Happy Birthday to Roland

Big Happy Birthday to Mr. Orzabal! We are grateful for all the things he has shared with us over the years.  We had a beautiful time watching him in his element during the 2022-2023 tours. He brings us so much joy. He also handed over several guitars to fans of recent including our Bobby B-blaze of the Tears for Fears Travel Fan team. Darren and Nicole also got one as did a dear industry friend of his. Perhaps even more. That’s a big deal! Again, we’re super grateful for his kindness and generosity. The incredibly amazing Lauren Evans joined us in singing happy birthday during one of our band chats. We of course were so mesmerised by her incredible voice we could barely get our words out to join in. Enjoy the video! Many happy returns dear Roland!

A Bouquet of Birthdays

We also want to shoutout Lady Frances Pennington (Lady FP), Curt’s dear wife who celebrated her birthday in Italia on the 18^th of July. We appreciate her so much xoxo.

Bobby B-blaze (17 August) and his son, Roland – named after the main man himself (27 August), had/will have their birthdays this month as well. Bobby shares a birthday with Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block. Their fan team management also works with fan activities for Tears for Fears. At the end of the 2017 tour a few of us went up to Boston where several Tears for Fears Travel Fan team members and a member of the band have roots. That was a memorable and marvelous experience. Thank you Deb Gromack, a music therapist within the TFF Travel Fan Team, who lead the organization on that excursion.

New Music

Now, let’s put our birthday cake forks down and have a look at this recent announcement. Here are the facts: earlier this spring we had been having conversations with various people in the industry and not one venue noted there be anything happening Tears-wise in the summer. But something made us think that there would surely be an announcement in the fall regarding future plans (e.g. 2025). We put a pin in it and sure enough, Dave Mason from Radio Bath announced during his Friday 17 August Radio Bath listening hours that we should stay tuned in September for some news. Then Tears for Fears Official announced on Saturday that they had something new for us and that we’d find out on Monday the 19th.

However, late Saturday afternoon the information leaked due to a radio promotion for the long awaited and begged for mini-res – that’s what we’re calling it. The band or band management has chosen Vegas as the first rodeo for this type of thing. The last time we had anything even remotely resembling a residency was back in 2011 when Curt did a series of shows at the Whitefire Theatre. That’s all documented here in the archives. It was incredible because it was an intimate space and he gave out some really cool perks for us early bird ticket buyers. He also sent the information out pretty early so we did have time to prepare – keep that in mind. The band then sent out the confirmation on Monday that everything that had been leaked was indeed legit. They will be doing what we are recognising as a mini-residency in Vegas this year. The title, theme, etc, is Songs for a Nervous Planet. How fitting!

First of all, this is a big deal to many of us because we asked for this back in 2019. Also, so many fans and their families have had healing moments with their music or from being around the band and physically following the tours from city to city. So here we are with our wish. Everything will take place in Vegas 2024 at a very nice establishment called Fontainebleau. We can put aside tshirts n’ shorts and instead get dress up for this one. Fans can go all out and actually wear the Tears for Fears hoodies for this show as it’s indoors during the cooler months. Dates are 30 October and 1 & 2 November. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm. No opening act has been noted so that means we get a nice early show with the band. What are they playing? It’s a surprise! Again, check out the title. Songs for a Nervous Planet…ever notice how the band always releases an album just before or right around some huge global event? We have that documented too. Makes you think they know something… But the good thing is they have been here to comfort us all during some pretty scary times…and these times are absolutely frightening.

While we’re thrilled about this, there are MANY that are concerned. We had less than one day to get resources together for tickets, hotel rooms, flights, etc. The rooms at the venue are currently discounted so if you book now, you may be able to take advantage of that. There’s nothing we can do about flights. Most people book about 3-4 months out so you don’t have to pay those high last minute prices. Last minute these days is about 2 months out. We’re “just” in the final stretch before a ticket to Vegas (which is often pricey because…well, it’s a destination city) gets “silly expensive.” This is mentioned because this is not being heard or taken into consideration according to many. There are a lot of social posts that have been rather well-written to explain why this event is difficult to participate in due to the short notice. Given that so many other bands announced their Vegas residency and Vegas dates last year or 7 months out, we are concerned why Tears for Fears’ management didn’t do the same. Management doesn’t owe us any explanation of course but we’re still curious.

