I’m a pantyhose, high-heels-suited-lady all day long, so I figured I’d be a melted pool of caramel by the time we finished trolopsing around. On the contrary, I wanted to change clothes and get in the pool. Not bringing a swim suit there was a major missed opportunity for total relaxation. I will remember that in the future (iA).

The Casino and Concert Venue
I had been in contact with the venue every month with questions about set up and how the concert layout was to be. I knew that we had standing room only up until July. Then the venue decided to change it to seats. This, according to the hotel, would be the first time they’d be doing seats and chairs in this fashion. On a random chat with the legendary musicians of “The Gipsy Kings” I received a picture from the band showing how the seats were (see the photo above). This let me know I should’ve gotten a seat ticket instead of standing. So I contacted the venue and the “confusion” began. No one really knew what was going to happen it seemed. But the venue’s truly hard working staff took the time to ask around or at least transfer me enough times to get to some answers that made sense. Long story short, the day before the show, still, no one really knew. We were just “told” because we bought our tickets so far in advance we were guaranteed to be in the seats which were placed in front of the stage. And I do mean directly in front of the stage, right smack up against it. I have to give a shout out to Neon Trees superfans who gave me great direction as well explaining that we needed to be there early and stand in line so we could actually get the place we wanted.

After all of this exploration and information overload we grabbed lunch and headed back to the suite. By 9pm at night I was exhausted, stuffed with vegetables and soup. We ordered all kinds of stuff. Cream of spinach soup, steamed vegetables, cranberry juice, giant cookies and milk (for Carri) and I can’t remember what SnapHappyPam had. We anticipated when the band would arrive. And I went over my do-not-freak-out-manners in case I ran into them in the hall. But none of that occurred. By midnight, Pam and Carri went back to their rooms and I crawled into that gargantuan bed, mobile device in one hand checking twitter and facebook nonstop til I fell asleep…with one of 2 giant flat screen TVs on which by coincidence had an infomercial on that was playing Tears for Fears. Nothing like a greatest hits music show that features your favourite band!

By 4am I was up. I went to watch the sunrise. I took a picture of it and sent it to Curt. While uploading the photo to his wall, I saw a tweet from Michael Wainwright that they had just pulled into the venue. I got dressed in 10 minutes, shower and all and perched downstairs. I had no shame. I just wanted to see them. I was eager to do my “good morning.”. I sat there for awhile. A long while. Charlton came down the steps but I didn’t recognize him right away. He sat about 2 seats away with guests but I didn’t want to turn around and stare and say, “Charlton, my man, wasssauppp!?” So I sat there…and googled him because I was in that much awe I couldn’t even think he was sitting that close. Yes, I get starstruck. Calm but starstruck. I expected a slew of other fans to start turning up out of nowhere to take a peek. But there was nothing. I was the only one. Sitting there, in a casual business suit, reading the twitter feeds and facebook as if they were the stock pages of the Wall Street Journal. Eventually he got up and left. I sat for a while longer…proud of myself for not being a screamer. I feel sorry for anyone who is…I’ve been there. It’s ugly.

About 10 minutes passed and a tweet from “someone” who likes to call himself “the Devil” (not to be confused with the ELAHE song) made a very uncomfy statement about lobby punters. I have no clue what a lobby punter is but just in case it was a reference to me sitting there, I left and went to go sit by the pool. While there, some of the other travelling superfanatics recognized me. We started chatting, walking, taking a gander at the tour bus like little kids looking at a candy shop from across the street. We had a good time. Carri and Pam joined us and we watched the stage get set up. Every fan had a story of a past show. After relaying all the logistics regarding the fan meetups were complete we went back to the suite and ordered more food. Lobster sandwiches, milehighs, more Gingerale, etc. The HQ was feeling like a stake-out. We had all kinds of equipment out, mobiles, laptops, etc. We sat at the dining room table interacting with other fans and watching foursquare check-ins. I checked off my list of who was at the venue and told them we’d be downstairs around 3pm and we couldn’t wait to see them. It was hilarious. We were having a blast.

