*Dedicated to Katie K!
There are times when only photos can capture the moment…words do nothing. This show was certainly one of those occasions. Many thanks to Katie K. for her amazing contribution. These are all her photos and should not be used without permission. Enjoy!
Tears for Fears Forever!
You can thank uspods for this one!
This is dedicated to Lax, our travel fan pal from 2015. He is so hardcore he went to David Lynch’s concert and Tears for Fears all in the same night. He’s been doing shows for quite a while. Glad we got to do a couple with him. Also dedicated to Alan Todd who shared some amazing videos. Shout out to Mr. Mendoza who was also there!
Jason DeBord was in attendance. Long time fans will remember him from San Francisco 2012. Took some great shots and did an amazing write up on the show. Looking forward to sharing his work.
Some really cool things happened at this show. You all may remember Bill from way back when. He’s been with the band for a long time. Bill is a hard worker and is very kind, thoughtful and intelligent. He opened the Humphrey’s show with some bandmates and that was awesome. Thanks to his pal Sammy for allowing us to share this photo.
With that said, we think it’s important to highlight some of the amazing people who make these tours so majestic. Bill is certainly one of those people. On numerous occasions he has gone above and beyond to be kind. We appreciate it. We’re aware that it’s a task to remember faces and names. Not everyone can get a set list or a pair of drumsticks from the band but he, Jamie and others do try very hard to be fair and do extra things like that and it’s always appreciated by the recipients be they a part of our Travel Fan Team or someone who is just joining in the fan shenanigans.
Again, Bobby drove fans from place to place as did Becky (who was responsible for taking care of our travel fan t-shirts that were such a hit). So many people stayed in touch the entire time via email, Twitter and other social platforms. New friendships were made and the pictures say it all. The teamwork was terrific and was noticed!
Meet Your Fellow Fans Online! Click through and like the content. Be sure to leave a hi and connect. It’s awesome to make new friends in the name of music.
We finally got connected online with cool guy Alan Todd. Check out his work!
Advice
Change
Mad World (Very similar to the version Mr. Jules did when he was on Stripped Down Live with Curt Smith – we miss that show!)
Steven Mendoza was there too. Is that the same Mr. Mendoza we ran into years ago?
Pale Shelter
Head Over Heels
Shout
Shout – another angle
There were also a few social shares…
Sowing the Seeds of Love
Head Over Heels
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLXqa9kh4OA/?hl=en
Shout
Did you miss a show? You can find links to all the concert recaps and photos on the reschedule note. Feel free to share your concert experience on the Tears for Fears Travel Fans and Kooks FB page. Get some sleep, replenish your travel fan cash and perch! Also, please see the note below from the moderator to wrap up what has been a really amazing couple of weeks.
*Tour Pause – Closing Note from the Moderator
Very sad I didn’t get to meet many of the new people that flew out to see the band. When the reschedule dates were released they were on days that I had committed to other events. I’ve literally been en route to something 90% of the past three weeks. Also, much like many others, I couldn’t believe the $1000 total to rebook flights. I would rather put that money toward Tears for Fears merch and tour accommodations. It was a very angering experience to see there was absolutely no way to remedy that. For me it was a sign that maybe I should put a stop to the whole “Stop, Drop and Go see Tears for Fears” way of life that I’ve had for the last 6 years. We always say we’re making up for lost time and that’s why we go to such extremes to get to so many shows. Well, maybe that time has been made up?
As I sat in hotels here and there, I was continuously on the phone or exchanging email with fellow fans as we scrambled to see if we could get better seats for those flying such a long way. Some even flew in from the UK (Obrigada Paula). Others drove for hours. It was a lot of work! Despite not being physically present I am terribly exhausted. But it was worth it because many of those very people claimed that the band was in ‘belle forme.’ I’m so glad that people who dedicate a chunk of their year to see TFF didn’t have to break with tradition. The extreme excitement of a Tears for Fears show rushed through not only myself as I logged on at night to pick up video being sent to me but it electrified everyone else as well. It was even with us throughout the day. So many of us were literally in a state of excitement for three weeks.