What we are addressing next has nothing to do with Roland, Curt nor any member on that stage…

The short turnaround resulted in anxiety for a fair number of loyal followers of all ages. It is the second time of recent we’ve had to hurry and gather the resources within 24 hours. It is a known issue. We’re curious if this is the type of notice we can expect in the future. Will it always be a 1 day notice for presale? Not even trying to discuss the general public sale – that does not apply when it comes to the hard core travelling crew of fans – some of which have never missed a tour since the 80s (i.e. Josie K) or those who up and followed the band to every show on two continents in 2022 (i.e. Tears for Fears Travel Fan Ambassador Stephen M.). It is very clear that several hundred at minimum want the presale. We have video of seats quickly vanishing within an hour of the artist presale code release.

We are not complaining as Tears for Fears are a priceless experience. We just want to get some kind of confirmation on what we need to be ready in the future. And do not tell us to just go to one show and pick a corner seat. The below is a snapshot of the typical hard core fan receipt for one ticket. It’s $800+. *We were encouraged to post the screenshot of a few fans’ tickets but for privacy purposes, we’re showing what we saw for sale online today.

Many of those who were concerned have gone ahead and bought tickets with just the hope they can get the rest of the plans together in time. We’ve got people looking to fly in from Japan, UK, etc. Tears for Fears fans want to support the band in anyway they can. However, without realistic advanced notice it is soul crushingly difficult and in some cases (we’re looking at you Nashville) it is not possible because the year is already booked solid for other things. These days, one doesn’t have much choice but to get their calendars together in advance due to fees associated with not planning ahead. We do not like to discuss money in this space but if you’d like to see the receipts from past shows and get an idea of what several have come to learn is needed for a Tears for Fears show fund, let us know. Below is what we’ve seen so far for the Vegas 2024 shows and the hotel.

Stage Level Ticket: approx $129 to $950 depending on the seat you choose and if you get the much needed ticket insurance because life happens and no one is immune to that.

Venue hotel: approx $1,750 If you arrive on the 29th and leave on Sunday morning. (Circus Circus across the street is running a deal that is a fraction of this cost, Book now before it’s sold out if you’d like to stay close to the venue. Thank you C.A. for the heads up on that. We know everyone would prefer to stay at the venue but this is where many have chosen for this mini-res.)

If you still need a ticket to the show or are not happy with your seat location, let us know. We’ll see what we can do to help you move to the area of your choice. There is no fee to get our help. We just want everyone to arrive in a good mood and be happy with their choices. You’re flying all the way out there might as well get the seat you want. David Wild said it best…

Take a look at the video of the venue and the hotel…

BleauLive Theatre is where the shows are to take place

Circus Circus Room (hotel across the street)

Tears for Fears on Film –  Despicable Me 4

More Music!

So in addition to what’s on tap for October and November, Roland also did a duet with Sixpence None Richer singer, Leigh Nash. The song is absolutely gorgeous. You can buy it on Apple Music and fellow Tears for Fears Travel Fan, Danny Cricks, posted a YouTube link that was shared in one of the Tears for Fears groups he manages. This video link is not working for some. You can watch it on FB as well in one of the many TFF fan generated group pages.

Alumni

Oleta Adams Farewell Tour has a stop in Atlanta. We are so excited but we were not prepared for this news. Still, we respect her decision to go ahead and “call it” so to speak. We hope she’ll continue to do one-offs and special appearances. We’re not giving up on some type of TFF collab in some form or fashion with the band and all involved current day. We’re holding out for some Oleta Adams residencies or something. Good gracious, we need her voice and presence in our lives. Serenity Now! Also this Atlanta show is now SOLD OUT as expected! There’s a waiting list…but good luck with that! We were there at one of her sold outs in ATL 2019 a few weeks after Tears for Fears performed near the same venue at Shaky Knees Fest. That is also documented here in the archives. We weren’t the same for weeks on end after those shows. They were overwhelmingly beautiful. Next time she came she had to have two shows. It’s an experience to say the least. Absolutely incredible. It gets packed in that venue when she’s there so be prepared if you haven’t seen her at that specific venue and have a ticket to attend.

*Friendly reminder that Captain Julian and Jon Birch have their latest album out. It’s worth a buy. Grab your digital copy on Bandcamp from The Upside Down Clinic.

Monday, Monday…

Did you get the email on Monday? As mentioned, one was sent on Saturday and another on Monday. Be sure you have subscribed to the email list for Tears for Fears and the band members’ individual websites (i.e. Jamie Wollam, Lauren Evans, Carina Round, Doug Petty). They are great about sharing all that’s going on in their world. Signing up for their email lists is the best way to get the information you need in a timely manner vs. waiting on your social media newsfeed algorithm to populate it to your account. People miss out when they don’t sign up so be sure to do so this week. When their information arrives in your inbox be sure to add them to your contacts so the information does not go to spam. This is extremely important. If you didn’t get the Tears for Fears email and you are for sure you signed up, let us know.

