We were there in person, remotely, in spirit and every other way possible that a fan can partake in the joyous festival that is a Tears for Fears show. Our travel fan friends, Jaynie, Lady K and several others were on the ground getting photos and relaying them to fans worldwide. With viewing confirmation updates from the UK, France and of course stateside, many took part in this event pre and post show. We are so happy for opportunities like these and fellow travel fans like those from around the globe!
Looking like royals, Curt and Roland, accompanied by the Tears for Fears team: Charlton, Carina, Doug and Mr. Nick, treated attendees to several favourites and it’s all on video. Let these archives speak for themselves! We’re all absolutely thrilled that everything went well.
Before we let it roll, shoutout to Sherlock Silver Kitty CD, Cams and others who went out of their way to try and make it to the show. From those who dared trying to catch last minute flights and then turn around and get back to the East Coast by morning (Andye & a couple of others who just “had a fan moment”) to the teams’ members on the ground in L.A. holding the extra tickets, MANY WORKED HARD (i.e. Joyce A of the Philippines) to contribute to this excursion and all are to be commended. THANK YOU!
Thank you supportive husbands and wives!
Lady K’s experience:
We walked to the studio from our hotel and saw Charlton strolling down Hollywood Blvd. I said, “hi and good luck.” We arrived an hour early and heard soundcheck from outside. I met a girl who apparently met RO and CS a few hours earlier as they were pulling in. She had a photo with them. Why do I always miss these opportunities? Hehe. I was so excited because I heard Badman’s Song and Creep. You know how much we love Badman’s Song live! RO had on a leather coat hence the “leather” reference on twitter. The band hung side stage for awhile as they were directed to go on live. This is when I snuck a wave to RO from side stage. They sounded beautiful. It was nice not to be allowed to take videos for the first few songs because I could just soak in the music. I didn’t take many videos because I just wanted to enjoy the music. My husband and I were right in front of Roland. They played EWTRW, SSOL, Secret World, Pale Shelter, HOH. The crowd screamed for an encore but since this wasn’t a normal concert they didn’t do one. We were super excited though because apparently other bands are gone after two songs. TFF were cool enough to play 5!
Thanks Lady K for your recap! We’re all about the fan experiences~!!
Well worth the wait, …getting sneak peeks before the show!
Here’s Lady J’s experience ~ Dedicated to Kim T & Sheila “SheeShee”
So to start off as I got to the line to get in I saw a Kimmel staff (I thought) standing off to the side and asked her if it was the start of the line (as it was quite disorganized). I then realized that she was waiting in line like the rest of us and she introduced herself. I instantly knew she was a friendly and warm fan unlike some who were cordial but mostly kept to themselves. There wasn’t anyone that I recognized from Facebook/Twitter-doms so went back to talk to the lady I had met and was thrilled to find we knew a mutual friend – Andye! I was so shocked that I finally found someone from social media there that I was speechless for a bit. I was so elated to meet her! I told her “you’re Lady K!” We commiserated about how we missed Andye being there and wished she could have made it (she was at the airport, unable to get the flight she needed to make it in time). We hung out together with her husband (what a patient and supportive man) and caught many sneak peeks in between the fence (see picture) while they did their sound check!
It was pure bliss while we heard them go through their songs! After they opened the gates, we split up ~ Katie in front of Roland and me in front of Curt. We were told we were in for a treat as they played a total of 5 songs (as Katie described above) whereas the majority of bands who play there play only 2 songs and leave. I’m very appreciative that TFF were so considerate to their fans by playing so many songs for us even though the main point was to be there to film the Kimmel show. We relished the evening so much and the fans showed them much love! Was thrilled to meet new fan friends and hope to one day meet all of them who are on social media near and far!
Lady K and Lady J! Thank you for your TFF Travel Fan contributions!
Yay, Roland had a good time!
Everyone, enjoy!
1st up,“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears – Jimmy Kimmel Live (Courtesy JKL Production)
“Sowing the Seeds of Love” by Tears for Fears – Jimmy Kimmel Live (Courtesy JKL Production)
“Pale Shelter” by Tears for Fears – Jimmy Kimmel Live (courtesy – Angelolugo77)
“Secret World” by Tears for Fears – Jimmy Kimmel Live (courtesy – Angelolugo77)
also included that night… Head Over Heels (snippet from Tears for Fears Brasil) Be sure to check out the Tears for Fears Brasil page for a few more video snippets and photos! Muito obrigada a equipe la pra seus partagems! Also,Big Shoutout to Lady K’s husband who is very tolerant of our fan habits. Gotta love a supportive spouse!
