TFF Oklahoma = Ohhh So Amazing!!

(Andye’s Experience)

OMG!!! OKLAHOMA WAS OHHHH SOOOO AMAZING!!! After the awesome show in Austin, attended by several members of the #TravelFan team (way to go guys, fandangling plane tickets at the last minute), we found ourselves back in the airport on the way to Dallas Fort Worth. Some of us literally flew into Austin, flew back home and then hopped back on a plane to Dallas. We had already booked round trip tickets when the additional shows were announced so…we found ourselves adding flights. Big Shout Out to Becky, Cammie, Carri and Colleen for their unbelievable contributions. Becky literally drove from Southwest Texas up to various parts of Oklahoma and Texas to pick up travel team members and get them to the casino. She clocked 1100 miles in 3 days.

Sage & her husband - proud #TravelTeam members 2014 — Sage & her husband – proud #TravelTeam members 2014

Are We There Yet??? After fighting traffic, Becky and Carri find me in a little corner in the Dallas airport…slightly bedraggled but totally happy. We race off to the Winstar Casino to try and make it for the Friday night #TravelFan mini-meetup, hoping to hug the new people who were flying in for the Saturday show (we like hugs). Traffic was a breeze as we did our TFF sing-a-long to songs we imagined would be on the set list – and no, we’re still not giving it away, few more shows to go. With 3 GPS maps in place, we got to the grand venue with plenty of time to spare. Our room was quaint but still much more spacious than we imagined. We had some last minute changes so we needed a bigger room than originally planned and it worked out beautifully. It was very neat and clean…but just when we tried to get online and do an online roll call, we realised we had very little internet connection. We tried in the corner, near the window, leaning on the foot of the bed, the hallway, outside, everything…nothing. @!#$ how are we going to alert the #travelfans of our mini-meetup spot? Fortunately, we were able to get service on Becky’s phone where we used Twitter to get in touch with everyone. We didn’t have dinner but lingered in the Casino to the tune of slot machines while napping photos of Tears for Fears signs neatly highlighted all over the venue.

Find the Sign At 11pm (and after a quick pic w/Mr. B) we played a game of ‘Find the Sign’ – that is we drove, ran, walked and crawled through wet grass, parking lots and inbetween fellow TFF fan gamblers to get pictures of as many Tears For Fears concerts signs as we could find. It’s a lot funnier and exciting than it sounds. Imagine, grown adults squealing with joy every time a Tears for Fears sign is seen, we jump out of the vehicle arms flailing and perch in various positions to get a picture of these gigantic signs while Tears for Fears play on the stereo. The best shot was the Tears for Fears sign near the ‘Big Ben’ clock of this iconic casino with its multiple nations and country corners complete with salutes to Paris, Rome and the UK. We had a blast!!! “Bill!! Hey Bill!!”

Arriving in Oklahoma - Silver Kitty leading the travel team! Region #MiddleAmerica #TFF — Arriving in Oklahoma – Silver Kitty leading the travel team! Region #MiddleAmerica #TFF

No Sleep Marathon Once all the anxiety was drained out of us, and every sign snapped, it was back to the bar for more drinks and in bed by 3am where we sat up ALL night, taking cat naps between watching TV and talking about memories of tours past. With what little internet connection we had, we sent a few tweets, found some more fans who had arrived at the last minute (we weren’t sure if Colleen was going to make it- thank G-d she did. We missed Jeannie P though 😦 ) and checked-in with the band. “Yes, we’re here.”

Jamie -Drummer Genius, Silver Kitty and Bobby #TravelFans

Show day! Bright and early for the daily race, we rush downstairs for the 11am meetup, running into Jamie Wollam the magnificent – Drummer for TFF. “Jamie!!” we squealed as we both stepped out of opposite lifts simultaneously. He looked great! “I just woke up! :)” he said. Didn’t look like it, he was cool as a cucumber and lookin’ QUITE fine. We got some group shots with travel team members, handed out tickets to the new members and looked for a spot to perch. We managed to hug and hangout for nearly 5 hours then scampered upstairs to change and get ready for the show.

