In the Studio and on Stage with Tears For Fears

Since 1981, the duo of Roland Orzabal (vocals, guitar and keys) and Curt Smith (vocals, bass and keys), better known as Tears For Fears, have been crafting timeless classic songs in styles ranging from synth-pop to ‘60s-inspired psychedelia, modern electronica stylings and beyond. The band’s singles “Mad World,” “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” and the anthemic “Shout” remain popular with listeners of all generations 40 years on, and the 1989 album The Seeds Of Love can be found on many audiophiles’ and engineers’ short lists of the best recorded and mixed albums of all time.

In 2022, Tears For Fears released its seventh studio album, The Tipping Point, followed by an extensive world tour. Two years later, that tour is documented on the band’s first-ever official live album, the just-released Songs For A Nervous Planet. The live album serves as the soundtrack to the theatrical release of Tears For Fears Live (A Tipping Point Film). This album includes 18 live versions of some of the band’s best-loved songs and also boasts four brand-new studio tracks.

We sat down with Curt and Roland to discuss their work in the studio and on stage.