Tears for Fears – Jimmy Kimmel Live 2014 -Making Dreams Come True
Thanks for reading!
AA
We’ll add additional photos here… starting with the Good Man Curt Smith by Lady J.
Wow, who is that handsome man on the sax? You’re about to find out!
Andye interviewed Mr. David Moyer, the saxophone player at the Wiltern show that took place just recently. To skip straight to the interview, please scroll down to ‘please enjoy.’ Thanks!
“Tears for Fears!! Tears for Fears!!” the crowd’s chant roared above us. Like race car drivers refueling with sips of water (or in our case, wine), we tried our best to get our bearings after what was an incredibly outstanding set. Katie shouted, “What do you think they’ll play next?!” She yelled just loud enough for me to hear it. “I have no idea!!” I yelled back trusting she’d hear me despite us standing closer than canned sardines along the front of the stage. The chanting was so loud and full of love. Snug in our usual spot at the Wiltern we then joined in the chant ourselves but our attention was quickly diverted when the stage lights rose again and out stepped an additional member…with a saxophone. WE. WENT. INSANE!
Hoping for horns before the tour…
“It’s a horn!! It’s a horn!! Oh my gahhhh It’s a horn!!” I yelled, practically leaping up and down. I savoured the lovely face of what seemed to be a calm but perhaps suddenly startled Mr. Moyer who looked out in our direction. “Ooops, I think I scared him,” I thought. Fearful of freaking anyone else out I tried to calm down. As Roland spoke, my mind raced, “TFF are always full of surprises so I can’t assume it’s going to be The Working Hour, but darn I hope it is”….and it was! (please pause for a moment and grab your tissues & a big ol’ sweater because it is SO GOOD it will bring you to tears and give you chills)
It was the zenith – a purely EUPHORIC moment and the Marvelous Mr. Moyer played it flawlessly, contributing to what fans and critics say was a legndary night at the Wiltern. It will live on for ages, decades even…the night that Tears for Fears carried “The Working Hour” out of its sacred place in the vault and back out on stage for one of the band’s favourite cities to enjoy.
#MysterySax, as he had become known, vanished before there was an introduction. Fast forward two days later, after a solid 48 hours of praise, videos of the performance were all over YouTube, the more than 15 active TFF fan generated pages and more. But where was this guy’s name? Where was #MysterySax? He was all but trending on Twitter. The Good Sir solved it all and quenched our curiosity.
#MysterySax solved
Armed with nothing more than a bit of courage, a ton of fan questions and virtual hugs, I set out to find him with “best wishes on the hunt for Mr. Moyer” in tow.
Mr. Moyer turned out to be a really cool guy and very tolerant. I held nothing back, all emotions on the table, which is rarely my initial approach. I was not reserved, I greeted him with obvious excitement and joy. Like a child walking up to Mr. Wonka, but still well-behaved, I told him how several of us felt about his work. He was very receptive and from that little 2D chat came this.
Please enjoy! Also, note, there is no flow, these were the 8 Frequently Asked Questions from Twitter, FB, fan texts and email. After receiving his answers I was eager to learn more (i.e. about the instruments he collects) but out of respect, remained focus and on task. Perhaps we can invite him for tea to learn more in the future.
************************** INTERVIEW WITH DAVID MOYER ************************
Tropicoso by Jungle Fire
AA: First – Congrats on Tropicoso! Several from the TFF Travel Fan Team purchased copies. We’re all very excited about it and play that vimeo video often! It’s such a joy!
DM: Thanks so much! I am really proud and excited about this record. This group has had a really organic, natural flow, and we are all thrilled that the music resonates so much with people. It’s a humbling and fulfilling feeling.
AA: Looking at your music history we’ve learned you are quite the fantastic collab master. Are you now collaborating w/Mr. Smith and Mr. Orzabal/Tears for Fears on their new things, etc.? This may be secret, don’t answer if you can’t.