The Concert There wasn’t enough Benadryl, Ibuprofen or smelling salts to keep us calm, cool and collected. Our hearts were racing as we walked toward the Global Events Center. We were also blesssed beyond our wildest imaginations to get some “band time.” To say Good Man Curt and Roland were immaculate in their reception and sweet as peaches to us is a huge understatement. They treated us like family and we are forever indebt to their grace and love. After our chat, we went back out into the audience and made sure that any fans that came by to say hi were offered the chance to change their seats, moving them into the VIP section because we happened to have some extra tickets (we usually have about 3-5 extra this time we had 6). We were so excited to give them out. We wanted to make sure that every fan who travelled was close so we could sway and sing together. Nothing like having a team. Many thanks to Traci Smith of TeamCS for her ticket donation as well as Cammie who also made this possible.

Amazing Performance - unreal! — Amazing Performance – unreal!

Lights Camera Action There was a film crew there, we do not know if this was arranged by the band or the venue but I pray there will be purchasable copies of the show. Perhaps it will be used for advertising purposes in 2015? We have no idea but despite there being a clear visible sign that said no videos and photos, this rule didn’t seem to be enforced for audience members. Cameras and video were everywhere and Carri found about 16 that same night online. A few fans in Brasil have already shared others’ videos on their regional TFF pages.

Roland is a Genius - photo shot from Colleen, screencap from Joyce — Roland is a Genius – photo shot from Colleen, screencap from Joyce

Bobby & Andye got the #SKITTLES!!! — Bobby caught the #SKITTLES!!!

THAT Show…omg… was so FREAKIN’ PHENOMENAL. The accoustics are just stellar and the whole team did such an incredible job on each song. There were some hilarious lyrical moments – we’ll let the band chat on that if they choose. Carina looked and sounded great. She was serving – as they say – on that stage. I mean, just belting beautifully in her cute dress and scarf. Loved it! Roland and Curt shined like the heavenly beings they are with so much amazing crowd interaction…AND SKITTLES!!!!! Threw them right at the crowd, we got orange and strawberry. We are still unsure how in the world they reached us on the 4th row. He threw them toward the end of the show. We had hoped he would but we didn’t really see him doing it as much as usual. When we saw the tiny things spring out from his hand, Bobby and I were like, heck yeah!! Skittles!!!! They really should be an official sponsor, who do we need to call to make that happen? Seriously ::checks contact list:: Lol!

Curt on stage - courtesy of Silver Kitty — Coolest of the cool, Curt Smith on stage – courtesy of Silver Kitty

TFF Feel Like Family! There was a lot of interaction at this show. Two fans, one named Patricia who was turning 60 years old, got a happy birthday song during the concert. Roland honoured and recognized attendees, gave some really cool Kooks salutes, honouring fans who flew in from all over the states and beyond. We LOVE THIS!! I mean, we LIVE for those on-stage roll calls. That stuff is so MEGA FREAKIN FANTASTIC I can’t even think of any non fan-speak to describe it. Curt’s waving at fans, coming over to various parts of the stage to wave and and make contact is more than we could ever ask for. We can’t wait for that. The combination of the excellent songs, the well-thought out strategic placement of each one on the set list and all that comes with it, i.e. Charlton, Jamie, Doug and Carina…they pay attention. Somehow they are able to see past those bright lights into that audience and they give their nods in various ways. We appreciate it, we see it, it’s obvious and it is appreciated to infinity. So much love in those shows, it’s no wonder half the travel fans’ new friends came to the front after the event saying, “I’m healed! I’m healed!” These shows are more than entertainment or a cassette tape/CDs come to life, they are theraputic, spiritual services that fill you up and make you feel whole again… they are life changing events and if it was up to us, this would be 80% of our lives…we’d travel non-stop for this band. Their energy and their life’s work is unmatched talent.

Roland - photo by Snap Happy Pam — Roland – photo by Snap Happy Pam

Tears for Fears DEFINE the term LEGENDARY. THEY ARE IT! If you haven’t been to a show, put it on your list…you can’t leave the planet til you attend a TFF concert. Tell St. Peter and other saints to hold on…you’ve got unfinished business with the band. Go to a show! There’s are several more… Wiltern, Oakland and Pabst…just GO!!

After The Show There were tears before the show, there were tears after the show…we cried, we hugged, we were a mess…just overwhelmed with joy, steeped in healing vibes, all that and so much more. We have so many people to thank. Ms. Tanya is like the love of our lives, we’ve been admirers of hers since we first laid eyes on her. She is a gem and a treasure. We pray she will always be by “their” side. Mr. Bill, thanks for the conversation and good laughs. To ALL the fans that travelled in, hung out for hours, ate together, roomed together, drove in, carpooled and the whole nine yards, let’s aim to do this again! To Colleen, Carri, Bobby and especially Becky, THANK YOU!!!! LOVE YOU!! Cammie…muuaah! Big hugs to Angie, a long time fan from wayyyyyy back – it is ultra awesome to see and hug those who have been flying out like loyal soldiers of sound.

