First of all, many happy returns to dear Roland. He’s got a lot to celebrate this year. We are joyfully along for the ride with the publication of his deeply personal memoir, Welcome to Your Life: Love, Death & Tears for Fears. We’re also enjoying a series of interviews reflecting on the band’s history, creative partnerships, grief, recovery, astrology, and renewed family life. If you missed any of the latest publications be sure to have a look on the media page of this site to read a few. You can also check in with TFF Lost Media who is among the fandom archiving Tears for Fears media appearances as well. Roland was also on the Astrology Podcast this week. Here are a few more interviews you’ll want to read:
Ultimate Classic Rock — “How Tears for Fears Found Their Path to Freedom”
This is from the 9th of August and features an interview with Roland Orzabal about Tears for Fears, Curt Smith, the memoir, and band history.
SPIN — “Roland Orzabal Welcomes You to His Life” This feature includes interview material with Roland Orzabal about his memoir and personal history.
USA Today — “Tears for Fears’ Roland Orzabal shares darkest chapter of his life…”This piece is an interview-based article about Roland Orzabal discussing addiction, loss, and the memoir.
TalkShopLive provided fans a chance to sit online with Roland and ask questions about the book. The event did not have a moderator it seemed so the chat kind of got away from all of us. Roland was not shown solely the questions that were about the book itself. In addition to eloquently reading a few excerpts from his memoir, he also kindly answered the usual questions such as “when are you coming to my town?” While there were plenty of questions about the book, some fans filled the chat expressing deep love and appreciation for him personally vs. remaining focused on the topic which was the book. That’s lovely but many of us wanted to allow him to speak even more about the book. We sent in a suggestion that a moderator be present in future so he can be allowed to celebrate the book and not feel as if he is being made to ponder over the next series of shows. Nevertheless we are super grateful we got to finally enjoy an online moment with him in this specific format. You can see the experience on YouTube.
TalkShopLive / YouTube — “Roland Orzabal Discusses ‘Welcome To Your Life’ | Live Q&A”
As mentioned, the book launch sparked a wave of summer coverage, including interviews and features that revisited the enduring impact of Tears for Fears classics such as “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Head Over Heels,” and “Mad World.” In media conversations published in early August, Mr. Orzabal discussed the making of the memoir, the emotional weight of writing about loss, the role of astrology in his storytelling, and lesser-known anecdotes from the band’s long career.
Thoughts on the Book – The Book Club Gatherings
“We met on the 9th and the 16th across multiple platforms from Zoom to text and discussed our thoughts. I don’t think we really got into it as much as I had hoped. There seemed to be two summaries. 1. Roland’s childhood was tragic. 2. Opinions on the astrology aspect. I gave my two cents on it and honestly, I’m curious to know more from Roland’s perspective. I wish he and Astrologist Steven Frampton (also a Tears for Fears Travel Fan we spent time with at a fan gathering in Tampa during the 2022 Tour) were on a panel and could really get into discussing Astrology. This isn’t your daily horoscope stuff. Mr. Orzabal and Mr. Frampton debunk a lot of hocus pocus that I think many, like myself, were programmed to believe. Astrology ‘teachings’ so to speak are not a replacement or supplement for the monotheism that was once again embraced some time after Astrology was on the scene in various areas of the world. I really learned something and I’m eager to learn more for the sake of knowledge the same way I enjoy reading about a variety of subjects. If one decides not to read this book, they are missing out. I did find that getting some information and a basic understanding early on of Astrology before reading the book helped me enjoy and glean from Roland’s perspective on it. While chapters 15 onward were not a surprise as Dave Mason and Nihal Arthanayake’s interviews with both Curt and Roland allowed us to learn about many things mentioned, this book went into the crannies and the nooks further explaining and detailing those stories. It was lovely and I will read it a third time.” – Andye Moderator
We image more conversations will arise. Fans hope for a book signing though our books are mostly already signed or with the placard. The last time we enjoyed a book signing with Roland was an impromptu and unexpected opportunity in Oklahoma at Winstar Hotel and Casino. This was the night after the famous Spotify show featuring the official return of The Working Hour with the blessed David Moyer on saxophone. Roland was super kind to make a place for us all backstage with he and Curt. We spent about a half hour there talking to them and Roland signed each of our books as well as books that were brought to us from fans arriving after the travel fan roll call. It was an incredible night and we are still grateful to all involved including their tour manager at the time, dear Lady Tonya.