I don’t know which was my favourite show. If I had to pick I’d say it would be Red Rocks. The energy was just wow! There were some really cool moments for the core team and the ROCSaTears. I’m so grateful that the band took time with those that appreciate their music enough to move heaven and earth to be present as much as possible. I know that inner flame of travel fandom and a sense of peace came over me when I saw Tears for Fears actually smiling together with fellow fans wrapped around them like dolls. We adore Tears for Fears and their families. Nothing beats getting to physically stand with them even if for a brief moment. I felt a so much comfort and relief when I saw the band hugging fellow fans and the numerous interactions on Twitter and in person.
Why So Emotional?
I learned something about myself this time around and that is, I accidentally became emotionally invested in this band and didn’t even realise it. A few others have expressed the same. For those who are feeling “addicted” to the work of Tears for Fears, remember that the band created several albums and you have purchased all of them and perhaps several copies and remastered remixes as well. They hold concerts and you bought tickets and enjoyed every show. This is what they are offering and this is what we’ve got. When we start to ponder what else is available, we are reaching a level that may not be the healthiest way to exist in the Tears for Fears fan world no matter how cool a Tears for Fears museum or fan conference may be.
The band knows many of us have a wish list a mile long that includes everything from a group photo spot at every show to a website with a registered fan base. What they are offering right now is music, concerts and merch. We will bask in the availability of those things and do our best not to get caught up in a dream land filled with visions of Tears for Fears theme nights at Disneyland (yeahhh…that was someone’s wish and what a cool thing that might have been).
In closing…
I do hope that everyone had a good time. It’s really refreshing to see that Curt took note of the front row. I hope that, if anything, Curt can somehow get those front row seats and sell them to fans directly. It’s long overdue that those of us who follow the band religiously should never have to fear that we’re going to end up in the balcony being yelled at by some person who doesn’t even own a copy of ELAHE (let alone have a copy of Tomcats and Mayfield) and only came to hear them sing Shout. You deserve better than that and so does the band.
Long live the good work that Tears for Fears has produced and I pray all of us are able to enjoy it to the fullest in the future. And…don’t forget the flight and ticket insurance! Just keepin’ it real…
-AA
This is dedicated to the awesome Valerie M, music queen of the night Melissa D and her husband plus lucky Lael who met up in Arizona for an outstanding show!
“Tears For Fears is just what the doctor ordered. Honestly, it is about living in the present. Letting go, being one’s authentic self and finding kindred spirits in people that are mirrors of ourselves, makes one keenly aware there is a power larger than all of us, and that our whole is larger than the sum of our parts, no matter were we go in this world…” – Lael
Like real Kooks and soldiers of sound, she and Lael had dinner at 5 Guys. Curt thought that was cool.
Our man Lax was there too! This is one of 2 shows he attended this year.
Valerie has some really cool stuff. Check out her experience. She notes that some of the video is very bouncy because she was dancing around. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Gotta dance! Let the band know you adore them. “Curt is a combo of the guy next door and rock star. Cool watching Roland play guitar up close. Excuse my giddy schoolgirl giggle when he looks at me…” -Valerie M.
EWTRTW
Creep
Head Over Heels
Shout
We met a couple of people online too. Meet Tricia! She also agrees that not much has changed, Tears for Fears sound just as good as day 1!
https://instagram.com/p/BLUrlNbjf6D/
https://instagram.com/p/BLTivC5DECS/
https://instagram.com/p/BLTobhIjbwT/
Just before Roland sang Radiohead’s Creep, he chatted with the audience. These are golden moments for us. We love this and joke he could read the phone book and we’d be happy. He and Curt are quite enjoyable to listen to any time any place…
*Be sure to click through and like the video. Make a new Tears for Fears fan friend!
Secret World – such an excellent song
Shout
So happy everyone had a great time. This was a fun tour full of excitement. Still feeling speechless at the amount of team work and the endless excitement! We can barely sleep! Thanks for reading, thanks for hanging out online and being present at shows so often!
-TFF Travel Fan Team
*Dedicated to the TFF Travel Fan Team at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Curt’s Kerfuffle of Kooks. Huge thanks to Drummer Genius Jamie for the hugs!