Curt and Roland continue to give their fans the world! Fan Travel is a unique and incredible experience. We’re so grateful for these opportunities. The band makes this very easy and worth every stitch of effort.

Fan Experiences

Ready to Start (by a lovely fan named Melissa – YouTube post – very cool)

Funny Moments – Bloopers & Logistical Nightmares I had nearly missed my flight into Dallas due to some changes made at my home airport. There I was in ATL sitting around wondering why I was the only one sitting at the gate. I later overheard a couple say, “honey, our gate changed and they didn’t announce it.” I asked them if they too were headed to Dallas and only then did I get to my correct gate after a long set of testy DMs with my airline of choice for not making the announcement. I was there HOURS in advance so there’s no excuse for no alerts, I’m sorry. I’m not even going to take the blame on that…that could have been a disaster.

7 hours in the Airport I ran into some fellow travel fans just before I began my 7 hour sit in the airport waiting to return to ATL to then hop on a plane to L.A. and we hung out at the lounge and enjoyed re-living the concerts …so no complaints!! I’d do it all over again! Too much fun!

We’re Gonna Do What? There’s nothing like getting quality moments with the band… We literally sat stunned after that show and said, “OMG, did ALL of that just happen?” We keep pinching ourselves. It still feels surreal 🙂

What time is it? Bill Time!!! #TFF #CoolCrew #AfterMidnight

Memorable Phrases Bill!! Hey Bill!! Tannnyaaa, we love youuuu! (fan girl gushing)

OMG, did that just happen? – every time there was band interaction

Where am I? Where are we? What day is it? -happens every tour when you city hop

Ooops, pardon me for (insert silly moment), I haven’t slept yet. -when in doubt, blame lack of sleep

What time is it? We should seriously be sleeping – said at 3am every morning

Annnd The Curt Smith Grilled Cheese

Okay, who is gonna be bold enough to ask management for a fan wagon? How much are those Mega RVs? -at this point, we need to charter a plane or buy an RV for travel fans. $150 per person, per trip to cover gas and a driver. LOL!

Thanks for reading!

*I know I had to have forgotten something! Send your Travel Fan stories, let the tour celebration continue!!

*separate show blog to be posted re: shows

Loving Tears for Fears’ Music: Why so much passion, why do we care?

From the Moderator: Some weeks ago, the fantastic show Tell Me More, which ran on NPR for several years, featured a segment titled “In Your Ear.” This particular episode from the 20th of February was replayed this summer and wow did it touch a nerve.

Over the past few months, at media conferences I’ve gotten into deep meaningful conversations about Tears for Fears with various attendees and media industry pals. Each person has told me amazing stories of where they were when they first heard them. Just this past Sunday, over dinner, an operations director told me she was 14 years old when she first saw TFF on MTV around 1983, the video for the song “Change” came on. “MTV was still very new at the time, ” she said. “It was the opening sound of the xylophone that drew me in. I was mesmerized by that song.” She also reminisced about enjoying Pale Shelter and couldn’t wait for Songs from the Big Chair. What an impact that album made…and on so many people including Bunji Garlin, a soca artist from Trinidad and Tabago.

(paraphrase) “There are so many things about that song. It just lifts my spirit. There’s serious nostalgia when I hear that song. My childhood days come back into play. I remember when my parents were still together, we were in the same household, whole atmosphere becomes something like dreamlike, I like to dream a lot so I constantly play that song.” ::Click here to listen to his words::

I can truly relate to this. Hearing Mr. Garlin speak so passionately about EWTRTW with the same visions that I have, of being a child with family, many new to the USA, still by my side, long before any of life’s realities challenged hopes and dreams. Everybody Wants to Rule the World, was my first introduction to Tears for Fears at age 5/6 (had just turned a year older, wasn’t even a month into it, a cold winter day on the way to school in my blue English pea coat with red lining listening to the car radio). When I heard Mr. Garlin speak with the same soul stirring memories, I fought back tears because that’s the story of so many in our huge fan circle. So many fans write, tweet, post and share their “why I love Tears for Fears” stories. A number of the reports sound like those of Mr. Garlin. When I speak to people, their recollection is reiterated with the same passion…that soul stirring vision. Gives me happy chills. So many say the band’s music “saved” them from very difficult times in their lives…even preventing some from taking their own lives.

