Exclusive interview with Tears for Fears
The Thresher : What ever happened with Curt Smith (formerly known as the other half of Tears for Fears)?
R: He just decided he wanted to do his own work.
T: I realize that you just finished Raoul and the Kings of Spain , but do you currently have plans for more albums?
R: No. This is the last one. ( semi-serious) ... That's it, I'm fucking quitting the band! (laughs, throws his arms up in the air)
T: Will you be doing any old stuff tonight?
R: (nod) It [the concert] will go: new ... [then] old.
(Someone motions and says "Roland, we're ready." The music to "Los Reyes Catolicos" begins).
R : (dashes off to the stage) I love this song!
(after the concert)
Roland: Now that I'm done making a fool out of myself ...
T: Do you feel that you're making a fool of yourself?
R: Oh, yes . At least I hope so.
T: Why? You just released your new album, a deeper, more personal insight into you and who you are.
R: Well, the set was so short there was really no time to get personal. I think it's more important to be entertaining.
T: What compelled you to sing "Creep" (by Radiohead)?
R: Well, I've always liked it. They toured with us in Europe, and it grew on me. It's got a certain power when you sing it to an audience.
T: Of all your songs from The Hurting on, what has been your most favorite work, the one that has meant the most to you?
R: My most favorite? "Woman in Chains" ... It's about my mother (grins) .
T: Who have been your influences?
R: I guess in the early days it was ... just basic English pop, T-Rex, Slayed ... heavy metal ... Paul Simon, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie ...
T: What would be your best advice to an aspiring and perhaps undiscovered musician?
R: I don't think you should worry about success immediately. It's never good to grow up in public.
T: Is that what happened to you?
R: Yes ... I think the late 20s would be a good time. It's worth it to keep a low profile for a while and work on your craft ... Try to avoid fashion. It can bring you in, and it can wash you away.
T: Is that why the change from the "poppy" '80s sound to your current, more driving sound?
R: Yes.
T: So what are we to expect in the near future?
R: In the U.S., we will be releasing "Falling Down" next and "Secrets" later next year ... after that, who knows? We will be touring in '96. We should return to Houston around March.
This item appeared in the Opinion section of the December 8, 1995 issue.
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