“Such an amazing show tonight!!! Gorgeous venue!! The band has never sounded better!!! The crowd was so stoked!! There are no words to describe how incredible tonight was! Not to mention, the incredible gift from Jamie Jamie Wollam! The cherry on top was a tweet from Curt Smith!!! Wow! I wonder if I’ll ever come back down to earth! PS: As always CD & I were representing!!!” – Becky Boom Boom – Travel Fan Soldier of Sound – a real ROCSaTear
Soldiers of Sound armour… many hard core travel fans wear it to every show. These are the “ID” bracelets from the coveted, limited edition “Curt Smith Bundle.” #VIKForLife
Hard to say anything else really…just speechless. As mentioned in the travel fan info, so many fans headed out to this show. The venue was packed. Very grateful we had so many long time travel fans on the ground last night. Huge thanks to those who went the extra mile to support Tears for Fears. There’s a lot to be said about people who dedicate their time and energy to this group. Not enough thank yous in any language to sum up the gratitude felt all around. Cheers all, enjoy the shares below. Be sure to click through, like the posts, and make a new Tears for Fears fan friend…
*Drummer Genius Jamie will probably never know or be able to fathom how much he means to us. Some things are just left unsaid because it’s hard to express. Wishing he and the crew decades of good times ahead and we pray we get another 30+ years to enjoy them.
From Lady Carolyn: “The bag he is holding contains a couple gifts we got for him. Bobby Russell came up with the idea of finding out what brand of drumsticks Jamie Wollam uses and the size he prefers, and signing our names on them with different colored sharpies. Jamie is always giving the fans his drumsticks as precious souvenirs and we wanted to pay him back in some way. While we were at the music store, I saw a beautiful black cowbell, so we got that and wrote appreciative messages on it with a silver sharpie. He loved the gifts and said they were going in his collection. We (Bobby Russell, Silver Kitty, Becky and I….The ROCSatears) are extremely honored. Jamie is such a kind man.”
On that note, there’ve been many nights where we’ve wondered how to repay the band back for their kindness…nice to see he was open to receiving the gifts.
Always amazing weather and scenery, great venue, stunning and lovely…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLIM-7Sgyit/?hl=en
Walking to the seats
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLH-7n0jEzN/?hl=en
All the Beautiful Fans
EWTRTW
Break It Down Again
Sowing the Seeds
Mad World
Pale Shelter
Shout
What a Beautiful Night
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLIFcO9g_ly/?hl=en
To top of a great night, a nice note from the Good Man…
Thanks for reading and subscribing!
-TFF Travel Fan Team
Want to give a shout out to all of the fans that travelled to the shows this past weekend. Jen, KPC, Stephen, Sad, Dave, David, the list goes on. In particular, we had fans from Atlanta and New York that made the journey. Stephen documented his travel on Instagram. His primary reason for heading to Ontario was for the band and he ended up making a mini-holiday out of the trip. This post is dedicated to each of these great people who went the extra mile literally.
Well, Tears for Fears in Canada came and went so fast. These videos and photos were shared with us and brought to our attention aligning our joint efforts to highlight fans in Canada, many of whom repeated their experience from last year. As Sad mentioned, we always aim to support this band. We addressed concerns about this leg of the tour below. For now, enjoy these shares from both shows.
EWTRTW
https://instagram.com/p/BLByohChD0T/
https://instagram.com/p/BLBVca1hjeG/
Mad World
Billie Jean
HOH
Secrets
https://instagram.com/p/BLAJSoLA5MN/
Rama
EWTRTW
https://instagram.com/p/BLC17UfDmoY/
Pale Shelter
Billie Jean
Memories
Shout
That moment Roland leans down
https://instagram.com/p/BLCzSqVAcDc/
Speaking of experiences, we had some complaints this time around. In fact, we’ve had some unhappy travellers in the past few shows and this is due to encounters with some in the audience who may not be so loyal or understand our dedication to the band. We can’t stress enough how important it is for us to have a fan section so we can stand up and sing along without people around us telling us to sit down. Throwing things at us, hitting us and other behaviour toward Tears for Fears fans because we won’t sit down is not acceptable. Snoozing through a show is also rude. If you were hurt during a show, email us. We have a lawyer, security and have no problems pressing charges quietly. Everything is in place to do so. A music holiday shouldn’t be a horror show and those that find these measures extreme should be mindful of karma. We’ve been following this band for years and have never seen or heard of people being assaulted until late 2014.