Tears for Fears have countless extraordinary songs. From the chart toppers to the B-sides of Saturnine Martial Lunatic, not to mention both Roland and Curt’s solo work, all of this music gets “replay” time in excess. It’s not just on our digital devices but in our hearts and minds. It comforts us during the wildest times in our lives…the good moments, the bad, the hopeful.

Now, here we go happily again, by popular demand, a new Tears for Fears album to change our lives. It’s a grand addition to our life’s soundtrack. We will remember this moment for years to come. We will talk for years about how we were bracing for it, asking for it and all the interactions and days that led up to it. Hold on and hug each other tight because the magic of their music is about to flood us with new memories and excitement. So, “cheers” to the great mini-tour which starts next week, warm wishes for safe TSO anniversary and sincere hopes for everyone to have a chance to live in the majestic marvelousness that is Tears for Fears Live. Your soul will soar, that’s a promise!

Thanks for reading!

AA/@andyeisthenews

Big thanks to Michel Martin for her amazing show. It is certainly missed.

Follow @tearsforfears, @curtsmith, @rolandtff

Online FanFun & Fan Travel Resources: @papasfans

Surprise!! More Tears for Fears 2014 Concerts

Well, we woke up this week …to this… Tears for Fears live in Austin Texas on the 17th of September (coincidentally the 3rd year anniversary of #TeamCS). It was a shock… As one person put it, “So much for not touring in 2014…we’ve got to get into emergency band fan mode and come up with a game plan to get to these shows!”

The Shows

17 September – Austin Music Hall This is a general admission show. Here are the Trip Advisor and Yelp Reviews on this venue. Your experience may be different so keep that in mind while reading this information. Suggested Accomodations: The W Austin, Extended Stay America Austin, Radisson Hotel and Suites & Hyatt Place. We’ve stayed at branches of all of these hotels and they’ve proved pleasant and enjoyable.

20 September – Global Events Center at Winstar Casino Information about this venue is on the previous blog post

22 September – The Wiltern Los Angeles – plenty of hotels in the area. Pick your preference. We suggest the Wilshire, this was where we stayed for the TFF 17 Sept, 2011 show.

24 September – The Fox – Oakland California – Closest hotel is the The Clarion. 3 mins driving distance.

26-28 September – Project Pabst www.projectpabst.com Tickets are already on sale, the line-up is indeed pretty amazing with bands like Violent Femmes. This is a 21 and up show. You may have to present ID to get in. Please read the site carefully to understand this is a festival type event. There is a list of what you can bring and can’t bring (i.e. blankets yes, chairs of any kind are a no) Suggested Accommodations: Hotel DeLuxe

Fan Reactions…It’s a Mixed Bag

Several expressed gratitude that the band will be in concert because:

•They miss Curt and Roland and want to see them in person.

• This is the only time there’s any LIVE & IN PERSON interaction with the band they grew up listening to.

We’re also seeing a little angry solidarity. There’s the ‘what the heck?’ reactions…those that are going on the ‘probably not touring til 2015’ tweets. Then, there are those that seemed to have booked other events for the summer and early Autumn because they were under the impression there wouldn’t be a tour or shows until next year. On top of that, some of the fans are getting the concert info after the fact. We’re hearing fans ask why the band’s management didn’t send out information through the subscription mailing list but through social platforms instead. We [TFF Travel Fan Team] understand that not everyone can take time out of their day to sit by social media waiting on what’s next. Our suggestion is to try to make the most of technology and stay in tune with notifications and reminders as much as you can. You can certainly bet we’ll RT and forward any info as soon as we get it and any extra information that is approved for release. Occasionally, we get info before the band has tweeted it but until they say it, we’re not releasing anything out of respect. We’d rather they confirm it first.

Let’s Get Excited!!

Okay, so let’s move beyond the fact that these shows are complete surprises. We knew they wanted to do some festivals and we’re glad they’re doing one that has a charity focus for weekend pass purchasers. This is really cool. So for those trucking over to Oregon, know it’s for a good cause. For those who loathe Gen Am shows and don’t feel like standing in line for hours to get a good spot to see the band, consider the Oklahoma show. For those who want to hang out and drink in the open air, Portland may be what you need. If you’re looking for a fun end of summer tourist attraction Austin’s got music action.

