Tears for Fears: KCRW Live from The Village Studios

Whether Tears for Fears have been ruling your world since they dominated MTV in 1985 with their smash hit single “Shout” or you're more of the Donnie Darko type, chances are you’ve experienced a major life event made more profound by a soundtrack from Tears for Fears.
Settle into our recent session with the legendary band, in which you’ll hear standout cuts from new record “The Tipping Point,” alongside classics like “Mad World,” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”
Credits:
Program Director of Music: Anne Litt
Producer: Ariana Morgenstern
Video Producer: Dilly Gent, Son&Heir
Video Director/Editor: Vern Moen
Director of Photography: Trevor Wineman
Assistant Producer: Anna Chang
Digital Producer: Andrea Domanick
Enjoy this session? Support KCRW's mission to share music with the world. Our non-profit radio station in Santa Monica, California has supported musicians and DJs for more than 40 years. Help us continue our music programming by donating whatever you can: kcrw.com/give
www.kcrw.com
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[@Endfloat]

What a band! They still sound just as fresh as they did in the 80s!

[@kamirobins2716]

35 years later and still impeccable. Both Curt's and Roland's voices are iconic. When they're blended together, are just unmatched. TFF are easily my all time favorite band. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chris-cole]

Absolutely agree!!!! Timeless tracks sound that bit more beautiful when they add their aged/mature ability. Fantastic to watch!!!!

[@rosemeiresantos6103]

Gostaria de vê los numa turnê no Mato Grosso do Sul/Brasil. Meu sonho assistir um show deles. Maravilhosos.

[@guidotmw]

My favourite band of all-time as well. Unluckily for them the goddess who is Tracey Thorn is my all-time all-time 😊

[@agustincarrera9057]

​@@rosemeiresantos6103una gira por Sudamérica 2024!!

[@kamirobins2716]

​@@chris-coleexactly! I adore their matured and enhanced abilities!

[@marti7958]

0:40 "No Small Thing" 5:26 "The Tipping Point" 9:38 "Mad World" 13:12 "Everybody Wants to Rule the Word" 17:38 "Sowing the Seeds of Love"

[@gustavoleguizamon6270]

You be blessed, thank you

[@MannyRosa]

Thank you

[@hoovyaj]

Thank you!

[@djragner]

A real hero.

[@bigsquisums]

@@hoovyaj tell

[@jimmcintyre7754]

The singing the drumming the bass (one of the most beautiful basses I have seen) and the vocals and how tight this band is and getting better every year

[@IgorDoval]

The drummer nailed it perfectly!

[@argovoigemast]

Absolute gold, as good as 40 years ago. Never stop making music together, Roland & Curt.

[@OldManMessy]

Roland and Kurt make me appreciate being a child in the 80s. Their music is just something else. Even in 2022 they sound as good as ever.

[@RaquelPaivaLima]

I share the same feeling

[@papertoyss]

One my favourite bands confirming I made the right choise

[@maverick744]

Perfect example of the type of band that will never work at a major label being told what type of music to make and controlled,, but if left alone to do what they do at the pace they want to do it at and with no concern on how it will stack up to the previous records you get THIS.. AMAZING RECORD

[@jordandoucet6887]

This is a tight tight performance. I’m so happy I found this today.

[@loco_sosa]

Better than the records. Killer band! Killer drummer!

[@agustincarrera9057]

Probably one of the best music bands in history. 40 years later, they are keep amazing, delight and inspiring

[@antoniocesarguimaraes1008]

Com certeza, uma das melhores duplas. Esses caras simplesmente " arrebentam a boca do balão". Showzaço!!!! Rio de Janeiro 🇧🇷👍

[@rogelioriosr]

They still have it, wonderful singing and music.

[@elczupaqbre]

True!

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Everybody Wants To Rule The World turned back time. A sober group of men sounding as they did 35 years ago. +++++

[@kevinl2578]

@@BrianCarnevaleB26 great comment exactly completely sober no drug addicts or drinking these are the type of artist to look up 2!!!! LEGENDS

[@squirrelbutler2119]

wtf? Are we now judging music based on whether or not the bands liked to have a drink or a toke? I guess you'd better leave The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, and a hundred other better bands than Tears for Fears out of the conversation What a silly person. Silly bunt.@@kevinl2578

[@squirrelbutler2119]

Is "sober" a musical requirement? Better tell musicians ranging from the best early blues players to today's musicians. @@BrianCarnevaleB26

[@mrmitchell78]

The entire Tipping Point album is a masterpiece.

