Tears For Fears: ‘The Tipping Point,’ The Band's Breakup and Making "Head Over Heels” | Apple Music

Founding members of Tears for Fears, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith sit down with Zane Lowe to discuss the legacy of the band and seventh studio album, ‘The Tipping Point.’ They discuss their lifelong relationship, the events of 1991 when the band split up in what Roland coins as a necessary “Saturn return,” and the importance of separating fame from happiness. They unpack their hit album released in 1985, ‘Songs from the Big Chair’ and breakout song "Head Over Heels," and discuss the excitement of having modern artists like The Weeknd, Drake, and Kanye sample their music. Listen to Tears for Fears on Apple Music: apple.co/TearsForFearsYT
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[@megabitescomph]

This band should be nominated in the Rock and Hall of Fame class of 2022!

[@dannyh5937]

Absolutely. It's disgusting that they're not in HOF already.

[@StratsRUs]

They don't need that hollow thing nowadays.

[@colette8694]

Agree!

[@lisaamoni1910]

I agree

[@NitavTrueDreams22]

YESSSS they should! ❤❤

[@myrgo1648]

I am completely obsessed with their new album. The entire album is perfection.

[@ClockwiseCat]

it is

[@vanman757]

Is it ?! I'll have to check it out on Spotify after i've watched this interview...

[@kevinl2578]

Me too one of my favorite albums!

[@terrariumelio974]

It’s my favourite TFF album and in my top 5 of all time.

[@Speedo6677]

Roland could be a professional narrator or storyteller. He has such a superb speaking voice. It's soothing and commanding all at once! Love these guys. Definitely a huge fan, you have in me.

[@colettesanders5701]

So true😊.

[@LeeStJohn-ym4df]

Roland has such an incredible range in his singing voice!

[@RichardASalisbury1]

"Seeds of Love" is my nominee for greatest rock album of all time. Every track is a masterpiece, musically and lyrically.

[@MrSteeDoo]

I will have to check that out. I have only heard the title song

[@Mark28644]

@@MrSteeDoo Richard is right, it's really excellent. You won't be disappointed.

[@nickavenoso7851]

I wouldn’t say the greatest rock album of all time, but it’s definitely one of the greatest rock albums ever. It’s definitely my favorite TFF album.

[@rildney]

"Every track is a masterpiece" - 100% agree with that

[@gc8972b]

most good hosts speak very little. when he feels the need to be super expressive and elaborate complex ideas to the camera, he is shifting the focus of the interview to himself, which means noise. if only he could understand his own behavior from the audience's point of view, it would be a blessing

[@mattwitwicki1387]

Yes, this. This interview felt almost more about his antics and fanboy way than hearing intimate details from the artists..which is why I watched in the first place. He’s too busy trying to prove to them that he really knows their stuff..problem is, we don’t care.

[@choosecarefully408]

Well said.

[@andydixon2980]

He is nauseating. Loves the sound of his own voice.

[@brettdeh6202]

You have expressed the feelings of many , many people, very, very politely. 🙂

[@tebanjose6928]

omg this!

[@muzgash]

This interviewer is a big fan of TFF and can't hide his excitement and that's great but I think he should also behave like an adult. It's like watching a child have these outbursts. How can you take someone seriously after that, after he keeps interrupting what you're trying to say. The ability to ask good questions and then listen is an artform in itself.

[@Michael-xq7ns]

Could not agree more. This guy is a brutal interviewer.

[@whataboutmusic211]

@@Michael-xq7ns Painful. I was waiting for Curt and Roland to tell him they enjoyed watching him interview himself.

[@lostman8990]

Roland and Curt are just sheer class ! ☮️☀️🌻🙏☯️❤️

[@judithtaylor716]

Listening to the Tipping Point over and over and each listening each song becomes my new favorite song. I am so inspired by TFF music. I love these men because their music has meant so much to me.

[@kevinl2578]

Me as well!!

[@user-vv7og1gt7t]

Good comment from Roland that he is not someone you can’t touch, but they are there to connect to people

[@tonymatthewaustin9597]

They are SO brilliant. I'm obsessed with them.

[@lisabudd5979]

Roland yes does have a very good speaking voice indeed ,i also find him very humble and real with his replies ..both very talented .i love there music still...i was born in 82

[@darrenmart3783]

I saw them in Seattle last night, it was a spiritual experience after waiting almost 40 years to finally see them. Since last night I've been searching for countless interviews. This is going to sound weird but I stand by it: Curt Smith strikes me as an incredibly wonderful human being. A thoughtful, humble, creative, incredibly talented introvert. In my youth I saw him as "the other guy" but now that I'm in my late 40s it has completely flipped.