Important Reminders: For all accommodations we suggest you book through the hotel site directly. Bring a print out of your reservation with you when you check in so there aren’t any “lost” confirmations. For those attending the Project Pabst event, read through all the info thoroughly and perhaps this review so you don’t get any surprises upon show day. We do plan to have at least one fan generated meet up at one show during this time period. More info on that will be available in early September. Meanwhile, get your tickets early, don’t wait!!

Cheers! AA

*Graphics courtesy of Facebook emails received from a shocked fan.

Fan Fun Trivia Questions Part III

Be the first to get 15 questions correct to win a copy of Halfway Pleased and a Kook Coffee Mug from Curt’s Amazon shop. Submit answers to the message link on the Tears For Fears & Kooks page. You have until the end of the week to submit your answers. Best Wishes!

1. What Tears for Fears ablum just celebrated 30 years?

2. On what Television show is Curt Smith to appear very soon and what is the network that hosts it?

3. Tears for Fears hit a milestone in 2013, they are celebrating and connecting with fans. What new way to connect with fans was released on the 7th of March?

4. The ‘Travel Fan’ team also underwent some cool changes, name one.

5. What full length Tears For Fears video/concert was presented on The Reissue Theory’s most recent publication?

6. Curt kindly speaks often about his pups. What breed of dog are they?

7. What did Curt recently give a fellow band member for his 50th birthday? Who was this member?

8. With whom did Curt share the correct method for making tea back in October 2010 during a feature length interview that aired online?

9. Name 3 movies in which Curt Smith has been featured/played a role.

10. What is the history behind Curt’s “Kooks?”

11. For what independent feature film did Curt Smith recently score? hint: Ricky from MySoCalledLife is in it.

12. In what flats did Curt live in for a period of time that inspired a song of the same name?

13. What is Longacre Hall?

14. What online music television show did fans wait up for hosted by Curt Smith in 2010?

15. In which Italian city does Curt hint his retirement may occur?

Bonus: Questions -use this to replace a question for which you can’t answer in order to get the full 15 points

1a. What talented fan from the early years on KMKs tearsforfears.net board later appeared on stage and toured with the band singing backup?

A) Afton B)JessBell C)Lady Bumbleward D) Mrs. Cathy Ferguson

2b. What does Curt mention he likes to eat on Friday nights?

A) Cheese Puffs B) Andye’s cooking C)Japanese D) nothing, he fasts on Friday nights in honour of the ManU games

3b. Fans often comment on Curt’s cool fashion sense. What brand of clothing is it that drives the fans wild?

A) Land’s End B) MBD C)Hello Kitty D)Ben Sherman

4b. In what film does Curt Smith play the role of a University Professor?

A) Private Eyes B)Carri & Rise’s visit to UCLA -an indep. film C)The Private Public D) The Private Life of Roland Orzabal

5b. What type of carpet or rug is often shown in Curt’s pictures of their Shabby Road recording Studio?

A) Afghan rug B) medium Persian style rug C) Japanese tea rug D) Andye’s prayer rug from Nigeria

New Music from Tears & Kooks in Band Land

Marcio Campos, Team Lead Brasil, is one of 5 archivist in the Americas. His collection of music is well organised. — Marcio Campos, Team Lead Brasil & TFF Music Archivist’s collection part I

Tweets, updates and “other news” have let us know that new music, a new album and maybe more are not out of the question for Tears For Fears. We are grateful that they are active and members are in the studio …again, pay attention, read those tweets, the answers are right there…and that’s all we’ll say on that.

While we wait, patiently and lovingly as noted on Curt’s wall by followers of the band we’re going to explore the new material that is already out.

Curt did a collaboration with Junkie_XL this past year. His song “When is Enough Not Enough” got quite a bit of attention from fans and the industry. The impressive sound was addictive and many couldn’t get enough of it. It was unreal how we reacted to this piece of music. You can simply click through that link on his name, follow him and visit his site to buy a copy of that magnificent song and the entire album.

Here’s a Youtube clip:

In the Orzabal Family one can find the band DelaQ. At this point, they need no introduction. Their Album Into the Blue was released in 2012. We reviewed it thoroughly and fell head over heels for just about every track.

We purchased several copies. At one point it became extremely hard to turn it off. All of this music came out around the same time…one right after the other…it was a feast for superfans everywhere.

