A deeply personal memoir from founding member and primary songwriter Roland Orzabal of iconic English band Tears for Fears, known for their smash hits “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Sowing the Seeds of Love,” and “Break It Down Again.” Weaving themes of identity, love, and the complexities of fame, Welcome to Your Life explores the formative experiences and complex worldview of a creator, his creations, and his personal life. Thirty million albums sold worldwide, 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a return to the stage and spotlight with their first new album in 18 years in 2022, followed by a sold-out global tour. Tears for Fears, and their unforgettable songs, have been part of the fabric of rock and roll for forty years. Welcome to Your Life is a surprising memoir from co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter of Tears for Fears, Roland Orzabal. Roland Orzabal, along with Curt Smith, formed Tears for Fears in Bath, England, in the wake of the punk explosion and at the dawn of New Wave. With their smash album Songs from the Big Chair, and songs like "Shout," "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," “Head over Heels” they became mainstays of American radio and MTV, popstars beyond their wildest dreams. In Welcome to Your Life, Orzabal shares the story of his band, and also his life, a journey marked by massive fame, mental health struggles, a changing political and musical landscape, the creative and personal breakdown of Roland’s relationship with Curt Smith, the devastating loss of his wife, Caroline, and the road back to fulfillment as a man, father, and musician. As any fan of TFF is aware, Roland’s songwriting is rich in imagery, especially mythological and astrological. Astrology is a lifelong passion and here, Roland uses astrology as narrative tool to underpin the storytelling, teaching readers the power of the stars and how his life has been moved by where he was in his astrological chart. A unique take on the memoir format, Roland Orzabal weaves together stories of musical and creative triumph with dark valleys of grief and drug addiction, stories he’s never shared before. As he reflects on love, faith, and recovery, Orzabal shows how the power of music can heal even the deepest wounds. A must-read for fans of Tears for Fears, Gen-Xers, and those keen to embrace a story of resilience and creativity.

Portrait

Roland Orzabal is a musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as a founder, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the influential band Tears for Fears. Born on August 22, 1961, in Portsmouth, England, Orzabal's musical journey began in his teenage years when he formed the band Graduate with childhood friend Curt Smith, which later evolved into Tears for Fears. With their innovative blend of new wave, pop, and rock, Tears for Fears rose to prominence in the 1980s, producing hits like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and "Shout" and “Sowing the Seeds of Love.” Orzabal's introspective lyrics and distinctive vocal style have earned him critical acclaim, and his contributions to the music industry continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.