[@DMills-un1tl]

The interviewer is spot on, when you lose something that has given you both joy and permission to cry there’s a mourning at the sense of loss. It feels personal.

[@TheHarmonyPill]

The nostalgia from their music hits me every time These two are incredible

[@joaquinjulianagtarap726]

Just finished listening to the entire TIPPING POINT, IMHO a solid album! Break the Man, End of Night, My Demons, Stay and the title track are definite high points! Bravo TFF!

[@DMills-un1tl]

I must admit, I’m slogging through it. I think I was hoping for the same feeling I had in ‘80’s when partying to their music. I may not be giving them space for growth, ergo change.

[@progmeup]

I think it grows on the listener. But I still don't care for Stay, even if the new version is better than the one from 2017. The bonus tracks are all good, Let It All Evolve is astounding.

[@jensyt4992]

End of night is an amazing track !!

[@kethf4301]

Master Plan seems to hit me harder each time I hear it. The voice and the delivery of each line could not be better.

[@jasenjahn]

I thought the album would be ol’ man washed up. I was wrong. It’s brilliant.

[@choosecarefully408]

It's hard to _not_ go into it worrying about that. But Roland has diversified well & doesn't need to do this. It wouldn't have happened unless he thought it had value.

[@chriss2295]

Legends. Pure. To come back , after all this time, and knock it out of the park. Amazing.

[@RichardFriendartist]

such an amazing band and two incredible writers and artists!

[@staplehill9489]

The piano riff for Head Over Heels was first used on the b side to Pale Shelter (83), We Are Broken. A re-recorded version appearing on Big Chair segueing into Heels. Love this interview and TFF. It’s so good that they’re back! Thank you 🌻🥰🙏🏼

[@musicmann1967]

Interesting. I never knew that. Thanks!

[@GlennTillema]

They talk about it on the "Tears for Fears Classic Albums" interviews, too. Right around 38:00.

[@progmeup]

The strange thing is that they have sometimes said Broken was first, then Head over Heels was first... but since We Are Broken was released so early, I'd lean towards it being first.

[@se-fq3tz]

Respect for having this interview with these legends

[@donmorton4597]

Listen to the greatest hits cd to this day. An amazing and influential band.

[@dannyh5937]

Songs from the Big Chair is an all-time album and Tears for Fears have released some of the most amazing singles ever. Once Tears For Fears plays live you quickly remember how great this band is.

[@scottnixon9236]

Woman in Chains is a masterpiece. Thank you for your music. Cheers

[@abocas]

I can recommend the video "Spotify Landmark: Tears for Fears" An intimate concert where they give a brief introduction to each song. You get a very good feeling of their intellect, poetic nerve and, of course, their stunning sound .....

[@davidpartington1638]

Given the amount of promo work they have done for the album, this is a great interview, that offers fresh insight and deeper probing into their music and relationship. Yes the hosi a fan,and is very enthusiastic but I love his passion for their work and for them as individuals. He is not asking them the same mundane questions that other interviewers have. Tipping point is phenomenal it is right up there with their previous work and demonstrates musical craft/songwriting continues in a rich vein. 2nd july I see them on tour and I can"t wait.

[@vanman757]

They made some great timeless pop songs... Elemental's a great album too after Curt left & just Roland was a part of....

[@FreeFisher67]

The last album is literally great,thank you for being in our lives for years... 🙏😌❤️

[@marthapatriciaalborchavez9263]

I love you tears for fears,curt and Roland...

[@gibbyutah]

I saw them last Thursday (7/20/23) in Denver. They are Fantastic!

[@bleumarin1968]

wish this interview had gone on forever

[@Omegaman1969]

When I was 9 I used to watch these guys practice as Graduate in a small village in Wiltshire. One time I had to record a radio 1 record request for them, to play their song Mad one for my Grandmothers birthday.

[@LeeStJohn-ym4df]

OH MY! What a terrific story! How lucky you were to see them so early on. We have that album. I'd love to hear their studio bits from that album recording. Or of course any of their albums 😄 What do you remember about watching them? And what song did you request for your Grandma?

[@Omegaman1969]

@@LeeStJohn-ym4df Look up “Mad one” by Graduate. That was the song. The song was about a car number plate dealer called Tony Hill who had the reg “ MAD 1” on his car...a Datsun 260Z 2+2. Not long after that he crashed his car into another car with the Reg starting with letters “ WAM” this led to a front page headline “ WAM gets MAD” 🤣. I think the number plate guy ( bit of a chancer) was trying to sign Graduate to his record label. When I say record label, it’s more like a home set up with maybe 6 releases under its hat...very poor ones at that. Another memorable time back then was when Frank Carson turned up to buy a personal registration, man he was funny. .