The Interview Response
So… an interview went out from one publication and discussed what Roland was up to which was detailed above. A few lines noted that he had new music he’d just written and also that Curt was taking a break from writing for the moment. That’s all the interviewer could really say that Roland said. This of course was a trigger point for some. There were fans who panicked because we’re still traumatised by the schism of the far distant past that we have collectively decided not to speak about and rightly so. Those who do try to bring up that bitter time of departure are often given the side-eye, purposefully ignored or asked to change the subject (including DJs and journalists as fans have the good habit to ask them not to keep harping on it given that they are together and writing beautifully). Turns out Curt has been busy with a huge endeavor involving Bath City FC and we couldn’t be more pleased! Fans in Bath, Bathonians themselves and others are all for this positive investment. Click on the photo to learn more and follow this IG account for additional information and updates.
Radio Bath’s Dave Mason interviewed Curt and Andrew and they detailed everything about the deal plus Curt gave hints re: possible future events involving the band. Curt also notes he’s looking forward to writing later this year. Another thing for us to be grateful and patient. Friendly reminder that Dave Mason is on Radio Bath just about every Friday from 9am to 12noon ET with incredible music that often features his dear friends Tears for Fears. We are still doing the online listening parties weekly. Join in!
ICYMI or haven’t seen the previous note, Curt also enjoyed another lovely stay in Toscana with his awesome family of which he shared the most incredible photos coincidentally on auspicious days. It was surreal and beautiful.
Glad they both had incredible summer birthdays! We’re having cake, chocolate chip cookies and gelato in their honour today from 8pm to midnight. Though by the time this is published it will be after some of us pre-gamed with DJ Rudh. So two nights of feasting in honour of Tears for Fears! Bring on the macarons francaises and blancmange (#IYKYK)!
DJ Jake Rudh on Twitch with Transmission
Speaking of… DJ Jake Rudh hosted a Duran Duran Appreciation Day Transmission session last Saturday the 15th. It helped fans enjoy what became Duran Duran Day, DD Week and DD Weekend! For those who may not know, Duran Duran’s fan club are our sister Travel Fan Team (yes the details of our shenanigans with those fearless fancy phenomenal fans are archived in this site). We have had a blast celebrating their music alongside their friends Tears for Fears and we live for the past conversations that JT and Curt had online. We still remember the couch photos. They were sizzling and dreamy! So much appreciation to DJ Rudh for including Tears for Fears in the mix this past weekend. It felt like a huge band party with all their incredible decade mates who are still making music and delighting dedicated fans and audiences around the world. Thank you Lady Tam of Nash for the invite! Cool seeing so many of you all in the event chat! We need to make that a future meetup spot in person and online. You can see past Transmission parties featuring Lady Tam in previous posts. They are the epitome of partying.
Band Family: How’s it going Charlton and Doug?
Charlton is fondly mentioned several times in Roland’s memoir and we love that. We do send him hugs through Curt as often as possible. As for Doug Petty we hope he’s still teaching at USC Thornton, recording and composing for the big screen. We try not to poke and pester them too much, but goodness knows if it was socially acceptable we’d bring a party to their homes for absolutely no reason except to celebrate them for being awesome. That’s just how we are… party people!
Carina Round and Lauren Evans shared some cool posts this summer. Lauren was part of a musical called Emotional Whiplash. Andye learned a lot about it from Lauren but forgot to ask what parts of the production we can publish so we’ll be sure to get permission for the future post. We did hyperlink the song. There’s also a blurb about it from Pulse Tasmania. We wish them a great rest of the summer. Looking forward to new posts from them both on social platforms and their websites. If you’re not following them yet, please do. Find them here and here. Merci!
Drummer Genius Jamie Wollam was kind to be a part of one of the best interviews yet. Sit down with this one and take notes! It is full of inspiration and incredible information.
Be sure to follow Jamie on Instagram because he ALWAYS shares incredible videos and musical moments that we as superfans appreciate. He really knows how to foster community in this fan space. Hugs Jamie!!!
