*This post is dedicated to Gwen who has just gone above and beyond for SO MANY fans this tour. We envision a future fun photo with she and Mr. Orzabal. Picture them in a big laugh together post-show. We can see it! Thank you, Gwen!! You’re forever a hero!
Cutie Pies in the Crowd!
The reception for Alison Moyet throughout the tour has been terrific as expected! She’s our queen and we love her! She owns that stage! We’re going to miss her when this tour ends…and several of us are just hoping this is not the end of the Moyet x TFF connection. WE WANT MORE!! Big thanks to Gwen for supplying all the photos and contributions!
And she’s so frikkin nice!! Don’t take our word for it…look at this!
Always a fabulous time seeing @AlisonMoyet live, but what has really made my night, is that she has liked every single one of my tweets and replies about tonight’s show. Every. Single. One. 1/2
The Footy?! We’re going to be asking about this a lot… #Tease
“I don’t know how it’s possible but you all get better with each show! That was #6 of this tour for me tonight, just incredible. Thank you for not laughing ‘too’ hard at us singing and dancing along 😜🌻@tearsforfears @charltonpettus @jameswollam See you at the next one!” – Superfan Gwen C.
This is one for the books! We will not ever forget this tour! We have certainly LIVED!! Totally steeped in gratitude right now for this amazing music and wonderful experience for so many in the UK! – TFF Travel Fan Team #Tour2019
Tonight’s bonus is this review: Good, bad? Thoughts? We are known to let a writer have it every now and again if they dare focus on superficial things… tell us your thoughts on this review:
This post is dedicated to Andy B – loyal fan who waited nearly 35 years to see the band and Shaun Smith, a great world traveller who also happens to be the Good Man’s brother! We’re so happy for their contributions tonight to the travel fan site, allowing us to share their experience with the world!
And we do mean the world! As of today, this site has seen almost 20,000 visits per year since 2014. We joined this labour of love in 2004 and started going live publically in 2011 with the travel portion on this platform. Big thanks to all who contribute and share. This is all about featuring the absolutely fantastic moments of fans on tour and the great moments with the band…and there are plenty. Let’s dive into tonight’s show.
@curtsmith, you tweeted me happy birthday on my 15th, now I’m 21 and FINALLY got to see you live tonight, thank you and @rolandtff for the tunes, see you at Blenheim Palace… Play The Working Hour and I might just die 🙇♀️ #TearsForFears @tearsforfears – Maggie
@curtsmith, you tweeted me happy birthday on my 15th, now I'm 21 and FINALLY got to see you live tonight, thank you and @rolandtff for the tunes, see you at Blenheim Palace… Play The Working Hour and I might just die 🙇♀️ #TearsForFears@tearsforfears
Good Man Mr. Smith always tweets out his thank you! We love this!
“Thank you Bournemouth you warm & wonderful people. Now I understand why Eddie Howe likes it here 😍” -Curt Smith
Our bonus tonight is from Cindy P. She shares the Liverpool review which is thankfully focused on their music! The previous writers who seemed to be aching for bromance with Curt and Roland as if the band’s show was a Tinder swipe are completely absent here! We rejoice! Read Here
We’ll add more videos as they are received! Thank you for reading, sharing and enjoying! See you at the show!
-Tears for Fears Travel Fan Team
“I have had the unbelievable opportunity to play some amazing shows and places in my career, but tonight definitely is one of the highlights of my journey…. O2 Arena, London, England.” – Jamie Wollam (aka Drummer Genius)
Tweet of the day was this beauty from ‘All on the Board’
This was a really big deal. The O2 sold out! Capacity is close to 20,000. There was literally no extra space in this entire venue – every seat was purchased and or occupied. Tonight solidified the fact that Tears for Fears are indeed one of the top bands of all times. Their work and ability is timeless. Their message eternal!
Get a better scope of the space with Kadelbach’s video.
One of our favourite moments during any show is the proximity of Curt and Roland. Don’t ask us why. It’s something about these two angelic beings getting close together that excites us on a whole other level! Big thanks to Mr. Ibarra for this share!