[@jocelynsicard6978]

Head Over Heels is my 5 year old son's most favorite song 🥰

[@danielpadilla7783]

They came to Sacramento I went to watch the show it was amazing, and incredible, I can't believe sounds exactly the same as 38 years ago, hope they come back soon

[@kevinluis468]

Legends they were definitely one of the best groups of the 80s great to see them back their new album is brilliant

[@groofoot]

This is like watching Curt and Roland being interviewed by Steve Jobs' ghost .....

[@luana3429]

I bought the album the day before yesterday and I've already listened to it 4 times!! My favourite song in the album is "End of night" (sung by Roland).

[@mrclean62]

This album is really good it's definitely an addition to my collection. so glad I purchased this album.

[@cybertaiga9534]

Very interesting interview and the host seemed like a genuine fan but I must admit he got a little too carried away! Best wishes to Tears for Fears on the album release today. Looking forward to listening to it.:-)

[@maxq73]

100% dead on! He sadly got into his own world and possibly missed out on some gold because he interrupted Curt. He just couldn't help himself and camped it up too much at the end.

[@arthurengelbert788]

I agree. He ruined it for me by talking over them. I would have liked more of the duo’s insight, without the interviewer’s blathering on.

[@musicmann1967]

I generally don't like this interviewer because he always seems to insinuate himself into the interviews and make it about himself as well as the artists he interviews. He is smart though, and does have some good observations.

[@8thhouseangie639]

This interview is awesome! All the way LIVE!!!! Loving Roland and his astrology too!👍

[@pammyb1316]

I agree Angie

[@Twinguin]

Can't wait for the album. Counting the hours now ...

[@gailsimmons5270]

I am so glad to see these guys back. I love the new album which I have downloaded and I have tickets to see them in June with my youngest daughter who loves them as well 🥰

[@isobellamobimobi1789]

Love this band, "Hall of Fame pls"

[@RONNYMORRISMUSIC]

Tears for fears is such an amazing diverse band. What a legacy, and so great to see these guys go on. Thank God for things like Apple Music we get to know more about the art itself.

[@erichhonecker8548]

What a great interview. Your music has been sign posts in life and with each album you made, I can recall details of what I was doing and where I was. God bless you both and may you be blessed with good health, wisdom and many more albums to come!

[@paydayadray]

Love how they’ve matured with age

[@MrCherryJuice]

Good interviewer, but with him doing SO much of the talking, possibly Curt and Roland should have been asking him questions.

[@NymphMythicalGoddess]

Something happened, and I am head over heels ! 👠

[@margix1172]

The new album is at the same level of their past masterpieces

[@davidpartington1638]

Totally agree

[@davidpartington1638]

Totally agree

[@vanman757]

Totally agree...

[@vanman757]

Totally agree...

[@Layon_King]

My most fave band. And Hall&Oates too.

[@rockocuba4321]

The interviewer talks too much? Big ego! Please let the artist talk more!

[@thegman7523]

yes, why is he always interupting?

[@vanman757]

Shut up !! He's Zane Lowe...

[@groofoot]

at about 10:43, I was like, 'this dude has lost his mind' .... lol

[@andybt3989]

Great band and a great new album!

[@markbataitis4851]

'World' was the soundtrack of the '80's. Fantastic group, love to see them live someday.

[@teng029]

The first time I heard a Tears For Fears song was Mad World and it was when I saw the video for it. Suffice to say, I thought it was an amazing song. Then I heard the rest of The Hurting.. 🤯

[@brunopaolucci6054]

Great stuff. Waited 25 years to find this out

[@juancjuanc9]

wow excellent interview

[@TBradFashionModel]

Elemental came out of that......King of Spain....Head over Heels,.....Roland said it" Electronics," was a great part of the band, the music itself, then the inflections of the voices singing......P.S. why do interviewers always interupt thoughts.......

[@kevinhawkey11]

Great interview. Wish I could ask questions of them too. Lifelong TFF fan and The Hurting defined my teen years. I never understood their weird relationship and why they broke up. Curt seems like a prickly personality to deal with and honestly, Roland is the bigger creative writer of the two. I have Curt’s solo records and they pale to compare to TFF, as does the TFF without Curt. They need each other and it’s so obvious. It’s nice for long time fans to see them finally appreciate what they have together. Keep it going

[@albertoostinelli8946]

The questions are too long... come on who is the star here ? Let them speak

[@Mara_143]

Iconic💙

[@OngoingBox]

nice interview!

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

My favorite band in my teens.

[@missgigip]

I love this ❤️forever a staple

[@tracykennedy4589]

Loving The Tipping Point…🥰🤟🏼

[@neilbissett1240]

Superb interview thanks 👏😎

[@vanman757]

It always is when Zane's concerned...