DM: I honestly don’t know. I wish I could provide you with more information. I would absolutely love to be a part of future music. I, like you all, grew up with TFF, and it’s a real joy to be able to work with them on a professional level.
AA: #MoreMoyerTFF (let’s do this!)
AA: The Ventriloquists were the first band with which we we identified you. Given many musicians enjoy working w/multiple bands, do you enjoy the same or are you focused on one at a time?
DM: I find that working with multiple groups, and in various styles and genres, keeps things fresh and interesting on a musical level. The Ventriloquists is a group that I have with several of my close friends from my undergraduate days at UCLA, and we have been a band for almost a decade. We are currently working on our third record. I’d describe it loosely as a post-Americana group with electronic and jazz elements. I get to play keyboards and sing background vocals in the band in addition to saxophone, so it provides me a different musical prospective than I typically get. I also do a lot of studio work here in LA, and I find that to be very creatively satisfying. One day Im working on an indie rock band’s project, the next day it’s a big band. It really keeps me on my toes creatively.
AA: Your saxophone is as beautiful as you! Is the Sax your main passion or do you play other instruments?
Mr. Moyer & his many wind instruments. Beautiful!
DM: Thank you! Saxophone is definitely my main instrument, and if we want to get really specific, the baritone is my passion. But I also love playing the tenor, alto, and soprano. I play the flute, alto flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet as well, and do a lot of studio session work on those instruments. I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a bit, and I like to collect instruments wherever I go.
I’ve got flutes from Turkey and Kenya, as well as various percussion instruments. I recently brought home several wind instruments from Colombia, including a reed flute called a flauta de millo, and a lengthy flute with a golden timbre called a gaita. I also play keyboards, and like to record and produce music.
AA: You seem to keep a modest profile online, are you open to fans or fan pages featuring just you (aside from myspacemusic)?
DM: Yes, absolutely! I actually am in the process of building my website so that my online presence is a bit more easily accessible. It will be at http://www.davidmoyermusic.com. I need to delete that myspace music profile. I haven’t checked or updated it in many moons!
AA: When did you know you’d be playing with TFF? Was it a phone call and what was your reaction to the Working Hour? We have to assume you love it as much as we do, you played it flawlessly.
DM: My friend Carina Round sings in the band. She sent me a text over the summer asking if I was interested in possibly doing some things with the group. Fast forward a few weeks, and I was finishing up some Korean BBQ with the bass player in my jazz group when I got another text from Carina asking if I was available. It was serendipitous, because my friend and I had just been talking about TFF during dinner. He has a copy of Songs From The Big Chair on vinyl and had been rocking it earlier in the week. It kind of snowballed from there.
And yes, I do love that song, it’s epic! And the record in general. I grew up with that music, so it’s a huge honor to be able to play with them now.
AA: When you walked out on the stage that night, what were your first and second thoughts?
David Moyer is no stranger to large crowds & big audiences
DM: Well… I actually had a loose screw on one of the posts on my horn, and I left my small screwdrivers in my baritone case, so my first thought was ‘please don’t let my horn fall apart on stage!’ Music performance is as much a head game as it is a discipline of skill, so I was able to silence the small critic in my head. At that point, I was solely focused on the music. I am able to get into a head space in which I can focus on responding to what I am hearing despite standing in front of a big audience. Not that I discount the audience, Im just able to zone them out to a certain extent.
I’ve played to some pretty large crowds, including the Coachella Main Stage and the Glastonbury Festival UK, so I’ve got my strategies at this point. Actually, I find larger audiences to be less intimidating. Everything just kind of blurs together when the crowd is huge.
AA: Your appearance on stage made us eager to learn more about your music and we soon found Jungle Fire which is clearly a very exciting group. Is there anything more you can tell us aside from what is online (i.e. are tour dates in the works, more videos)?
DM: Indeed, all of us in Jungle Fire are very excited about the group. The guys in the band are an absolute joy to play, write, and work with. We have all been friends and colleagues for years prior to the formation of Jungle Fire, and share common musical interests, influences, and aesthetics, so it really has a natural flow at this point.