One of the reasons we have this team and try to keep in touch with everyone is make sure all who are making such an effort to take time out of their busy schedules actually get decent tickets and can sit together. Many travel fans (aka anyone that travels to see the band outside their home state or even 3 hours down the road) could be spending that time making money or being with their families but instead are spending a chunk of change to go see Tears for fears. However, the passion runs deep and people want to pay their respects to the band that made us cry so to speak. Many take their whole families, this is their summer holiday or in the case of the reschedule, an impromptu trip. Many went with their spouses and made the show a date night (i.e. famous musician Ted Yoder). We deserve the right to stand and enjoy a show without being heckled or abused. Due to the horrible behaviour we encountered last year, some sat this tour out and have no intention of travelling again unless we can be close to the band each and every time. No more sitting in balconies or random out of the way places. That’s over.
We don’t expect to meet the band nor do we beg for those things to happen (at least not all of us). The times that it has happened have been miraculous and we’re grateful for the many times we’ve experienced that blessing. Still, there are hundreds of us and they can’t meet us all. This is a concert, not a fan conference. But we do feel that fans who travel deserve some decent respect. That isn’t always happening. The only way to ensure that is with a fan club section at a show or an organised VIP of which isn’t “officially” available. So we work extra hard to literally “mine” tickets, sometimes paying horrible prices that are 5x as much as market rate just to get everyone together.
We’ve managed to get decent seats at most shows so far …except Canada. We’ve never been able to really get great seats for everyone due to the fact that these are casino shows for the most part. We have no control over who gets on the front row. The casino often reserves those types of premium seats for their casino winners, etc. Or premium seats get “gifted” or rewarded to other people who are rarely hardcore fans. In the case of Friday’s show, two people in those seats fell asleep…and of course Good Man Curt noticed it…and called them out on it. We support his decision to do so.
Those seats could have gone to any one of the people who drove the long distance to see them or maybe another local fan who has waited years for these concerts. Not sure who those people were that slept. Maybe they were just really tired and didn’t feel well? Hope they are okay but in future we trust they’ll have the kindness to leave and hand over their tickets to someone behind them instead of sleeping through a band’s show. It’s just as bad as people who go to the front row and just sit there. Andye saw that happen at Duran Duran/Nile Rogers Chic too…it’s very disrespectful and a slap in the face to tons of fans who, again, went the extra mile.
Of all the good things that did happen, this tweet from Curt was one of them. He’s done it before (solo show Spring 2011). So Heaven be the faith that moves mountains allowing us to support this band in our merry travel fan way.
Cheers! Be safe, stand your ground. You paid for it!
-TFF Travel Fans
This post is dedicated to the Devine family and to TiffyCuppyCake.
The Devines took great photos which were posted to one of the numerous fan pages on Facebook. We are sharing one of Roland here with permission. TiffyCuppyCake made dolls (we’ve been waiting on these to surface for some time). All the TFF doll jokes Roland had from 2012 are now a reality. It’s a dream come true for us.
On her Instagram, TiffyCuppyCake writes…
SK was a kind soul and got a hold of her for us through a tag. Roland posted some awesome photos of the dolls. Stating, “Since NASA changed everyone’s star sign, @curtsmith and I have grown a lot closer.” Then posted photos of the dolls in the cutest of poses…the loving kiss we all adore.
Here are other posts from that night. Big Shoutout to all of the awesome people who attended including our friends on the ground. We made new friends too. Be sure to like their posts and say hello! Make a new friend and expand the Tears for Fears fan family. 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/p/BK6chxiht46/?hl=en
Another exciting evening for the books…history continues to be made.
-TFF Travel Fan Team
The amount of fan collaboration for this particular show went above and beyond a level of impressiveness. It’s hard to know where to start in detailing this incredible event that not only happened in Brasil but was tweeted and updated on Facebook for fellow fans to see.
As soon as we found out that Tears for Fears were going back to Brasil we were barely on the plane for the stateside shows. Can we do it? Can we go? That was the question as we sat up late at night in California and Nevada. We asked the Asia fans after their show was there any chance they’d get to come to Brasil. It seemed every region’s account was empty. We were spent…not even enough to send one person.