If you can’t wait until you get to a show then consider buying early from the merch store online http://www.tearsforfears.com. Items are arriving pretty quick.
Roland first began handing the microphone down into the audience in 2011 at the Wiltern. He’s continued the tradition quite kindly. Here he is in action!
We try to add in a bit of a bonus including reviews. Here’s one from ES Insider featuring Roland’s thoughts on touring.
Let’s get straight to the point…they played Suffer the Children. Now, a few nights ago we posted a video from the In My Minds Eye treasure box. That video is a full show of The Hurting plus two songs from SFTBC. And no one in YEARS has heard that song live…until today. The internet lit up!
And MVP Darren H got an audio recording of it. He wanted badly to make sure he didn’t break the rules so he didn’t hold his phone up. Mad respect for this!
Gwen got a copy as well. Tilt your head so you can see it…
This post is dedicated to Andrew W. He has been loyal and he shows up! Here he is with Drummer Genius Jamie Wollam 🙂
Big thanks to all the Tears for Fears Travel Fans who are modestly travelling alongside the band, zipping in and out of shows. Some are working and still finding a way to make it to shows. You are troopers! Much love to you from your fellow fans! Reach out if you need anything! We’re on standby.
*Dedicated to Marcio Campos in Brasil! Thank you for connecting us with additional fans for this show!
Wow, Liverpool! How exciting and historic given the Beatles’ beginnings here! We spoke to Jamie before this show and got permission to post some photos (one above). We’re excited to have some pictures from their point of view. It’ll be nice to add to the archives.
Also got this great photo from Claire Hartshorn Photography! Thank you, Claire!
Mr. L came through on the guitar picks and yes we asked that they be put into the online store so we can stock up. The last time we had such exquisite ones was 2012 during Brit Week.
*Some items will not be visible as they are linked to Twitter accounts. We’ll be sure to post photos vs. links to accounts in future in case fans decide to go private going forward. You can ask to be friends which will allow you to see all the great pictures.
So privileged to have witnessed the so-far evolution of these two talented men, the survival journey of their music and the very human — of course imperfect — obstacle-jumping they’ve had to do along the way. Hold my heart indeed! #love#awe#loyalty#TFF
Your set was unbelievable you were both note perfect and the band was fantastic.Great to see the chemistry was still there .Well worth waiting to see you big shout out to Allison Moyet who smashed it as well
Cried tears of joy, absolutely smashed it tonight, never sat down danced all night. Thank you so much for one of the best nights of my life. Alison was fabulous also. Enjoy the rest of the tour. 😘❤
It was a great gig…. took a lot of organising for me to get there, but Sooooo worth it. Brilliant from the first moment to the last – including @AlisonMoyet who was amazing. Thank you both.
*Moderator’s Thoughts
To underestimate the intuition of Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal is foolish. These two didn’t dive into the deep – they set up shop in that space and are truly ruling the world with some REAL TALK! These two know stuff…a lot of stuff. They are walking third eyes. They not only “know” stuff that’ll not only make you think but will slam your arse down on the curb or have you laid out on the sidewalk …wait for it…shook af!
#ILYBIL – is almost like a spiral down into the rabbit warren. The video speaks volumes without saying too much or even changing scenes. It’s all in that bar and a back room with insightful characters. It looks to touch on the dilemma of the Twin Flame concept. Also, you’ve got the cute mature couple who are enjoying their life in fashion, the JFashionista in the Tokyo Street capris and captivating spectacles casually minding her own business but you know she has all the answers as she’s seen it all before, the love interest to whom the main character clearly can’t commit because well…there’s a number of scenarios here. We don’t see any type of drug or addiction here…it looks like complications from ASD. Then there’s the lovely bartender who grows a third eye and we can only again suspect that it can be from a number of perception issues. Perception is one of the key themes of this video and it is brilliantly done. For me, it’s like looking at the answer to some serious situations occurring in my “waking life.” After speaking to so many other fans they too can resonate which speaks to the power of the band’s ability to do this on a massive level!