We just released our debut full length record on Nacional Records September 30th after releasing two 45s on a terrific indie soul label out of Ohio called Colemine Records. We recently finished filming a film/video for our song ‘Firewalker’ with two filmmakers from London. There will be a longer version of the film, and a shorter music video in the tradition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’
We’re playing the main stage at the first annual Supersonico Festival at the Shrine Auditorium in LA this Saturday, October 11th. The festival is a joint partnership between Nacional Records head Tomas Cookman and Goldenvoice, the promotion firm that puts on Coachella. We are doing a live in-store performance on October 16th at Fingerprints Records in Long Beach, CA, and have our record release show on November 7th at The Mint in Los Angeles.
We did an 8-date tour in the UK last November and December after getting a grant from the UK Ministry of Culture, and have just returned from playing the Mompox Jazz Festival in Mompox, Colombia. It’s looking like it’s going to be a busy 2015, and we are all looking forward to where things will take us. You can check any tour dates and news out on our website at http://www.junglefiremusic.com.
AA: What is most important to you right now?
DM: At this point in my life, what’s most important to me are family, friends, and work. I am at a point in my life where I am totally comfortable and at peace with who I am, and I want to continue to do the things that bring me and others joy in life regardless of what people might think.
We want to thank Mr. Moyer for taking time out of his day to answer our questions. Again, his answers just made me want to know more. He was such a great addition to the team that night! We hope there will be further collaborations as he is certainly an outstanding and accomplished musician with even more to share.
For TFF Travel Fan resources follow @papasfans on Twitter or ‘Tears for Fears and Kooks’ on Facebook – we update and revise info on our blog & other publications regularly with respect to the band, fans and collabs.
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.
The anticipation, fans sitting on the edge of their seats, glaring into computers and mobile devices, watching the calendar, making conjectures as to what adventure Mr. Soloman will get himself into… and what a name… Soloman. A noble name meaning, “peaceful, perfect and one who recompenses.” Will we see that type of character in Roland’s fictional literary friend? Will his adventures with Dr. Sparks make him a new person? It’ll all be answered in ‘Sex Drugs & Opera: There’s Life After Rock N’ Roll by the Good Sir Orzabal himself.
Writing a Book is Tough!
I remember writing my first book. The inspiration for it came during a short residency in California (of course). I had just finished listening to a media leader who was involved with creating one of the most popular music based TV programs at the time. I wondered if he’d ever collab with Roland and Curt. That next season Tears For Fears’ music was indeed featured in one of his shows. I was further inspired and took it as a sign to complete the book at all costs. The painstaking process of writing the book was the most bittersweet agony I’ve ever gone through. Knowing what it takes to get a book published, to put one’s heart and soul into a piece of literature makes me more than eager to read Roland’s work. This is a huge moment for fans…many of whom knew he was writing one (I think we first heard about it post ELAHE tour) but we didn’t want to be pests and beg for a sneak peek or too much info. “Let him finish it…leave him alone…” was the mantra among us for quite a while. Then more tours surfaced …but no mention of the book.
Autographed set lists made into art (Brasil Fan Team). Contact Marcio for info.
We questioned it, what was he writing about? Did he scrap it altogether? What else did he just toss away? Are there pages of music and songs too? It’s a known fact among fans that Tears for Fears b-sides are often (if not more) as outstanding as the works that are published on each album. I mean look at Saturnine Martial Lunatic, if that’s not gold then what is? Not to mention the beloved ‘Tomcats Screaming Outside.’ Listening to either one is a very moving and euphoric experience to say the least. So imagine what we’re about to get in a BOOK! It’s Roland’s mind, his thoughts, his imagination…we’re gonna “go there” with him and sink ourselves into “his world.” It’s the rock literature for which we’ve been waiting…it’s almost here!
Sneak peek?! Seriously? Yes, we’re asking for this to get activated on Amazon.
In honour of this wonderful occasion our Tears and Kooks Intl Fan Club is giving away an amazon download to one of the @papasfans Twitter followers or one who is following @tearsforfears. Our fan account focuses on all aspects of the band’s published work, from tweets to anything they tell us that’s allowed to be put in writing. Originating from a charity project that Good Man Curt Smith was involved in to help the nation of Haiti, we continued with gratitude to create a comfortable hub of ‘band fan info.’ We love to tweet about Tears for Fears and related material, connect with other fans and conduct meetups and other things with the band’s approval. They’ve been exceptionally kind about our activities. We’re always about giving back and that’s why we’re offering a #SexDrugsOperaOrzabal kindle download to a fortunate follower of either account.