[@felipewozniak]

Indeed

[@andydelga]

oh hell yeah

[@kevinl2578]

Right! Besides Rush I've never loved an respected a band/duo as much as I do TFF, the legacy they created is ridiculous, I love these guys!! These are the type of people to look up 2!

[@markk7731]

I hole heartedly agree!!!

[@zapalloxk14]

Totalmente de acuerdo

[@indracaponious]

Voices are still on point. Few bands make me homesick for the 80's....this is one of em.

[@jontymo]

Wow - absolute goose bumps when everybody wants to rule the rule starts. Just hit 54 years old and still feel like I did in the 80’s. Great great group.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

I have to admit something...I never realized how much of an impression this band, these men, made on me as a youth until I watched this. This is truly a gift. SO many parts of even one song like "Sowing the seeds of love", so many parts are absolutely familiar and comforting, like a blanket that's followed me through life. I'm overwhelmed at how incredible this is, and how little credit we give these bands that truly helped to shaped our minds, and outlook on life as youths. So much

[@pitbullkomics7249]

AMAZING, THANK GOD WE STILL HAVE REAL MUSICIANS LEFT!

[@amurasuncion7129]

ROLAND"S voice is still soooooo powerful.

[@DrumDisciple]

This drummer is SOOOO Great! His kit is tuned, mic'd, recorded, and mixed perfectly!

[@potatosalad5355]

Who is the DRUMMER...?!

[@gagslovedotcom]

As is with all of these recent live recordings I've seen of them on KZbin in the past few years the sound is impeccable!

[@townofrockridge]

@@potatosalad5355 Jamie Wollam. Beast.

[@ronstonfletcher6280]

Thank you!​@@townofrockridge

[@salskars6637]

I would love to be able to just watch this drummer the whole set. Of course I wouldn't trade the current video but yeah...

[@a012345]

It’s almost unfair how good they still are after all these years. Hoping for another new album in a few years. Loved every track of the Tipping Point.

[@ZombieDeathRace]

13:12 Masterpiece of instruments and lyrics.

[@ceez1]

Roland's voice is just as beautiful as it was in the 80's. Just saw them in Virginia Beach and the concert was simply amazing!!

[@CosmicJas]

13:09 - The Masterpiece. The beauty. Amazing song. Brings back so many happy memories. I have been listening to this song all my life. To anyone reading this may you be blessed with love and happyness and all your troubles fade away. ❤️🦋🙏

[@artysanmobile]

Curt and Roland have a unique thing going with their unison singing. Their timbres are quite different and the result is truly special.

[@deepcreep9849]

Kind of like Alice In Chains.

[@gearofmetal23]

This is how you take care of your voice. Impressive performance. Salute to the Legends.

[@raphaeldechichi7501]

These guys haven’t missed a beat. Right on time. Awesome jam! The drummer is really great too.

[@Boddissatva]

Always rocking my world! Aged to perfection Roland and Curt.

[@KevinKorenthal]

Never has an 80s band come off tour so tight as this. You guys get another decade.

[@kathmika2]

Curt and Roland smiling through the set, you can tell they love making new music and keep playing their classics. Amazing band!

[@VLN2006]

But not together. They have No eye-contact.

[@THX-vp9fz]

@@VLN2006 There was NO WAY to avoid ur comment, right?

[@acooksla]

Man oh man, this was one of my favorite bands ever back in the eighties and it’s so great to hear them sounding so amazing all these years later. Perfection.

[@tonycostanzo4276]

The song called MAD WORLD is timeless this tune was written in haven before the world created ,it was always there ,they got better with age like red wine

[@airsoftwallflower]

Can't believe how great they still sound. Amazing.

[@alydematti]

Roland, Curt, and their band sound fantastic!

[@chevelle6268]

So beautiful. These guys all just get better and better. Roland’s writing is, as always, right on point. He voice is majestic. ❤

[@christophercanada7085]

The sound of this production is unreal. The drumming is spectacular and Carina Round is a beautiful, ethereal presence. I've watched this countless times.