There is so much going on with only a whisper of the Good Man Smith and Sir Orzabal in a promotional frame. For me personally, the story hits home in regards to people so caught up in self-absorption they don’t even realise it or are inconsiderate to those their self-harm actually hurts. They may be medicating for legitimate purposes but they are killing everyone else emotionally as they attempt to live. It also speaks to the existence of people who seem to get in their own way – I actually met someone like that…wait for it…on the 5th of November long before this song was released. I have the proof. Not to mention that the dance the couple engage in has a level change that is unique to a particular partner dance from my culture – again, I’m just shook! This whole video and its messaging has eerily and yet comfortingly (probably not a word) hit home for me in a way that makes me feel we are all spiritually connected more than any of us could ever comprehend. It’s like looking at a scene from my life from the past few years.
Each time I look at it, I cry, it’s hard to watch because it just gets in your head and touches the core. Everyone I spoke to locally and online says it is so relatable it’s jarring…again we are all spiritually connected and can resonate with these scenes.
What does this video say to you, do for you, make you feel?! These are just two songs from the coming album…TWO…brace yourselves guys…these upcoming concerts following the release of the album are gonna look and FEEL VERY DIFFERENT. Be ready to set up shop in the deep…they have turned that BIG CHAIR into a chariot ride into some mind blowing surreal situations by which many of us shall be touched. Gonna be a powerful and emotional clap section at these shows…
Now, we can’t deny this video is still unavailable to many stateside and that is excruciating and it feels rude even if it isn’t or directly tied to negligence on anyone’s part. So, Gwen – a wonderful and generous fan who stays in touch and continues her TFF Travel Fan excursions this coming year during tour 2018 – has provided this link that allows stateside fans to view it with ease. She is this month’s Travel Fan MVP!
Again, discuss, cry, chat, shout and let it all out…this album is about to take us places. Embroidered handkerchiefs will be available…
Thanks for reading,
AA, Tears For Fears Travel Fan Moderator
Some early notes for Tears for Fears Travel Fans coming in from the states…
By now, you know, you need a passport. We are recommending flying Delta or British Airways to get to the U.K. and, once there, use the series of trains and ground transportation to get to the hotel and venue. If you have questions, we’ve got of TONS of fans who are on standby willing to assist with how to get from point A to point B. For this tour, we will be choosing hotels that are a little different from our norm in order to cut down the cost (though some are far from a steal). Remember, buy your pre-sale tickets first, let everything else fall into place.
*picture: First Direct Leeds Arena concert venue seating
This venue offers hospitality experiences and since we have a few days between shows this is a perfect time to think about something nice prior to the concert (not after).
SEC Armadillo has a big gap between the stage and the front row but really nice! Room for dancing!
POSTPONED 30 April SEC Armadillo – Tickets – Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow Seating Chart
*Some of the Travel Fan team members have lots of friends in Glasgow and with this added show, it might be nice to just stay on a few days – if you do it’s understandable. Great opportunity to do some real meeting up and hanging out. If you can’t do the first two shows, try to do this one!
POSTPONED 4 May – Motorpoint Arena Cardiff – This venue is 30 minutes from the airport. Hotel suggestion is: The Big Sleep Hotel prices are as low as 57 GBP a night and this hotel just underwent a renovation.
*You have time to relax a little for this show with that one day in between so be sure to use the suggested hotel. Save the cheap ones for the nights you’re not really staying long in that particular city. This is more about seeing the band and hanging out with fellow fans vs. site seeing for us. Now, about those untiered floor blocks…whaaat? Gracious me!
POSTPONED 7 May – SEC Armadillo – Tickets – Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow
This is the original show that was planned, a new one was added above due to demand. Remember – *Don’t bring a large bag to this venue. Try to leave large purses, etc. at home for this show.
POSTPONED 8 May – Echo Arena in Liverpool – Tickets – Seating Chart – Hotel: You’re spoiled for choice – from furnished flats that are within walking distance to one with The Beatles theme…you already know which one we’re gonna pick! You get a little time here so make it count!