When the actual date was announced we checked the fan club funds again. Still not enough for everyone…barely enough for one and for the stateside fans the concert was on a holiday. Many couldn’t find a way around it. We’d have to depend on the Brasil team to keep us in the know on this show…and there we found ourselves perched for this amazing event via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
The countdown began. Marcio Campos was named the leader for the Brasil team due to his longtime dedication to fans worldwide. He’s been there for years in the Tears For Fears fan circuit using his resources to store the videos, rare items and music for the regional archives…you name it, he’s got it and continues to collect…In addition, he posts regular Facebook updates, remains calm when fans have “band fits” and is very loving and generous…a true cool man and superfan. We are very grateful for all the work he has done. He works closely with Andye on fan projects regarding “the Travelling Fans” and their specific needs, logistics and more.
Two days til showtime and Brasil’s Tears For Fears fans were full on with hotel plans and hoping to see the band out and about town. Sylvia (Arte em Acucar) even made a cake! There was chatter about the other things TFF would be enjoying while there. People were going wild with excitement. Thankfully, no one was hospitalised from too much joy and all fans remained well behaved (at least that is what we’ve been told). 
The day of the show, fans woke up early and got ready to line up for the show…Meanwhile, the rest of us perched online; Andye in an Atlanta hotel away from her comical wilderness abode so she could have full, uninterrupted internet service, Carri on a rare day off from work, Candra perched as well (after her favourite shows had gone off) and so many others in many regions including Filipinos who were up before working hours to set up a photo trade between fans far away.
We first heard from leader Marcio. He got photos of the super stage at the Espaco das Americas (show venue) and lights. Bill (travelling band staff) was also photographed as was the Good Man Curt who made sure Uber Awesome Tanya got her hug from her fans on the travel team. We were ready for show time. Andye squealed 3 mins to 8pm via Twitter Brasil time and Carri counted it down along with other fans. Collen wished Curt a good show and said a few cool words to Carina Round. Then, Brasil’s fans went flashing away taking photos, video and more. We didn’t expect videos but they were there…and we were grateful.*Please do not sell the videos of the band for profit. Watermark your photos and make sure all the collected material is protected.
There were long pauses online as we waited for another photo to surface. So, we chatted amongst ourselves. We were contacted by @RobertJ47 (Ontario) who made public a piece of work he titled “All Over The World.“ This is Robert’s salute to the band, he mentions that he performed all of the vocals and did his best to replicate the sound of the group. What made this such a wonderful distraction is that it truly is a beautiful piece of music that has background vocals that sound like CS and RO harmonizing. The leading vocals attempt to be Mr. Orzabal’s and it’s a great effort. It was fun to listen to while awaiting tweets and more from the show.
The Show Officially Begins…
And just like clockwork that amazing “walk out” music begins to play. It is a classical piece and we always forget the official name of it. Then Curt appears…then Roland…and Everybody Wants To Rule The World (the anthem of our lives) begins to play…see for yourself.
Tears For Fears -Show Open In Brasil 2012
Then the list began…that blessed list of songs…that majestic set of TFF tunes we’ve become accustomed to; opening EWTRTW, a mind blowing Curt Smith on Mad World, Rocking, Ravishing Roland on Head Over Heels…the whole set of nearly 20 songs with Woman In Chains and Shout closing out the night. Ahhh the excitement, the literal tears…We’ve already placed most of the concert videos on our Tears for Fears & Kooks Travel Fan page (facebook). We’ll add some to this post as well. If they vanish it is of no fault of our own.
Some very fortunate fans able to get a M&G reported back that Curt and Roland got their hugs sent from the South of France and Oklahoma. Thanks Cristina A.!
We were thrilled to learn that one of our leaders, Marcio, got one as well. He relayed lovely words and his experience to us via email. Sadly he couldn’t buy any merch. We don’t even know if there was any but the smart chap got his VIK badge signed. Que otimo Primo Marcio!!
Commentary About the Show: The honest truth, not fan gushing:
Fans were honest about their experience. One fan stated that his favourite moment was when the balloons appeared which surprised Roland. It was a beautiful sight. We stateside will have to borrow that. We tried with sunflowers but they were hard to see in the crowds and not everyone was at the same show. Next time guys…next time we pray.
The least favourite moment by another fan was something involving Carina Round??…on the song Billie Jean? We didn’t want to mention it because we’re not sure we even understand what happened to make it someone’s least favourite moment. From what we do know there was nothing really “wrong” …they just said it was their least favourite…but that it was “fun” to see and something different in the show. Okay, whatever…
Another “comment” from someone else was that the 2011 show in Brasil was better than this 2012 show only because the set list felt new before and now had become rather stale (apparently he goes to a lot of shows as well)…and that’s something we’ve heard from many fans. Several fanatics appear to be ready for a new set list even more than a new album. While we can wait for a new set of songs, a new “set list” with a mix of other songs from all of the albums (similar to the current mix featured) has been continuously requested.