Rules:
Tweet us (@papasfans) the hashtag #SexDrugsOperaOrzabal (along with any short, fun message or memory of your Tears for Fears fandom)
We’ll assign a number to each tweet, then pick a number at random on Tuesday night. The winner will be tweeted on Wednesday – the 26th of March.
An amazon code will be emailed to the winner so that they may complete their download.
*You must be following @tearsforfears or @papasfans on Twitter in order to qualify; it’s only fair as there are many interactive fans and we want to honour those who thoroughly support the band (and are kind to fellow fans) to the best of their ability.
*Please actually own a kindle device. We’ll have other prizes (we trust) so you can possibly win again if you don’t have one.
That’s all from band fan land today… Even if you’ve already pre-ordered a copy know that the Good Sir seems mighty happy with the hashtag #SexDrugsOperaOrzabal so tweet it proud, tweet it now!
Joyce A is a Tears For Fears Superfan from The Philippines. We met her in 2010 via Curt Smith’s official Facebook page. Over the last few years she and the Manila Kooks get together and have meet ups inclusive of Curt Smith’s spirit. He gets his own plate of fast food including Tex Mex and Starbucks drinks.
Curt Smith and his Phil Kooks
You can join the Manila Kooks online with these following webpages.
The Initial Release
On this day 11 years ago (11 September 2001), the beloved Roland Orzabal’s solo album Tomcats Screaming Outside was released. This was also a horrific day in world history as a force (origins still truly unknown) that brought destruction to the United States overshadowed a number of fantastic accomplishments that took place around this time. The world was unable to focus on anything else, many completely missed this release. May those who lost someone during the senseless game of politics find peace quickly…
Tears for Fears Everywhere We Go
Coincidently, this album’s lyrics and sentiment cushioned the signs of the times. Tears For Fears as a whole have remained not only in touch with “the people” but also ahead of their time. Carrying the band’s name alone, Roland’s impeccable esp slipped into later works. The albums were not only damn good but miraculously comforting for the events that were to come. Pop culture, technology and media in general began putting bits of Elemental in their productions i.e. The Real World on MTV -Boston & New Star in the movie Threesome…the list goes on. Roland was very much engaged and intertwined in society. Though subtle, “we saw him” and remained connected as much as possible…even through his supposed love of mucking around the kitchen.
From the Moderator -Andye’s notes:
I’m still unsure how on earth I missed the original release. I believe it was due to a distraction I had at the time, I was about to leave the country and had become quite focused on musicians from my immediate relatives’ culture —Cheb Mami, Cheb Khaled & Rachid Taha. I always wondered if any of these guys would collaborate with TFF the way Cheb Mami had with Sting. Anyway, I found the album 1 year and 1 month to the day of the initial release…at Best Buy on Cumberland Parkway in Smyrna Georgia just minutes from Atlanta. Every time I go into a music store I have to see if they’ve stocked Tears For Fears. I just have to. As always, I slowly scanned the O-P-Q-R-S-T aisle…and then…I saw it!! There was Roland Orzabal blurred out on the cover of a CD.I gasped loudly, snatched the album ( the last one mind you) and pressed it close to me, hiding it even… as if someone was going to knock me down and kill me for it. That was it for that afternoon. The rest of my day was spent listening to that album and trying to find out where on earth the fanclub had moved (I would live in a fan club HQ if I could). It was almost like finding a long lost friend at random and taking them out for tea. All I wanted to do was “catch up.”
It didn’t take me long to become attached to each song…and it brought me back to the TFF research table, eager to know the background of the songs, what sparked the one titled “Hey Andy” and what was next? 11 years later I’m still in awe of this album’s sound. It’s still way ahead of its time. Of every solo album produced by members of the band past and present, fans voted a year ago, on FB, that Tomcats Screaming Outside is by far the strongest of them all. “Leaps and bounds…” a few fans said.