10 May – The O2 – Tickets – Seating Chart – Hotel: Intercontinental The02
*That venue link takes you to their VIP experience. This is different from buying a premium seat VIP ticket to see TFF. Our idea of premium seating is on the stage or in front of it…preferably the aforementioned. LOL! O2’s venue option provides extra comfort around “a” show. This is a great pre-game/pre-show thought that we will explore. We certainly don’t plan to sit in their VIP suite to watch R&C on a screen. But it would be nice to do something in advance or afterwards.
POSTPONED 11 May – Bournemouth BIC Windsor – Tickets – Seating Chart– Hotel -this hotel isn’t that close to the venue as others but it’s really nice. It’s also a bit less expensive than the closer options which include Park Central and a the Bournemouth Marriott.
VIP options – just read through them all and see if you want to do something fun pre-show. Great time to meetup with fans. Pick one, let us know which is your favourite.
POSTPONED 12 MayBrighton Centre – Tickets – Seating Chart– Hotel
*Sometimes we say, “Hey, if you’re gonna go…go all out” and you certainly will with our hotel choice. It’s over $200 a night USD but worth it. If by this time you’re broke from buying enough merch to wear a different TFF t-shirt each day of the month there’s a Travelodge nearby as well.
Airfare hasn’t really dropped but if you book now you can save a couple of hundred dollars on Delta. If you’re in Europe already I’d say fly Air Italia or Lufthansa to all of these locations. If you’re flying Air France, let us know because we’re just curious about the service. There are also a number of trains that will help you get from point A to point B but we’re going to stick with planes because it’s just a little faster and if you miss something you can usually get the next flight to the following concert location within an hour. With shows this close together we can’t take any chances.
What to expect next year – a good, powerful set list! We’re hoping Michael Wainwright will stick with the band as well for the majority of 2018. He is very enjoyable and friendly. He’s known to come out and speak to fans as he is a very personable person. We consider him to be a member of Tears for Fears as much as many others before him. MW of whom you may see us refer to as Nice Guy Mike (NGM) was with the band prior to Carina Round in case some of you who are just now getting back on the fan train didn’t know. He’s real cool and we’re looking forward to more. We’re also hoping Mr. Moyer gets a good spin with the band so we can enjoy his marvelous sax on The Working Hour.
Meet & Greets + Fan Conferences – no word yet…still on the EMFH RSVP for that. So we’ll see…
Stick around, more news to come in this space…
Thanks for reading,
AA, TFF Travel Fan Team Moderator
*Feature Photo Cover used with permission by Captain Julian Orzabal
If you were one of the fortunate ones able to snag a very difficult-to-obtain ticket for the 27 October show, you might as well go all out with a nice stay at The Kensington. This hotel is actually one of the preferred hotels of the Royal Albert Hall. Of course, if you’re local I’m sure you’re giving me the two finger salute.
Now, for those of us stateside who usually pay anywhere from $50-$275 a night for a standard to slightly upgraded room (with the exception of Vegas shows where we just pretend money is no object and go buck wild with cabanas for 3 days and parties), the Kensington is going to cost you around $400 US a night after tax. And…the room will be half the size of the swank abodes we’ve been spoiled with on tour. So, just be mentally ready for that. It’s gorgeous though. Take a look at the photos.
For those of us not going, myself included, this is like missing a Royal Wedding. The venue is unbelievable. It’s quite the answered prayer in many ways. There have been hundreds (I’m not exaggerating) of fans in the UK who have all but sold their insides begging and pleading Tears for Fears to have a show there (as if the band really has total control over that). And here it is…and damn if something funky didn’t happen the day the tickets went on sale to prevent us from going in addition to what was already a stab in the heart with short notice of ticket sales (remember when we said your 6 months of savings should also include $300 for a couple of Tears for Fears tickets? People think we’re trying to be funny – Nope, this is a prime example). Thankfully, Good Man Curt Smith – G-d love him – tweeted forward with a statement that once again proved his knowledge and sentiment to the cause of the fans. They know WE TRY hard to be at every show and that is an understatement.