[@reginaleite8816]

This guys are the best. Love Roland since ever

[@richardminter9462]

Geez....they sound perfect. Getting chills over here

[@user-qd8bi6tf4k]

Tears For Fears Will Have You In Tears For Years, AS Per Usual, well Done Guys

[@eldar68]

Not too many bands are capable to retain sonic and tonal freshnes throughout all this time, simply amazing!

[@ScottH.]

Yup. I see so many bands from the 80s out there still playing but sounding like absolute crap. These guys still sound amazing.

[@crisgonzalez1314]

Congratulations for this new recording. ❤❤

[@ReggieandMiloTheCat]

They sound just as good as 1985. I’m a lifelong fan and I’m still impressed with their talent.

[@eldar68]

@@ReggieandMiloTheCat same here 🙏

[@jlucasound]

He meant "freshness", for those of us with OCD. 😂 Tears For Fears. One Dynamic duo, so to speak, coming from a 61 year old that grew up on Classic Rock and now, Progressive Rock. I have lost interest in much of the 80's MTV stuff. These guys never left my mind. There are a few others but TFF is probably Number 1. Massive Talent and Voice. I Love these guys.

[@bryanmartina1276]

These men age like fine wine. I LOVE you tears for fears. The world is a much much better place with them here

[@aboutmyfamily]

Roland looks SO joyful and happy! Curt always does! They are Absolutely iconic!! Not only do they still have it they are STILL churning out EXCELLENT music!! Rock on boys!! BTW their Tipping Point Tour concert was freaking amazing!! Old songs and new songs….TFF at their BEST!!!

[@jaypohl9651]

Can’t believe how incredible they still sound

[@Rael571]

I saw TFF live in the 1980s in London and was impressed by how good they sounded life. Almost forty years later and they still sound as good. Class act.

[@CalifornianCuttlefish]

*Not only two tears for fears look fantastic, they also still sound fantastic*

[@annacapa]

Balling my eyes out watching and listening to this. Transported back to Amsterdam when Tears for Fears was part of the soundtrack in to my year (1983) as an Au Pair on Vossiusstraat. Their music got me through so much. ♥♥♥😍😭🤩 Know there is good in this world: Tears for Fears + KCRW exist together here now. ♥ This happened.

[@richardwcleveland363]

Loved the concert 7-20-2023 in Denver, with our youngest two children...this night was so extraordinary! Thank you Roland and Curt! You are like fine wine, better with age and we enjoyed savoring your talents, so talented and love how you put your hearts into your music!

[@williamjaeke]

I was at that too it was awesome!

[@joelashadali]

They crafted some amazing songs....sound as fresh and are just as relevant as they were then. Glad they reconciled

[@louiseditlevsen6887]

If i hear Tears For Fears play on the radio, i would be the happiest in the world! 😁

[@kurtgengenbach9082]

I just shook my head and smiled. "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" sounds amazing live... even all of these years later! Incredible. Hope I can see them live in person someday.

[@TGSamaritans]

Immense respect for Roland and Curt vocal performances. Their perfomances are only getting better and better in time.

[@squirrelbutler2119]

If only that was true!

[@FernandaU24EVER]

I am was not aware and not expecting anything new from them. When I came up with Tipping Point now in March 2023 I listened to it nonstop for a whole weekend. Call me crazy or whatever but it felt so good, I’ve felt like myself again my happiness times ❤

[@louiseditlevsen6887]

Its 11 pm where I am it came out 5 hours ago I'm tired but I'm still going to listen to this to the end! Cus this fantastic! Great way to end the day!

[@ewhit419]

Songs from the Big Chair was the first record I ever purchased. I wasn't even a teenager yet and I barely had the money, but there was something in the music I had heard on the radio from Tears for Fears that resembled a door being opened to a much, much larger world. It was sweeping yet intimate, bombastic yet subtle, and it resonated with me unlike anything else I'd heard to that point. All these years later - knocking on the door of 50 - I put my headphones on, close my eyes, and lose myself in the music the same way I did as a pre-teen. How much of a gift is that?

[@kevinl2578]

Great comment!!!

[@johnunderwood3132]

I hear you buddy. I’m pushing 54. They sound awesome here. Love it

[@221b-Maker-Street]

This 12 yo girl bought _The Hurting_ with a month's pocket money and it was probably among the best £3.49 I've ever spent! 🖤

[@wendijacobs5139]

I couldn't have said this better if I tried. My first casette tape purchase at age 10... I used my birthday money!