*If you have issues viewing any of the videos they are also on our Substack account.
https://substack.com/@tfftravelfanteam/note/c-287583043?r=5ohddg&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
The Kids – Daughters and Sons
Diva Smith
Curt’s daughter Diva Smith (Lady Diva for those of us in the TFF Travel Fan world) has had a bright summer. Some say she is stepping further into the spotlight as an artist rather than always being known as Curt Smith’s daughter. We respect that she has her own life and music. But goodness it’s fair to say we’ll always be loyal fans that see her as a gem that also beams in the Tearsverse. She joined Holly Humberstone’s Cruel World North America Tour as support, a run that included cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland and San Francisco. Her EP Sunny Surrender was released while she was in Atlanta from where she posted photos of enjoying sushi and also reported that she enjoyed the crowd. Reviews from the tour singled out Diva’s acoustic presence, noting how she performed with guitar and voice in a way that gave audiences a close, intimate introduction to her songwriting. Tears for Fears fans did attend but it was a sort of understood rule that we would not be rushing her for autographs after the show nor asking about her father. This was her time to shine. We still want a conference with she and Roland’s son Pascal Orzabal as the openers. Just keeping that in the ether.
Diva has been sharing songs from her EP Sunny Surrender, including live performances of tracks such as “I Can See in the Dark” and “2 Step.” Her own artist biography frames her work as “therapy pop”: reflective, warm, emotionally direct and shaped by a concern for mental health and relationships. For us as Tears for Fears fans, it has been especially lovely to watch Diva build a musical identity that honours her roots while clearly moving in her own direction. We will continue to celebrate her and try to find additional places to enjoy her music outside of just streaming platforms. We’re on the fence about which ones are best and most respectful to artists. We rather give her the money directly than hope she gets penny shares or whatever they are paying these days on those things.
Pascal Orzabal – new song and new show
Pascal Orzabal has been keeping his own creative lane wide open, both in music and on stage. As Quarterboy, his solo project, he continues to build on an indie-electronic sound shaped by synths, drum machines, hypnotic vocals and influences ranging from LCD Soundsystem to MGMT, with This Is More Like You standing as one of his latest highlighted releases on Bandcamp. This summer he released “Time’s Up.” It’s another nice one! You can buy his music directly on Bandcamp. We’ve done it and it’s awesome because you can loop and create playlists knowing that your cash went into his pocket.
At the same time, he has stepped further into theatre with SuperAgent, a Camden Fringe 2026 comedy reviewed at the Courtyard Theatre in London. Written by Pascal Orzabal with Omar Aga and Ruby Barry, and featuring Pascal as Todd, summaries of the work state that it is a play that takes a sharp, funny look at ambition, money, insecurity and survival inside fringe theatre. For fans watching the wider Tearsverse, it is exciting to see Pascal’s work moving confidently between recorded music and live performance. If you get a chance to see this let us know or if you’re interested in seeing it let us know. We wish we could watch it as a group.
The Artists in the Family
Very excited to continue to see Raoul and Wilder’s art. Both have been actively sharing their series across multiple platforms. Both have works you can just get excitedly lost in on so many levels. Raoul’s work has so many intricate pieces it’s almost like looking at multiple worlds connecting and thriving together in a complex universe of their own. Wilder’s work provides the much-needed whimsy with strong messaging to keep the soul healthy. Kinda wish we could wear their art as much as we stare at it!
Baby Eula is too young for the spotlight right now but you can see her being cradled in her father’s arms on the back of her dad’s new book! Enjoy! Shoutout to Gabe and Vivi, plus Mr. Smith’s brother’s children! We keep the entire family in our prayers and well wishes – always nice to see them in good health via various photos they share!
Noteable Birthdays in the Tearsverse
Happy birthday month to Bobby B-blaze Russell and his son Roland Russell. Both men have given a lot of their time and energy to the Tearsverse. Over the past 14+ years, Bobby has been known for riding across the country to take fans to shows and follow tours. His son, Roland, named after the man himself, has been to many shows and joined in the weeks long tour travel. We wish them great health and lots of good fortune as they take another turn around the sun! Happy birthday month to Lady Tamara of Nash who helps keep this fan team going in a multitude of ways from cool bespoke merch to reminders about events taking place in the Tearsverse. We appreciate you!! Hugs to her dog Miss Freckles!
August is known for several Tears for Fears anniversary dates for members in the Tearsverse. We hope to share more stories in the future during our notable birthdays and forthcoming concert anniversary series featuring gratitude for the band. Have a great week ahead, an excellent quarter and we’ll see you on Substack! Thanks for reading!
We’ll close with an online garden party thanks to TFF Northeast & Boston. Get your cake ready tomorrow! Icing spoons up!
Facebook (we’ll be leaving the FB platform in due time, join us elsewhere in the ether)
-TFF Travel Fan Mods
*These posts are written late at night so pardon any typos or missing info. We’ll be editing and adding to it for the next few days as needed.
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 