Tomcats Appreciation Society
There is a Facebook Tomcats Screaming Outside group page made up of TFF fans (people who are supportive of both Roland & CURT). It discusses the lyrics and the album as if it were Shakespeare (because it is the next best thing, hands down). The group is moderated by Alisa of Wild World who collabs with Roland’s youngest brother Julian (aka **The Captain**). It is one of the many TFF topical discussion pages that truly focuses on the music of the band vs. how good they look physically. You won’t find gaggling-giggling girls and guys competing to post the next “hot photo of Roland & Curt” but instead an educated group of “thinkers” who hear more than just a song…they see a genius.
picture from wordpress
Release of TSO
Requests for this album to be re-released are not uncommon. Fans have agreed that they are willing to contribute money to the costs and a just under $300 was quickly collected 2 days before the start of the TFF 2012 tour. However, according to Traci Smith who is a member of the Tears for Fears Travelling Fan Team, $15,000 USD is the estimated cost of producing an album so we have a long way to go. The money that has been collected is held in an online banking account until the total funds have been raised. If anyone is serious about raising this money and presenting it to him, then, by all means speak up.
Ordering your copy
The album is available in what seems to be extremely limited quantities on Amazon and a few other places (note the profile associated with the Amazon page…) The album cost ranges from $10.99-$17.00 plus shipping, tax, etc. So, expect to pay $20 and it’s worth it…priceless even…so, don’t sell it!
TSO Videos
There is a video from the album. Some say it is difficult to understand (even Roland himself admits he wasn’t sure the video had anything to do with the song); others “get it.” We recommend listening to the album 2-3 times, tattoo it on your soul then dive into the video. Doing it in reverse order will only cause confusion. It’s a powerful album, be careful with it…
Listen to the video below to get Mr. O’s perspective.
Fans worldwide LOVE & ADORE this album as if it were human…and in many ways it is. It is the extraordinary work of a genius. There’s no questioning that. Every year, on the anniversary of its initial release, Tears for Fears fans spend a moment or two listening to it in all its glory. There are no words to truly describe it…it’s just outstanding…a brilliant creation that can be enjoyed from start to finish. The fan appreciation continues this year with statements like the below coming in.
“The album represents what all albums aspire to, one complete listen from beginning to end. Brilliant.” -Robert M.
“This album is a true masterpiece. Every song creeps into my inner core. Thank you so much Roland for giving us some of the best music the human ear can absorb. Our hearts absorb it even more. Here’s to Tomcats Screaming Outside!” -Brandi Anne H.
“Pure Genius” -Carolyn H.
“I thank Roland for creating this wonderful album. He is a true gift from God.” -Sheila S.
**Videos are linked to fans’ YouTube pages and those who have been so gracious to promote this album on YouTube over the past few years. Special thanks to Brigitte for the outstanding contributions and montages to match the music.
Now, GO BUY THE ALBUM!! NOTHING LIKE REAL INTERE$T TO GET A RE-RELEASE!!!
Saturnine Martial & Lunatic
Please Cutie Curt & Ravishing Rollie Sunshine, can we have another B-sides? Deep down we’re grateful they are singing “together” and prefer it that way…The solo works have been beyond enjoyable and TSO has certainly won its place with a gold medal in music. Our hope is that the band will release some if not all the b-sides from all of these albums (those that perhaps didn’t make it to SML) and just title it Our Hodgepodge Genius …and let us buy it. The amount of unheard tracks stashed away here and there is excruciating.
Let’s hope and pray for the best…if push comes to shove we’ll dress in various shades of blue, march peacefully to Bath and LA with money bags, occupying their local tea houses til they let us have it.
Digging the Solo Works?? There’s more…
Curt Smith also has solo albums and you can buy them plusmerchandise to match! Check them out on his website as well as Amazon.com.
If you are hard-core TFF superfanatic that appreciates everything that comes from that family, their friends and relatives…and you’re wishful for new music, be sure to check out DelaQ (just do it, you’ll be pleased). Cheers!
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.
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!
Fan Travel Tshirts
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.
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
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!
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.