[@demvazzo]

I'm imagining you wearing headphones and smiling walking on the street like all teenagers should do. This session reminds me of old times gone away ♥

[@googo151]

OH HELL YEA! THAT DRUMMER IS ON POINT. ORZABEL KNOWS IT, AS HE LOOKS AT HIM WITH APPROVAL AND A SMILE.

[@ziibokao5753]

It;s just so Good to watch Roland and Kurt Play and Celebrate the impeccable Gifts they had and shared to us all, you are so Loved Tears for Fears!

[@susanoyer8371]

So great to see Roland smiling, laughing, and happy. Curt always a happy vibe. Glad Curt is feeling better.

[@tprimeau1]

That’s what I was thinking. ❤

[@Asiong09]

He looks like dave grohl with the faceapp ✌️😂 🥰

[@kevinsteelflex7371]

What happened to Curt?

[@steveshadforth]

@@kevinsteelflex7371 Roland

[@michelleper5065]

@@Asiong09 grohl could only wish he had this talent, yes he was in the great nirvana but.... well i guess nirvana puts him at the top too but not top 50 or 100.... roland is literally top 5-6 pop/rock musicians in history

[@adriandegoede]

Must be amazing for these 2 guys to sing so beautifully together after all these years!! One of my all time favorite live performances! Not too short, not too long - powerful!! They must be so proud of the sound they hear back, singing really amazingly.....

[@JJ_Photo]

So nice to hear music played by actual musicians! And that hammond organ is just so fantastic! 🤩

[@johnreed9435]

Their harmonies drip joy and happiness

[@demonicsweaters]

TFF have to be one of the most well-rehearsed bands in history. This is basically perfection live. Also, as a gear junkie, this is just a beautiful example music technology. The mixture of high tech with traditional rock instruments is truly a sight to behold.

[@vamseemk]

yes..have seen their live performances before...impeccable.

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

That A&F drum kit 😍😍😍😍

[@TarotTAROTINA]

I went to your Concert in the HallStadium Zürich, that was the "Seeds Of Love" Tour, remember Jenny Morris came just before you. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST CONCERTS OF MY ENTIRE LIFE! thank you guys! 🥰🥰🥰🤗

[@OwenL2020]

Listened to 2 tracks, immediately bought the new album on vinyl. It's, another classic 😊

[@maremagnum2409]

Roland, for me the BEST voice ever. Regatds from Málaga ( Spain)

[@alessandrorota1970]

An endless pleasure since 1981. Great music.

[@17fourU]

This is great. Roland and Curt still sound so good. Wife and I saw them at a theme park in NC. One of the best concerts ever.

[@Zbltxgt734]

omg So glad I found this... a fan since the early 80s. Tears for Fears is the best! They sound impeccable here!

[@scottthompson2785]

drummer is killing it

[@lapetitetrotte]

He just so fck*ng does!

[@sinsin5906]

brilliant player ... on many levels

[@michelleper5065]

all top pros, drummer is superb, keyboard player is superbm roland and curt are ocd about perfection, they would never get in a session with so so musicians, always the best

[@scottthompson2785]

@@michelleper5065 yeah that keyboard player on No Small Thing is pretty great. I wish they listed their band in the notes. No idea who they are.

[@sucote100]

saving the day!!!

[@PixelNotesMusic]

I'm so happy that not all gorgeous songs like "No Small Thing" can only be written by curious and ambitious 20-year-olds, but also curious and ambitious 60-year-olds.

[@greasytriple2497]

This performance never gets old

[@roger-bassprecision-bass7470]

I've watched it about ten times and it still gives me uncontrollable emotions! May God protect them!

[@nabilaajmarina9155]

they are aging like wine! ❤

[@Lightweight-ud9wt]

Appreciation for the drums, it sounds FANTASTIC 👌

[@bradyazell]

Curt playing a Duesenberg Bass. Outstanding!

[@matthewmoss7601]

What I like most about this live set is how the new material and classics sound great beside each other.

[@danielmarquis5258]

There is a reason Tears for Fears is my favorite band. The longevity of their existence and talent. This performance is EXTREMELY spot on to the point of excellence. Songs from the Big Chair was my first cassette as a child in the fall of 1985.

[@ginaharris5793]

Lyrics that stand the test of time. ❤

[@travistatman]

That first song melted my face off. They’re so good at layering simple patterns, and everything is intentional. They nailed the distinction between “it would be cool...” vs. “what is absolutely needed here?” Seemed to stick with “what is needed” and a less is more approach. Incredible songwriting and musicianship.