Wild World Members in 2011 -Tears For Fears Superfan Alisa McCathern is lead vocalist

From DelaQ we met Wild World. Fellow Tears for Fears Travel Superfan Alisa is the lead singer. They released an album in 2011 and another last month (Jan 2013). The most recent, titled, “Campaign of Angels” is yet another piece of magnificent work. Very strong and heavily accented with instruments. It’s a journey for your mind and spirit.

Purchase_Info:http://wildworld.bandcamp.com/album/where-have-you-been

In the sea of fans, we were introduced to Robert O. on the night of the Brasil 2012 show. It was incredible…this guy has put together a ton of tribute songs and remixes of the bands work using his own voice for every layer on each track. He even wrote a tribute song to fellow fans. All of this can be found on soundcloud. Superfan RJO. has been encouraged to keep writing, keep pushing himself to the next level…we say the same. Thank you Robert!

WildWorldCollection — First Trivia Prize is a set of lyrics autographed by Wild World Lead Singer Alisa, Wild World’s 1st Album on CD “Where Have You Been” & 2nd album “Campaign of Angels.”

All this new music…so much to dive into and enjoy… Thanks to several members of DelaQ and WildWorld and approval from the Good Man Mr. Smith we’re going to give away some of this music through our Tears For Fears Fan Trivia. Answer 12 questions correctly and be the first to submit them to the Tears For Fears and Kooks Fan Page message button. The first person with the correct answers to their list of questions wins a prize. We have four to give away this spring.

Rules: Follow @papasfans on twitter or like the fan page for trivia question publication prompts. Winners can only win twice in a season. When a second set of trivia and the prize associated with it are ready, it will be highlighted in blue.

Trivia Question Set I: Prize -Autographed Wild World CD & Lyrics set (password: Wild) -No Winner, prize roll over
Trivia Question Set II: DelaQ CD -Into the Blue (password: BlueHot)
Triva Question Set III: Curt Smith solo CD and Kook coffee mug
Trivia Question Set IV: Roland Orzabal’s Tomcats Screaming Outside or The Graduate (pre-TFF)

Annual Team CS Cares Project

Happy Anniversary to the TeamCS group who 2 years ago today began a commitment to helping others alongside Curt Smith. This project began through TwitChange and now continues separately through the Tears For Fears Fan Travel Team.

It was decided in 2012 to give to two or more projects -one stateside and one abroad. Outside the U.S. we’ll give to the establishment Curt recommended earlier this year Friends of Longacre Hall. Stateside, it has also been suggested we give to the Tory Burch foundation who has helped raise money in the past for projects. Learn more about these organizations by clicking on the links below:

Tory Burch Foundation: http://www.toryburchfoundation.org/about-us-mission/aboutus-mission,default,sc.html

Friends of Longacre Hall: http://www.baka.co.uk/longacre/index.html

Members are encouraged to give $25 each. You can always give the amount you choose individually in lieu of putting it with that of the TeamCS members. If you wish to be a part of the 2012 fan generated group donation please contact papasfans at gmail dot com or send us a tweet (@papasfans) on or before 1 November 2012.

How does this work? Group donation is collected and recorded. Donation is sent electronically through the charity’s site in early December. In the case of Longacre Hall, we’ll contact those in charge and ask them their preferred method of accepting donations. A screen shot of the transaction is made available as proof the cash was sent. Charity gets the money to help assist those in need.

Again , 2012’s team gifts are a fan generated charity project originating from 2010…this is our way to keep the continuous giving alive and honour Curt (and Roland as well) for the kindness they’ve shown to us over the years. Curt befriending us on Twitter, interacting all year long, keeping us in the know of his music, TFF tours and reviving the spirit of the band with our beloved Roland right with him is always a blessing. Many thanks to both Roland and Curt, plus all involved …and especially those who travel excruciating distances to be a part of the team activities.

Past Projects:
2010 participants w/TwitChange w/CurtSmith -Haiti
2011 members donated gifts and gift card to Angel Tree Program

Thank You!

Tears For Fears Fan Traveller: Cammie

388159_451561921550081_1252388244_n — Andye (Nigeria/Atlanta), Cammie (New York), Captain Julian (UK) and Yvette (Armenia/Los Angeles)

Our membership has grown to include so many from all around the United States, Asia & Europe. In addition to the enormous crowd of ticket holders, we, the travelling fans, had 165+ active road trippers that met up at each Tears For Fears show; travelling great distances to see the band on the sunny west coast. We even had the ultra cool Captain Julian Orzabal of DelaQ. What a blessing that was! It is a great joy to begin profiling some of our lovely Tears For Fears Travellers who are dedicating themselves to fan touring and celebrating the band.