But let’s look at it like this… can other songs realistically be played anymore? There is no saxophone player right now for “Working Hour.” Roland ain’t gonna take his shirt off and sing “I Believe…” and again, there’s no saxophone. “Mothers’ Talk” and “Cold…” are probably not coming back. “Start of the Breakdown” seems to require a special machine? The list goes on, not everything can be replicated in this day and time…well, maybe Ladybird and Music for Tables (still needs a horn though)… We’re pretty sure the band chose these songs with all of that in mind. Now if some of you all who play instruments well and spend your free time re-making TFF’s songs can get together and join our Fan Club Tribute Orchestra we can submit some work and perhaps one of you will be picked to play at a show or something…wing it on Working Hour in “said” city with all of us following to hear you. Andye’s still hoping there will be a clap section or a Flamenco Dancer on I Believe and Sketches of Pain …we’re all dreaming but this is what we’ve got to work with and THANKFULLY 93% of fans polled are just ULTRA EXCITED that the band is playing at all…
In all, there were nothing but really positive accounts and fan stories, people in complete awe and in their happy place alive and well. It was impressive to read. Most of the hardcore fans had great seats. Only one dedicated Fan Travel member was far away from the stage …and it was painful as she should’ve been with the rest of the group.
An interview was released moments after the night’s events concluded. Seeing several local media and intl music mags based in the country take an interest in the band was comforting. We read it, Andye translated it for non-Portuguese speakers and we, the team, started blogging Friday night…
The band also performed another show that was sponsored by Shell Corporation? (if we are wrong, please someone, alert us as to who sponsored it, nothing worse than giving million dollar credit to the wrong company). Here are two snippets of that surprise:
*Note/Funny comment from the blog moderator: I would not ever want to be “surprised” that TFF was playing at an event I am to attend. As soon as I heard that opening music I’d have been on the ground.The last thing we need as fans are heart attacks as our health is already fragile from constant excitement around this music group. I always want to be well-notified in advance that Tears For Fears are playing (as we assume many were in this case). The idea of them just showing up as a gift from the company would overwhelm me into an early grave. LOL. -Andye
Curt also met one of the famous F1 drivers, F. Alonso while there. You can click here to see the photo. We believe Sir Alonso came in second according to the sports reports published on Sunday night in the region. Looks like the band enjoyed themselves and had a great time. Curt tweeted his goodbye and says they hope to return, that’s always a very good sign as he is known to keep his word.
So What’s Next? Looks like a new album is not “out of the question.” We’re thrilled the band is open to the idea. So much new music has been flowing from the group in one way or another…from Curt’s ultra ab fab cool collaborations to Roland’s work (producing?) on other artists’ albums and his brother aka Captain Julian’s band DelaQ’s new album “Into The Blue” …we have a ton of great pieces to hold dear in the archives. It will be a lovely and long awaited event..
RESTORATION * RESTORE YOUR FAN CLUB ACCOUNTS *SLEEP!!
Let’s think about it…the guys have been busy doing this that and the other. It would be nice if they could get some rest, go back to the writing and mix it all up with their magic wands and drumsticks at a production table/studio…maybe release something in 2014. Everyone continues to go bananas over the solo works of both Curt and Roland so maybe there will be a mix of the two…that future forward sound that drove us all mad on TSO and the JunkieXL collab.
These things (new music) take time so let’s try hard and be patient…a sort of virutal waiting room (sit down, yes, you can). Let’s not poke and tweet the living puke out of them about this subject…a small reminder every now and again that we do want it but bombardment everyday seems…well…uncomfy. We don’t want to upset them.They heard us…they acknowledged it. So give them a year to rest…you know you’re not going anywhere. Every regional fan club will be back to posting info and fun memories, song polls, WISHES FOR MORE MERCH, fan conference plans…and some photos of Curt, Roland and the team’s backsides in no time. So…we can wait…let the band regroup and enjoy the seasons and their relatives.