[@loridean193]

“The Tipping Point” is on repeat in my house! One of the best albums ever! They hit it out of the park! 💖🎶💖🎉✨

[@pythagorasaurusrex9853]

Curt has still his signiture voice like 40 years ago. Amazing! Not every singer can say this about himself especially when one gets older and high notes can become a problem. TTF! Love you guys and your music!

[@jessicadasilva3622]

The Tipping Point album has been a source of comfort for me and I couldn't understand why, it was only recently that I found out that the album came out the day my dad passed away... So thank you Tears for Fears for helping me through my grief ❤️

[@jhlcow]

Yes it is.

[@netrap]

I’m with you, Jessica. My blessings for your dad.

[@ginamina28]

I lost my dad a little over a month before, and I found the same comfort. I listened to it over and over, it soothed my soul. I’m sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing.

[@tikneshiabeauford7289]

It did the same thing for me. My mother passed away in August 2021 and this album has been a very cathartic source of comfort to ease my soul. I'm so sorry for your lost.

[@coreystuart]

My condolences, Jessica. It is indeed a brilliant album. Tipping Point and Break The Man are my favs from it.

[@aamg]

Masters @ Work. Nothing less. Better voices than 40 years ago.

[@jorgdiel]

Hier mal auf deutsch für die Millionen DE Fans seit 1985, ich ziehe meinen Hut vor Euch!!! Wie Ihr nach fast 40 Jahren Eure Songs immer noch performen könnt ist bewundernswert, meine ganze Jugend in einem kurzen Konzert, Wahnsinn! Bleibt weiter so fit und so toll!

[@cndns2]

Summer of 1985 traveling through the Greek islands, picture a boat skimming near the shore blasting "Everyone Wants to rule the World" from his radio. Absolute bliss.

[@rebelpunx88]

We have been blessed today with this video, let's rejoice my fellow TFF fans 🙌🏻

[@hellni79]

this is brilliant! imagine having all the bands from 80s and 70s playing live with this quality on youtube today, it'd be amazing

[@stevenwelp7165]

Symphonic depth, jazz/rock/electronica/trance/dubstep textures, impressionist color palette. So spiritually transcendental yet so human, restorative, healing.

[@EadsB7002]

they sounds really freaking good even 40 years later!!!

[@lenwennerberg1631]

On the verge of tears watching this; going through a rough stretch right now but a smiling Roland gives me hope.

[@keithh2028]

My man Jamie absolutely slaying it on those drums!!!

[@baneverything5580]

Enjoyed the drummer`s performance. Smooth and funky.

[@craigromano2362]

Man, they still sound amazing! Been a fan since 1988!

[@rogribas]

Superb performance!

[@musichouse-]

Outstanding performance! Roland and Curt have not lost a step! I also appreciate the intro chatter at the beginning. 'Let's do it"!

[@garykleinberger3704]

Never quit playing yourclassic beautiful music.

[@arpadlukacs3657]

They where fantastic those days and they are still now.

[@terripebsworth9623]

NEVER get tired of Tears for Fears!

[@lucilamy1996]

It's 1:47 am on a cold night in São Paulo and I'm watching these guys at full volume (with headphones) while the rest of the folks at home are sleeping... Thank you so much Roland and Curt for making my night be less tedious 😁❤️🤘🏻

[@roomark2]

It becomes tedious sometimes no matter where you are in the world. Same in England right at this very moment 😊

[@dorinhaperrenoud5582]

Simmm.noite fria e chuvosa aqui em Sampa...só TFF para alegrar o dia!😁

[@md-ps2hx]

A great pen picture you've shared ... Greetings from London England ...

[@zingleraster9124]

Same same my friend here in Melbourne Australia. Play it loud, play it proud!!!

[@andersonrafaelgiacullo5441]

Tem razão muito bom de ouvir com fones principalmente seeds of love.

[@carolinemcgoldrick3598]

They still awsome...I listened to these guys 30 years ago ...they still awsome

[@jorgemayorga1953]

The drums are fantastic!!

[@pneuman7161]

I love everything about everything they do, have done, and will do. When Roland sings, it solves my problems, answers my questions, and I come into balance with the unbalanced world. Thank you TFF for a lifetime of beauty.