We love this photo of Doug Petty on his website. It’s a beautiful photo.

*Tears for Fears has an account on TikTok. We do not know who manages it. We do not know the future of that platform nor that of X (formerly Twitter – the poor bird, pour one out for that blue canary), so we are not investing a lot of time on either one. However, the band is there if you’d like to follow. Of course, the band still has their Facebook account and Instagram. A few of their team are also on Threads. So you have lots of spaces where you can keep in touch.

From the Archives

August has historically been a really cool month filled with incredible music memories in TFF fan land. Many of us saw them on our social media timelines. We spent quite a few days on tour in August 2012 including their time at the Orange County Fair and Hendersonville Nevada at Sunset Station. Captain Julian had several of us in his video “Road Trip” with his band at the time DelaQ. Good times! September has also been notably fun times for us all. Thanks to all involved over the years who helped make that happen from Alisa, Rise, Captain Julian Orzabal, all the attendees at Sunset Station, The original TFF Travel Fans: Jack and Dawn Curry, Becky Boom Boom, Lady Carolyn, Silver Kitty, Kai-Kai and all the crew. You are appreciated!

Band Fan Chats

We do meet up on Zoom from time to time. Lauren joined us for a conversation about her new album. She is also hosting a 7-Day Affirmation online event in September. Be sure to check out her new website, sign up for it and sign up for her mailing list as mentioned.

Check out this neat video that Lauren was in some years ago. Love all the good energy in this!

Get Well Soon!

Several fans got sick over the summer with a variety of very serious ailments. We wish them healing. They know who they are and we are holding space for them daily. In our meditative sessions we are sending healing energy to you for your injuries and praying for a speedy recovery from surgery. We’re here for you when you’re ready. Get your rest!

Note from the Moderator:

So what has you worried right now? The short notice? How you’re going to get yourself together and find a way to get to Vegas? Same here! We’ve already had quite a few conference calls about how to work through the challenging logistics of the quick turnaround. I’ve been on the phone since Saturday night fielding calls and listening to some understandably stressed out fellow fans. Some have it all sorted out. Others have given up and said they can’t do it without knowing six months out – they already made other plans for this fall and can’t cancel. If you’re having trouble let us know. We’ll see what we can do to help you work out the logistics of fan travel. That’s what we do. There is no fee. We just try to help you work with what you have and sort it all out. If we have any extra tickets we’ll let everyone know as always.

Despite all the fear of not being able to attend, we’re still happy that one of our biggest fan wishes has coincidentally been answered. Also, this letter Curt wrote years ago stays on our minds when it comes to show planning on their side. *We have a copy on the FB TFF Travel Fan page if you have trouble downloading this one.

Freedom is No Small Thing…

For those that have issue with musicians who have long stood up for their political beliefs, remember to listen to the lyrics of their songs. The words have meaning. If you don’t like their pick for candidates, stay calm…you’ll manage. As mentioned by Curt, please check on your voter registration. Be sure to participate in the election this year. Some of you will be travelling back from Vegas at that time. You’ll want to complete an absentee ballot if you know you will not be near your home polling station. It is crucial that you vote this year. There’s some wild political plans that clearly don’t benefit the greater good of society and we need to make our voices heard at the ballot box. Remember the lyrics of Shout. Let that be your mantra. Wishing a final end to these damn wars and conflicts. Let the politicians fight each other, leave the rest of us out of it.

“Let the children boogie…” David Bowie – a dear and heavily missed connection in the Tears for Fears fan world.

Big shoutout to Ms. Vee’s sweet child representing the Tears for Fears Toddler Brigade – remember when we were singing this at this sweet dear’s age? Singing it so much better than most of us did! Thank you!

Big thanks to all who take a moment to read the notes we send out quarterly. Huge thanks to all who participate in the fan chats on various platforms, the travel fans that quickly hop on our Zoom calls to sort things out and all the admins keeping the bootleg t-shirt spammers out of groups.

Follow the band @tearsforfearsmusic (IG), @tearsforfears (TW/X) and Facebook, @curtsmith (TW/X) and (IG)

IG and FB @carinaround @thereallevans @jameswollam @dougpettykeys – Charlton has accounts as well but not sure he’s using them. @papasfans for specific fan travel information