A Big Muito Obrigada/Thank you Brasil! You proved yourselves loving and beautiful…we appreciate you and adore your sweet nature. So glad you got to see the band again and we pray they come back. We want many years with this band…long past Curt’s eventual move to Tuscany. We are married to their music and in our cultures we are with them in good times and bad, in sickness and health…til G-d bless, death do we part. This is something fans take very seriously. We want them forever and a day and so we’re not going anywhere. We are here to stay. (iA).
We often refer to the concerts as the “Closest Thing to Heaven.” Enjoy this video from Mauricio Pinto F, highlighted by Cristina A from the Brasil Team of that very song.
Enjoy Reviews? Here’s another from a writer in Rio who went to the Sao Paulo show: Link: http://caras.uol.com.br/canal/nacionais/galeria/em-unica-apresentacao-tears-fears-canta-para-o-publico-paulista#image0
SeeHere: (O Globo) http://g1.globo.com/musica/noticia/2012/11/anos-80-tiveram-tanto-lixo-musical-quanto-hoje-diz-tears-fears.html
And see SKY Live‘s photos from the show: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.523060871040185.86993834.496645217015084&type=1
For a full set of videos from the show check out Marcio’s YouTubePage:
Special Shout Out to the Arte em Acucar team for making these gorgeous sweets! Olha!
Hearing Duran Duran on the radio as a toddler followed by Tears for Fears and vice versa has made me and many others complete addicts for their music&shows. So, finally of age to actually attend their concerts, (now having moved to Atlanta) I can fulfill this “mandatory” fan duty. Their last few visits here have been nothing but phenomenal, fantastic and couple of other expletives starting with the word “f” that may not necessarily be appropriate for a shared blog post. To say they were great…just does not suffice.
Upon arrival to this show I (a Tears for Fears fanatic) alongside hardcore #Duranies found this car, 1st one in the lot, snuggled up in parking spot space #1 glowing with this cool license plate. As superfans do, we crowded around it, taking photos and nodding with approval at each other as if it were a glass of fine wine.
Fresh off the Tears For Fears US tour and having followed them online while they were in Brasil (Brazil), I’m still in concert mode. So, when these pictures of @ThisIsTheRealJT surfaced on Twitter followed by TFF’s Curt Smith (@curtsmith) stunning response I knew attending this show was not only mandatory, but also would have been illegal under every shared fan law if I didn’t go. 
My media conference was cancelled due to 3rd party Egyptian visa issues so off to the box office I went demanding the closest seat in the house. I got 2nd Row seat 21. One of the few in that coveted section. Paid about $90 for it (same as the TFF show ticket in 2010) and more happy about it I could not be…it could have been much much more. I was ecstatic…especially as I pulled into the parking lot to read a re-tweet from Curt Smith saying: Give my love to @ThisIsTheRealJT …and that I promised to do.
After tweeting the license plate (shown above): “I must be in the fan club section because every car here has @DuranDuran license plates.” DuranDuran then responded to me, “That’s sort of terrific. #DuranLive.” And I’m reading this just as some bad ass stretch limo is pulling up next to me at the venue…who knows who was in it…
The Show
Again, I’m finally adult enough to even get into concerts and mature enough to not do a “Beatles scream” the whole time…and thus avoid alarming the band and every human around me. So this was indeed my first-ever Live Duran Duran concert and it blew my mind to say the least! I literally danced the whole time… And some of you may remember when you were a little kid in the 80s…you’re two feet from the T.V. singing into a hairbrush and channelling Simon LeBon’s moves and vocals…well that was me. Live and fully animated (and apparently pure entertainment for the people around me who were determined to give me high fives after the show…was that a stamina award? *giggles*) I did every move I had practiced to their music since 1986 when I first truly understood who they were. And when I say they live up to their legendary name I’m not exaggerating one bit. That was a club party on steroids out there at Chastain Ampitheatre and my 13 year old cousin and I were some of the youngest there…constantly questioned by veteran #Duranies about how on earth we knew the words to those songs. 
Neon Trees opened for Duran Duran. This is so wild because I actually contacted their fans regarding the Red Rock Casino show they had…which was where Tears for Fears would play later. Neon Trees were awesome. I’m definitely a new fan of theirs. And Duran Duran did not disappoint…The awesome hits of this band kept coming… Notorious, Rio, Come Undone, secret October, The Man Who Stole a Leopard, Wild Boys, Hungry Like the Wolf…you name it, they sang it all including new songs like “All You Need is Now.” I was enthralled with how good they sound, just like the albums if not better and looking as hot as they did 20 years ago…again, if not better. Their always trendy fashion, the additional band members (including a spicy young lady with red hair on various percussion who has the energy of a live wire) were just through the roof!