[@zivaray]

Wow time has just past along. Last time I saw them was from their rule the world video.

[@diesel3333]

*They ROCK!* 🤘🤘🤘

[@vanman757]

They're not that 🤟🏻 sort of band...

[@brendaechols5929]

I would like an update on the librarian in the Head Over Heels video? 👠 👩‍🏫

[@equipage72]

Oh, wow! I totally agree!

[@van_creative]

legends

[@PeterZeeke]

The set is awesome, looks like (probably is) a simple office. I like the minimalism. Is that Apple hq?

[@staplehill9489]

A far superior album to their previous (Happy Ending). Been a fan since the beginning, other music from my teens has become ‘meh’ whilst my love for TFF has just grown more amor. Love, peace and elbow grease x

[@LIVASheirlooms]

The interviewer is annoying, doesn't let the artists answer the questions and just talks too much. And all that jumping around is just not called for

[@laviki5190]

Ooooh Yes!!!!🤯🏆🙌🏽

[@raimundofilho8305]

Parabens Tears for fears mais um excelente trabalho como fã e baseado no new wave nostalgia atençao para o top 4 que mais se aproxima da essencia da banda é: Top 1 Tipping Point Top 2 Break the Man Top 3 Master Plan Top 4 Stay ja pode anunciar é sucesso.

[@user-vv7og1gt7t]

That’s a perfect comment that we need Tears for Fears music to make us feel better in life. Kudos to the radio interviewer:)

[@sidneymays]

“The Abel thing”. I mean, that was flex enough 😂😌😎

[@jennyj2223]

No, Roland, you are wrong: you were NOT in your prime back then...you (both) are NOW. Bravo.

[@zenitaleitedias8120]

Lindos amoooooo ❤👏👏🇧🇷

[@mineralmusic8527]

The interviewer must get special apple pills for enthusiasm beyond the call of duty

[@carmelcream7662]

The Hurting is my favorite

[@equipage72]

Oh my god, I wish the interviewer would've just shut up and let them finish answering, too many times. Orzabal and Smith do not need any embellishment from an interviewer, and it felt like he was more into "Hey, look what I know!". Love TFF, their music and interviews. You, the interviewer, not much at all... 👎

[@KnowEyes]

Woman In Chains was and still is the best song they did! ❤️

[@Chris-dg7fk]

Give Rivers of Mercy a few listens. This song has all the feels and I can envision them performing this on a grand stage with a choir.

[@equipage72]

I always think one song is THE BEST, and then I listen to my next favorite and now that one is THE BEST! This is just a terrifically winning band through the decades. WIC is divine!

[@techamrit489]

I love apple music

[@guyb7005]

10:38 a normal interview turns ??? spontaneous medication withdrawal

[@elanegoncalves1484]

💯

[@Dave-un7fh]

I didn't recognise Zane. First time I've seen him since he left NZ.

[@hazor777]

Haven't seen anything on them in 35 yrs ......???? Wow, they have aged...... and I realize I have too ....I think back to when they blew up w/EWTRTW , Head Over Heels and Shout , I was in 8th grade. I actually saw them in Jax, Fl. late 1985 . It's like I've taken a nap, then woke up , and here they are ....just much older.

[@raquelaguillon5336]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sanfernandovalleyboy]

guys at apple music, your EQing is quite offensive to the listener. please don't hesitate to turn a few knobs.

[@atlanta2076]

Loooooove!

[@fdschuler7863]

This interviewer is trying to upstage the band.

[@janeferreira8354]

Da para passar em portugues?

[@pedrocasique7352]

¡¿Is dis a clon of Esteban Chambas josting an Apel miusic podcas?! ¡Da lob for Estiv is greit!

[@Betinabrs]

Please, if you can add the subtitles or captions 🙂🙏

[@brendaechols5929]

It's funny seeing all these 80s bands living normal lives like us today. Most were untouchable back then. Fans went nuts! Today..it's like "oh...hey..I know you? Where have u been all this time?" 😂

[@TomHendricksMusea]

There's a lot of marketing ploy from Universal for the band across all media now. The Big Three Labels control the entire music industry, and block out all new music. Personally I love the band, but I love the thousands of musicians in the peaceful music revolution against the Big Three more. Warner Sony Universal.

[@Krell666]

The interviewer needs to talk less and let the band speak.

[@glitter503]

Loved their music back then , I’ll have to listen to the brew stuff but why is Roland’s face swollen ?

[@angelmatrizMagno]

like 0001, Brasil 2022

[@StratsRUs]

Was that it ? Jeez.Just getting settled in.