NEW YORK (AP) — On July 11, 2023, Tears for Fears performed at Firstbank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee, marking a significant moment as it was their first concert recorded for a feature film. Despite a few concerns, the duo embraced the experience, with singer and guitarist Roland Orzabal reflecting, “We stepped onto the stage feeling like a deer caught in the headlines.”
His musical partner, Curt Smith, echoed Orzabal’s sentiment, stating, “Although we attempted to appear confident, there was a sense of nervousness due to being filmed and recorded. However, this tension may have propelled us to deliver one of our best performances ever.” The concert is set to be showcased in over 1,100 theaters across the globe on October 24 and October 26 in the film “Tears For Fears Live (A Tipping Point Film)”.
Ironically, their apprehension was not apparent to the audience. During the show, Smith humorously introduced his bandmate, saying, “This young man on my right is Roland. I’d share his last name, but I can’t seem to pronounce it.”
A Blend of Old and New
The concert featured a combination of classic hits and tracks from their recent 2022 album “The Tipping Point.” Attendees enjoyed timeless favorites like “Everybody Wants To Rule the World,” “Shout,” and “Head Over Heels.” Smith noted, “After reviewing a lot of our performances from that night, it became clear that our nerves actually led to an exceptional performance.”
The concert film is just one of many recent endeavors, following a 17-year hiatus before the release of “The Tipping Point,” which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200—matching the performance of their 1989 album “The Seeds of Love.” In addition to the film, they are releasing a live album titled “Songs For a Nervous Planet,” available on October 25, which includes four new tracks. The duo also intends to perform a three-night concert series at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on October 30, November 1, and November 2.
New Tracks and Evolving Sound
The four new songs on the live album showcase a shift towards a more positive tone. Among them is Orzabal’s love song dedicated to his wife, “The Girl That I Call Home,” and Smith’s ethereal track “Astronaut,” which was previously left off “The Tipping Point.” Smith mentioned, “While ‘The Tipping Point’ wrestled with themes of grief and loss, these latest songs reflect a more uplifting perspective and stand out on their own.”
The duo’s transformation stems from recent changes, including a new management team that encouraged them to embrace their significance in the modern music landscape without the pressure of chasing commercial hits. Orzabal humorously commented, “It feels like we’ve finally found a new rhythm after a long gestation period akin to that of an elephant.”
During their preparation, Orzabal and Smith found that incorporating songs from “The Tipping Point” into their set was essential. “The title track surprisingly shared rhythmic elements with ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World,’” Orzabal noted. He expressed satisfaction with how well the new and old songs blended together, asserting, “They not only resonated well together, but their quality was equally robust.”
Both the concert and the album feature contributions from guitarist Charlton Pettus, drummer Jamie Wollam, keyboardist Doug Petty, and vocalist Lauren Evans. Orzabal explained that their refreshing approach consisted of performing at more intimate venues like wineries and festivals to refine their set before the major tour.
Tears for Fears emerged in the early 1980s, becoming influential in the evolution of electronic music with hits such as “Mad World,” “Pale Shelter,” and “Shout.” Next year marks the 40th anniversary of their iconic 1985 album “Songs From the Big Chair,” featuring the captivating track “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Smith reflected on the enduring appeal of this song, stating, “I’m drawn to its simplicity; it’s bright and airy yet carries dark lyrical undertones, making it both inviting and complex.”
Roland Orzabal, left, and Curt Smith, right, of Tears for Fears, perform at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in 2022, in Alpharetta, Ga. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP, File)