Tears and Kooks International is so blessed to have quite a few multilingual fans. One of those is Andye (Nigerian-Portuguese) and she translates reviews and videos from the various original languages into English for the stateside fans. Recently she e-met Brazillian born Karina Longo (@mrscarbohydrate) on Twitter while Tears For Fears was on a tour stop in Brasil. Karina was a great volunteer; stepping in during a very busy time. While Andye was translating videos and interviews from Mexico, etc Karina jumped in and translated the interview conducted by a local Brazillian media team. You can see it below in English. Thank you so much (@mrscarbohydrate) for your help! You are an official KOOK!! *Karina was also recently followed by Curt Smith on Twitter*
INTERVIEW WITH CURT SMITH / SHOUT (translated by Karina Longo & Andye Andinha moderator for (@papasfans))
RESPONSIBLE for 80’S HITS SUCH AS “SHOUT” AND “SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE”,THE BRITISH DUO TEARS FOR FEARS WILL PLAY TOMORROW IN PORTO ALEGRE.
WITH 30 YEARS IN THE MUSIC SCENE AND SEVERAL POP CLASSICS FROM THE 80’S AS PART OF THEIR CAREER, TEARS FOR FEARS HOLD THE STATUS OF BEING ONE OF THE FEW BANDS OF THEIR GENERATION WHO’VE PLAYED IN THE SOUTH OF BRAZIL. TOMORROW (03/10), AT 9PM, PEPSI ON STAGE WILL WELCOME THE GROUP FOUNDED BY CURT SMITH (BASS AND VOCALS) AND ROLAND ORZABAL (GUITARS AND VOCALS), WHOSE NAME WAS INSPIRED ON ARTHUR JANOV’S PRIMAL SCREAM, A PSYCHOTERAPHIC METHOD WHICH CONSISTS ON REACHING OUT YOUR DEEPEST FEARS AND SET YOURSELF FREE THROUGH SCREAMS (AS “SHOUT” LYRICS SUGGEST: “SHOUT, SHOUT/LET IT ALL OUT”).
TEARS FOR FEARS’ POP SOUND WAS KNOWN FOR ACOUSTIC ELEMENTS, KEYBOARDS AND LYRICS SURROUNDING SELF-DISCOVERING THE NEED OF CHANGING YOURSELF AND EVEN LOVE. THE ALBUM ‘SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR’, FROM 1985, BEST KNOWN FOR HITS SUCH AS EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD, HEAD OVER HEELS AND SHOUT (ALL OF WHICH ARE TO BE PLAYED AT THE GIG) REACHED THE TOP OF BILLBOARD.
IN THE EARLY 90’S, A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE VERY WELL ACKNOWLEDGED THE SEEDS OF LOVE (1990), THE DUO’D SPLIT UP, EVEN THOUGH ORZABAL KEPT MAKING MUSIC UNDER THE NAME OF THE BAND AND DECIDED TO RELEASE TWO CDS WITHOUT CURT. IN EARLY 2000’S, CURT RETURNED TO THE BAND. THEIR LATEST STUDIO ALBUM, EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING WAS RELEASED IN 2004.
THE GIG IN PORTO ALEGRE OPENS THE BRAZILIAN TOUR. ON THE SETLIST, SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE, PALE SHELTER, WOMAN IN CHAINS AND ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART ARE VERY LIKELY TO BE PLAYED AS THEY WERE IN LIMA (PERU), WHERE TFF PLAYED LAST WEEK, SMITH SPOKE ON THE PHONE TO ZH.
ZH – AFTER 15 YEARS SINCE THE LAST TIME TFF PLAYED IN BRAZIL, YOU GUYS ARE COMING BACK TO PLAY CITIES YOU’VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE. WHAT’S YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND WHAT SHOULD tHE AUDIENCE EXPECT?
CURT SMITH – I’M REALLY ANXIOUS AND I HOPE THEY’RE GONNA BE GOOD GIGS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE REACTIONS WE’VE BEEN SEEING ON THE INTERNET. IT’S ALWAYS GREAT TO PLAY PLACES WHERE WE’VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE. RECENTLY, WE MADE A CONSCIOUS CHOICE OF THE PLACES WE’RE GOING TO PLAY AND NO ONE PUT US UNDER ANY KIND OF PRESSURE. FOR THIS TOUR, WE DECIDED TO MIX OUR MOST WELL-KNOWN SONGS WITH MORE STRUCTURED VERSIONS OF OTHERS.
ZH – WHAT DO YOU RECALL FROM THE CONCERTS YOU’VE PLAYED HERE BEFORE?