Action plan in place we started getting ready at 3pm. I went through a number of rituals and then Alexis and her Roland Orzabal loving pal came up to the room. I was already dressed by that time. I slipped into my traditional Turkish-Nigerian embroidered dress with veil, pulled my hair back into a low ponytail so my wild curly hair wouldn’t fall in my face. Still slipping in bobby pins, we wasted not a minute rushing over to the Casino where the line was to form. AJ, Brigitte, SheeShee (Sheila K.), Kim, Rochelle, Joseline…they were all there. It was awesome. The warm greetings, the fact that we all recognized each other…the whole nine yards…we were thrilled to be there and first in line hugging and chatting…being superfanatics. 2 hours passed, the line was wrapping around the casino interior. People were coming up to us asking if this was the concert line. We mumbled, pointed to the back, they’d look and their eyes would scan all the way down to where it ended. The Superfanatics were perched and not open to breaking the line…and then 7pm rolled around. It was time to go inside.

A Little Chaos
Confusion began to reign. Some staff were told doors open at 8pm..others were told 7pm. The lines began moving out of the door, people were running to the gate to get up to the stage. Security stopped us saying, “sorry, there’s problem.” I’m thinking, “Oh great! I knew this was too good to be true.” SheeShee got to go forward because she was on a cane at the time. Poor woman was having surgery and she still made it. I couldn’t find Pam and Carri though moments ago they were beside me. Made no sense. I wondered if Pam had stepped out of line and then lost her place. I tried to text her. There was no response. Security let us go forward. I didn’t see Pam in the line ahead of me. I started to panic. People pushed and pressed closer wanting to get in. People I didn’t recognize from Curt’s fan page or Twitter or anything else were everywhere. Security was checking tickets religiously. People were getting turned away for not having a “seat” ticket. I got nervous. My ticket taker had torn the ticket so you couldn’t really tell what seat I was suppose to have. Fortunately I had the receipt and it had the “code” that let me get in. I walked so fast to the front. I got to the front row but was turned away when a group of superfans told me they were saving seats. I moved to the second row center. Just as nice. I looked around. I was surrounded by the active members of Curt’s fan page and twitter followers. That was a relief. We made it. The real interactive fans were where I felt they deserved to be. Nothing worse than seeing someone who isn’t a die-hard get to sit up front while people who reach out to him everyday get put aside due to circumstance. Not the case tonight. But where were Carri and Pam? No where to be seen! I text again and finally Carri said that security made them wait. They were not even in the stage area at all! I assured them there were great seats and that they’d be fine. Because only the first two rows to the left, center and right had been filled. Fortunately they made it at 8pm and got third row. The group was all there! I was so excited I sent a text Curt to say, “Supaaahmaaahn, wassssupp! We in yo face man!” it was so funny. So out of character for me to try to speak slang. And as we sat there, the best of the new romantic songs plus a ton of 80s hits were piped through the speakers sending us back down memory lane…all of us singing and just having a really good time. One really cool moment for me was when Hermest and I looked at each other during Stand or Fall by the Fixx and said, “oooh, this is such a good song!”

Michael Wainwright opened for them and sang a number of songs from his new album as well as his past work. Blue was one of the most compelling of the set. He is a great singer, clear, gorgeous voice. And he is very cute. It was at this point things began to feel very surreal. The sky begin to turn a deep blue, the wind was blowing. It felt incredible. These elements and the fact that the legends were now entering the stage was so overwhelming I felt light-headed. As if the world was lifting up…as if we had entered an incredible new realm. I had no idea what was going to happen next.

Tears for Fears appear…
These glorious guys entered the stage, Roland and Curt, Charlton and Jaime then Doug…They began with Everybody Wants To Rule The World...it became a huge party. Everyone was singing and swaying and dancing around. It was overwhelming.

!!!Interactions!!!
-Roland did a beautiful, well spoken short speech thanking all of us who came in from other states. Curt named familiar faces as he scanned the audience. It was just awesome and very special for many of us. Roland elaborated on how nice the quilt was and gave a thanks for the gifts we delivered in person and via mail.

Curt started throwing skittles (click on this to understand, explanation is in interview), we love that! It’s insane, but he could’ve dumped a trough of skittles on us and I’d have swam around in all that sugar like nutcase adult. It was just so wild, random and too cool.