1. I’m sorry to hear about the issues with ticket availability for our London show. I have had discussions with management & agents.
I have been that fan that literally flies home, goes to work and flies out that same evening JUST to see them one more time and in many cases, over and over again. It’s just THAT healing. But it’s even better when you’ve got a great venue with amazing seats and don’t have to contend with standing in queue 6-7 hours prior to the show for the dreaded Gen Am. THIS my dear fellow fans, is the show of shows to be at and I pray that something works out so that it happens again (maybe annually for a few years) so that we can all show up and show out in lovely frocks with our handkerchiefs in tow crying like a bride’s mother over these songs that have left us shook as f*ck.
Speaking of being shook, check out who is opening for the band… Freya Ridings. Check her out…powerful voice!
If by chance you just want to be in the area and hang around (there are people that do that), take British Airways or Delta. Use a car service to get you to and from London Heathrow and spoil yourself with a night at the Kensington. Then walk over to RAH and just be somewhere near without being disruptive. Just do it. Stay the weekend, leave on a Sunday. Walk around, be in the energy of historic London…just do it. If you have the resources to just get there…GO!
Are You Serious? What the hell are we gonna do?
RAH has guided tours, tea and much more. While you’re there, hire a car and go to Bath, England. Plan to stay a night there as well. Make the most of it!
26 October Show with BBC2
So, this is also happening and we’ve yet to have heard who the blessed Earls of Fortune are that got the tickets. But just “For Everyone’s I” as Curt would say, this is taking place. Bookmark it and follow it, you never know what you may see or find out on the day of the show. Gonna be pretty sweet for sure.
Meet and Greets
We get this question for every show. Unlike years past, we just don’t see these like we used to for a variety of reasons. It’s sort of an every man for himself, just ask and see what happens kind of thing. All we can say is for goodness sake, hold on to the no scream policy. Do not freak out around the band if you see them. Keep it cool. For some it’s hard because it’s literally like watching an angel manifest before you. Some may disagree but for those that “know” …you know it’s true.
Travel Fan Team on the Ground
For every show there is a loyal one who usually comes through and provides the coverage that we archive. We all pool our videos, whomever got the best one for each song is what goes online. Everyone uploads their selections to YouTube or sends us a file via email. We don’t know what will happen this time around because that ticket debacle just threw us off. We’re hoping for the best.
What to expect?
The set list we’ve been hearing and hopefully some surprises. We’re checking to see if Mr. Moyer will join because that means Working Hour gets played! Heck yes!!! We’re also hoping the “Broken” ending for HOH will be played as well. That’s one to make you faint…bring your smelling salts and look alive. We can only pray that I Love You But I’m Lost will be permitted to the public at both shows. We’ll see!
Cheers all, have a great time and stay in touch! We’ll be either within a mile of the venue being present and respectful or reachable by phone. Keep your passport card with you, keep the passport in the hotel. Trust us on that one!
-AA, Tears for Fears Travel Fan Team
We didn’t see this show coming…it was a huge and welcomed surprise! Many thanks to Marcio Campos who got all the footage for us as he always does. We appreciate his leadership and kindness to all fans from North America, South America and beyond. Marcio, you are one of a kind! We love you and appreciate you!
The file has been shared hundreds of times from the event and you can also watch it on YouTube. We have it archived in our video files of which are available to all travel fans and friends!
…and blew them away with their legendary awesomeness! We’re thrilled with this turn out of superfans including Duranies/Duran Duran fans from our sister travel fan team of that band. Big thanks to Ingrid and her friends for live streaming the show! Awesome! This was reportedly a SOLD OUT SHOW!
This entry is dedicated to Ingrid – superfan of Duran Duran and dear fan sister to us all! She and her friend are awesome for what they captured last night and provided on their FB wall. Much love! Many others shared some amazing clips. Enjoy the below and make sure you connect with them and become fellow fan friends!
Intro – EWTRTW
Creep
Mad World
Pale Shelter
Seeds of Love
SHOUT
Enjoy these links and be sure to reach out and like the photo. Make a new friend!
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 