Roland Orzabal Shares What Tears for Fears Bandmate Curt Smith Thinks of His Astrology-Influenced Memoir
Tears for Fears co-founder Roland Orzabal has released a memoir, Welcome to Your Life: Love, Death and Tears For Fears, published on 4 August, despite never having intended to write one. The book, initially conceived as a novel, evolved into an autobiography after his literary agent suggested the idea, and Orzabal decided to weave in his 40-year interest in astrology alongside the story of his life and career, subtitling it An Astrological Memoir.
The 268-page book blends personal history, including a difficult upbringing in Bath, England, and his teenage friendship with bandmate Curt Smith, with astrological interstitials placed at the end of chapters so readers can skip them if they choose. Orzabal revealed that Smith was moved to tears after reading an early copy, but admitted he had skipped the astrology sections entirely. The pair's shared interest in psychologist Arthur Janov's primal scream therapy also shaped early Tears for Fears albums, including 1983's The Hurting and the chart-topping Songs From the Big Chair.
- Roland Orzabal's memoir Welcome to Your Life is out on 4 August.
- Book blends his life story with 40 years of astrology study.
- Bandmate Curt Smith cried reading it but skipped the astrology parts.
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Tears for Fears is a British pop band formed by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, who became friends as teenagers in Bath. Their early albums drew on ideas from primal scream therapy, a form of psychotherapy that encourages people to express painful feelings.
Orzabal’s memoir follows his life and the band’s history, and includes astrology, which has interested him for decades. Astrology is the belief that the positions of stars and planets can offer insight into people’s lives; readers can skip those sections. The book also reflects the long personal and musical relationship between Orzabal and Smith.