Roland mentioned that they were going to be in Los Angeles the next night. I responded with “We’re coming!” He looked at me and said, “you are, you’re coming?” I said like a soldier, “Yes, Delta Flight 10:10″… I almost said, “Sir!” as if I was there, standing before him reporting for duty in my blue Turkish Nigerian Frock. Talk about International Superfanatic…smh. LOL! He smiled said, “that makes two for you.” He also recognized Sheila, who had been to about 3 concerts on the tour. Roland and Curt certainly made not only my day but my life. That was so sweet. All those years of anticpating what one would say to them…and there it was…that sweet interaction. Ooh, so nice…

The show continued, we sang every word, we danced to every song as if the original videos were playing before us. During Sowing the Seeds, Roland gave Curt a sweet hug. It was so precious I asked them to give each other a sweet family kiss for Saturday night’s show (and they did, another point for LOVE!)

It was around this time that I believe G-d came. I’m not being sacrilegious. I truly believe G-d came and just blessed that show. It was too beautiful for words. The clarity of each song, the interactions of the band, Roland’s beauty, Curt’s lovely face and their overall excitement. Oh, just angels, they were, on stage.

By the night’s end I had moved up front to dance. I couldn’t help it. Roland looked down at me at his feet and smiled really big. Ohh, what a moment. Even AJ said, “The highlight of the night was seeing him look at you like that when you moved to the front and started dancing.”

There was an afterparty but very few really went because 1. the band wasn’t there. 2. the band was not there. 3. the band…wasn’t there. And understandably so Curt had to get to his daughter’s football game early the next morning. Isn’t he the coolest dad? 😉 I’m sure Roland’s two lads have cool things to say about him too. They big guys now and probably have a ton of cool stories. We headed back to the room, did a couple of tweets to the fellow fans and to the band, packed and tried to sleep. The next morning, a man with Roland’s hair and physical build slipped into an elevator just before we could really see him. I nearly fainted. Had he been able to get that elevator door back open to see what we wanted he may have been disappointed with our meager “we’re not worthy bow and thank you.” Given I had no roses to toss at his feet. LOL.

After a nice chauffered ride to the airport, Angels still followed me as people handed me my credit cards, ID, etc that were just slipping out of my bag left and right as I walked. I was still in a daze. I sat in the airport waiting for my flight, sending the band all kinds of ideas while sipping a venti sized coffee from Starbucks…they were all random profitable tweets.

I couldn’t wait to get to Los Angeles. I could seriously, physically follow Tears for Fears for the rest of my life. If I won the lottery I’d give a chunk to charity, my relatives and the rest would go towards me being perched doing fan club charity projects and waiting on shows. I love this band. I love how nice, caring and unbelievably sweet they’ve been to us and how beautiful they are in spirit. Thank you!

Best part: being with fans for 2.5 days in Vegas, just basking in the glow of TFF. Only thing missing was an authentic legit fanclub section.

Worst part: I don’t like grown adults running and pushing each other. This is dangerous! Those of us who have a VIK badge from the Curt Smith bundle, those of us who are always on facebook and twitter interacting and sending our adoration should probably be lumped into a list and get the option to buy a premium seat before regular ticket holders. I mean it is only fair that those of us who care get to be up front…yes, right up there (well behaved) and enjoy the show. We shouldn’t be shoved and knocked down after being first, waiting in line for half-a-day to get a decent seat. We must work with venues to see what can be done about that. Not sure how but something must be done.

*pictures from Red Rock Casino Facebook, SnapHappyPam Photography and the Tears for Fears Atlanta Fans archives

Special thanks to Alex at the Red Rock Casino for spoiling us with kindness and cool things. He is one of the reasons we want to return. Many thanks to Delta for not losing our bags, Big thanks to the band for being patient with our squealing and the loss of my voice. Thanks to all of the fans for coming over and speaking. Big Big Thanks to everyone who came to the meetup!

Enjoy some clips from the show courtesy of the SnapHappyPam Photography! Subscribe to her YouTube Page: ProudMom27

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