Some noteable moments include Simon reaching down into the audience and grabbing the scarf of a fan on the front row…putting it around his neck. Ohhh, as a superfanatic, I know how much that meant to that person. You wait years, decades for things like that to happen and when they do, you melt into total appreciation, star-struckness and remain forever in awe.
The young woman on percussion had a solo during “Girl Panic” and she went to town and back on those instruments…I mean she was wailin’ on it!!! It was so impressive. All that energy…ohh, I want to be her. She made me literally wish to take up the art. I’m considering extending my own cultural heritage of drumming into whatever she was doing on that stage. Just breathtaking (and I don’t mean that in the Seinfeld “You gotta see the baby” sense either, TFFrs may know what I’m talking about here…i..e twitter #fanfun)
She looked fabulous on that stage and her spirit was electric. My young cousin kept asking, “I want to meet her! Can we go backstage, Pleassssee?!! I have to meet her. I just want to hug her! She’s sooooo awesome!!” We are total New Romantics now but understand that Duran Duran shed that image to become something even bigger than that and I’m so determined to make the non-Nigerian side of my wardrobe totally to match that of theirs (in addition to my Tears For Fears inspired ensembles). As you know fans do like to look like their bands with percussion lessons in tow.
There were also the clothing changes. Simon first in a super-fantastic deep terracotta (if not red) jacket with stylings and work on the sleeves…shed mid show revealing broad shoulders covered in a very nice white short-sleeved shirt. You may laugh but these details are important…this is a fan blog…not necessarily a concert review… There was a #DuranLive Tweet screen and I saw a few of my (@papasfans) tweets scroll through. That’s always cool!! Lots of Tears For Fears fans, or enough of them talking about TFF in our midst…so we were right at home!
I could go on and on about that show…but I’ll pause at that I have to do that again! Can’t wait for the next Duran Duran concert opportunity. They are another band for which I clearly need to set up Fan Travel funds.
After The Show
The explosive Duran Duran concert hours could have gone on and on and we’d have danced til we shrunk out of our pants. But around 11pm we, the supportive members of the Tears For Fears fan team crowded around the stage with the rest of the dedicated #Duranies to scavenge any cups, towels, playlists and other items that often get discarded after the show. One band’s trash is always a Superfan’s treasured stash! (I once took a half eaten key lime pie cake from the Band “Bush” and No Doubt).
Michelle, a hardcore #Duranie who was trying to score a water bottle, cried gently toward the stage hoping to get the items she had her eyes on. Roadies and security weren’t giving out anything. It was pure hell and totally agonizing as we fans live off these unconventional souvenirs. I can’t even list the number of band towels I have or whose I grabbed in 2010 and sleep with every single night…several under my pillow and one tightly tucked under my chin. We as fans gotta work on working with bands and roadies to get these precious items in our hands. They are more highly regarded than even merch items! Michelle finally got her playlist and we all cheered. My cousin Tara leaned over the rail and grabbed some stage tape that had been danced and stomped on by Simon LeBon. I cut it into small pieces and placed it inside the stylish silver programs that were on sale…and I’m happy with it. 
I have to give all credit to Curt Smith for pushing me toward the show long before I even had a ticket. Given that there were no funds left in the Tears For Fears fan generated travel account to send all of us to this glorious cousin concert event, I, initially, sacrificed my opportunity and decided to just be the driver to the show vs. being an actual ticket holder. But the pictures and later re-tweets regarding the event were just the push for us to “find the cash” for all of us to attend…and I couldn’t be happier!
Gigantic thanks to Sir David Esquire of Esquire Photography (@EsquirePhotog), CD (@QtcDior28) and Kai who were instrumental in linking the two fan teams (stateside fan generated crews for Tears For Fears and Duran Duran). 
Gargantuan thanks to Duran Duran for even replying to my messages, also for always making Atlanta a stop on the tour. For goodness-sake, please come back soon and continue driving we ladies and our Wild Boys completely mad with your music! Cheers!
Video from this show will be on YouTube within 48 hours…if it isn’t already there now…
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 