SMITH – I RECALL IT WAS A BIT CRAZY. I REMEMBER ONE RIO DE JANEIRO GIG (HOLLYWOOD ROCK, IN 1990) WHEN THERE WAS THIS MASSIVE STORM. ALL THE MUSICIANS AND THE CREW WERE REALLY SCARED OF BEING ELECTROCUTED AND WE HAD TO RUSH THE CONCERT A LITTLE BIT. BUT WE LIKED IT A LOT AND THE AUDIENCE WAS VERY RECEPTIVE.
ZH – WITH TEARS FOR FEARS ON TOUR IS IT SAFE TO SAY THAT IT INSPIRES YOU TO COMPOSE NEW SONGS?
SMITH – YEAH. ACTUALLY, WE ALREADY WROTE A FEW, BUT WE STILL DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MATERIAL TO RECORD ANYTHING. WHEN WE FINISH THE SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR, WE’RE GONNA START WORKING ON IT. I BELIEVE WE COULD PROBABLY FINISH A NEW ALBUM NEXT YEAR.
ZH – DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THAT CELEBRATING THE 80’S (80’S REVIVAL) WILL LAST FOR A LONG TIME?
SMITH – I DON’T THINK THAT WHAT HAPPENS HERE ISTHE CELEBRATION OF AN ERA, EVEN THOUGH YOU COULD SAY IT’S A FACT THAT LOADS OF GOOD SONGS WERE MADE AT CERTAIN SPECIFIC TIMES. PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THESE TUNES HAVE REAL QUALITY AND THAT’S WHY THEY KEEP LISTENING TO THEM.
ZH – YOU’RE VERY KEEN ON SOCIAL NETWORKS, LIKE FACEBOOK AND TWITTER (@CURTSMITH), AND YOU ALSO PRESENT A LIVE MUSIC WEB SERIES (STRIPPED DOWN LIVE WITH CURT SMITH). DO YOU THINK THAT THE INTERNET CHANGED THE WAY YOU MAKE MUSIC?
SMITH – I BELIEVE IT DID, QUITE A LOT, AND IT ALSO HELPED ME TO FIND OUT HOW TO KEEP BEING AN ARTIST. IT BASICALLY STARTED WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR A MUSICIAN. I FOUND THIS CELLO PLAYER (ZOË KEATING) THROUGH TWITTER, LISTENED TO HER MUSIC AND THEN INVITED HER TO RECORD A TRACK WITH ME. WE DID ‘ALL IS LOVE’ WITHOUT EVEN MEETING EACH OTHER IN PERSON. IT WAS A FUN EXPERIENCE, AND I INTEND TO DO IT AGAIN.
ZH – TALKING ABOUT TWITTER, BEFORE GOING TO LIMA, YOU WERE TWEETING ON MANCHESTER UNITED’S MATCH FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (CURT IS A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTER OF THE TEAM). DO YOU LIKE BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL AS WELL?
SMITH – YES. IN MANCHESTER, WE HAVE BRAZILIAN PLAYERS SUCH AS ANDERSON (FROM THE SOUTH OF BRAZIL), AND THE SILVA BROTHERS (FABIO AND RAFAEL, FROM RIO). BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL WAS ALWAYS BRILLIANT AND VERY APPRECIATED IN ENGLAND. ONE OF THE BIGGEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE WAS WHEN I MET PELÉ BACK IN 1986, WHILE IN MEXICO FOR THE WORLD CUP.
ZH – YOU AND ORZABAL HAVE KNOW EACH OTHER SINCE YOUR TEEN YEARS, AND NOW IN 2011 YOU BOTH ARE 50 YEARS OLD. HAS TIME CHANGED YOUR MUSICAL/PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP?
SMITH –WE’RE MORE RELAXED… (FRANKLY) NOW, WE KNOW WHAT WE REALLY WANT AND WE DON’T NEED TO QUESTION OTHER PEOPLE. QUITE HONESTLY, WE DO WHATEVER WE WANT TO DO WHEN IT COMES TO OUR RECORD COMPANIES, AND IT MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER FOR US.
–END OF INTERVIEW–
again, many thanks to Karina for her help. If anyone has any comments or questions (about the translation) please leave a reply.
*A gentle reminder, this is a fan generated blog. For official answers from the band please contact them directly using the resources found on Curt’s page. Contact (@curtsmith) on Twitter or Facebook. Curt also has a website: www.curtsmithofficial.com
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 