Cammie (@BxBourgie) joined us this year and tells her story.

I was born, raised and currently reside in Curt Smith’s favorite U.S. city. I can’t speak for any other New Yorker, but me? I’m spoiled, especially when it comes to bands, concerts and tours. I always expect that if my favorite band is doing shows somewhere in the U.S, they will more than likely make their way to NYC at some point. Why should I have to take a bus, train or plane somewhere else to hear my favorite band play? I’m in NYC! Everyone comes here! They’ll make it here eventually. So I’ll just wait.

Tears-For-Fears-Concert-Review-Website-Live-San-Francisco-2012-14 — Photo from Jason DeBord -a concert reviewer & videographer

In 2011, one of my absolute favorite bands ever, Tears For Fears, were doing a few shows on the West Coast, and I decided to sit and wait here in NYC, for them to announce a date or two here. Yeah… didn’t happen! (“Its not that we don’t love you…”) I missed them when they were here in 2010 because I was on a cruise, but when they didn’t come back the next year, I decided to stalk Curt’s Twitter ( Roland does not do the social media thing right now), and wait for an announcement of Tears For Fears tour dates. I waited almost a year. Then I began to see tweets. From Curt. About show dates. Curt answered my tweet to him, confirming the San Francisco date among others, but I knew better than to ask about NYC; I know that Curt likes to stay close to his family in L.A. I had a decision to make. Let another year pass without seeing Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal right in front of my very eyes sing the songs that I’ve loved since I got cable television and MTV when I was 14, saw the video for Head Over Heels for the first time and fell in LOVE… or was I gonna sit around and wait. I’m a travel junkie, it’s what I love to do, so this was an easy decision!

I bought a ticket to the San Fran show as soon as they went on sale, a flight and a hotel. And then met some fabulous Tears for Fears fans on Twitter, changed my flights around, booked ANOTHER hotel, got ANOTHER ticket to the Vegas show from a generous fan who was unable to attend, and had one of the most awesome experiences of my life. Not only did I get to sing along to EVERY song, almost close enough to touch the ever youthful Curt Smith and the beautifully elusive Roland Orzabal, I had great time meeting many other Tears For Fears fans – some for hours, others only briefly – as well as someone I never expected to meet who was also one of the most charming men I’ve ever encountered.

Tears-For-Fears-Concert-Review-Website-Live-San-Francisco-2012-24 — Roland & Curt in San Francisco by Jason DeBord

I know many people ask Curt on Twitter and Facebook why Tears For Fears doesn’t do shows in their town… but I will say that IF you can do it, TRAVEL to see this band, wherever they happen to be. GO GO GO! THIS from a spoiled NYC girl who expects all bands to come to NY when they do shows. 🙂 I flew across the U.S. to see Tears for Fears, and would do it again it a heartbeat. Around the world, whatever! They looked fantastic, and sounded even better. Shoes and jacket off at the San Francisco show, I jumped, swayed, sang and swooned from the first note to the last. I felt like I was floating! I needed a minute to collect myself after it was over, only to do it again in Vegas two nights later. Wonderful to meet Carri, Becky, Becky’s daughter Rihana, Yvette, Andye, Janice, Colleen, and Julian O. in person, and the many others I’ve “met” from other parts of the world via Twitter. (Much love to Margaret for sending me her ticket to the Vegas show!) As I am able, I hope this is the first of many. In the meantime? As Andye says… perching.

Cammie, we appreciate you coming all the way from New York to join us and have a great time. Other New Yorkers include Jeanie P who began her TFF Fan travels last year. We look forward to highlighting all of the fan fun in the weeks to come including a ton of pictures with the band, fan gatherings, mega-tour fan bloopers & funny moments! Thanks for reading!

Cheers!

Enjoy this video of Mad World by Jason DeBord, one of our friendly media pals we met on during the Tears For Fears Fan Travel 2012:

Memories Fade by Nourset who travelled from France

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.

	Danielle on Buon Cumpleanos a Curt Sm…
	IBCE on Darren Hull \| Tears for Fears…
	sarah lock on Darren Hull \| Tears for Fears…
	IBCE on Tears for Fears Travel Fans Up…
	Cheryl Sparkuhl on Tears for Fears Travel Fans Up…