Roland Orzabal (born Roland Jaime Orzabal de la Quintana; 22 August 1961) is a British musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, and author. He is best known as a co-founder of
Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath, England, in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, Tears for Fears were associated with the new ...
, of which he is the main songwriter and joint vocalist. Orzabal has been the only constant member of the band, having appeared on every Tears for Fears studio album. He has also achieved success as a producer of artists such as
Oleta Adams
Oleta Adams (born May 4, 1953) is an American singer and pianist. She found limited success during the early 1980s, before gaining fame via her contributions to Tears for Fears's international chart-topping album '' The Seeds of Love'' (1989). He ...
. In 2014, Orzabal published his first novel, a romantic comedy.
Early life
Orzabal was born in
Portsmouth, Hampshire
Portsmouth ( ) is a port and city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire in southern England. The city of Portsmouth has been a unitary authority since 1 April 1997 and is administered by Portsmouth City Council.
Portsmouth is the most densel ...
. He was initially raised in nearby
Havant
Havant ( ) is a town in the south-east corner of Hampshire, England between Portsmouth and Chichester. Its borough (population: 125,000) comprises the town (45,826) and its suburbs including the resort of Hayling Island as well as Rowland's Cast ...
. Orzabal's father, George Orzabal de la Quintana, was a Frenchman of Argentinian and Spanish roots and was often so ill that he was rarely seen by his children. Orzabal began writing songs when he was 7 years old. The family later moved to
Bath, where he attended Culverhay School (now
Bath Community Academy
Bath Community Academy (2012–2018), formerly Culverhay School (1956–2012), was a secondary school in the Odd Down area of Bath, England. Built as a boys' school, it became mixed-sex in 2012.
History
In 1956, the original buildings were co ...
) and became a member of the
Zenith Youth Theatre Company.
Career
Early career
Orzabal met
Curt Smith
Curt Smith (born 24 June 1961) is a British singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and co-founding member of the pop rock band Tears for Fears along with childhood friend Roland Orzabal. Smith plays bass guitar, has co-written seve ...
while both were in their early teens in Bath, Somerset. In the late 1970s, they formed a
mod
Mod, MOD or mods may refer to:
Places
* Modesto City–County Airport, Stanislaus County, California, US
Arts, entertainment, and media Music
* Mods (band), a Norwegian rock band
* M.O.D. (Method of Destruction), a band from New York City, US ...
music group,
Graduate, along with three other members. Following the release of their debut album, ''Acting My Age'', the group disbanded. Orzabal and Smith briefly joined
Neon and then went on to form
Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath, England, in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, Tears for Fears were associated with the new ...
, a
new wave music
New wave is a loosely defined music genre that encompasses pop-oriented styles from the late 1970s and the 1980s. It was originally used as a catch-all for the various styles of music that emerged after punk rock, including punk itself. La ...
/
synthpop outfit directly inspired by the writings of the American psychologist
Arthur Janov
Arthur Janov (; August 21, 1924October 1, 2017), also known as Art Janov, was an American psychologist, psychotherapist, and writer. He gained notability as the creator of primal therapy, a treatment for mental illness that involves repeatedly de ...
. Orzabal sings and plays guitar for the band, while Smith sings and plays bass guitar. Orzabal is also the band's main songwriter.
The band's debut album, ''
The Hurting
''The Hurting'' is the debut studio album by British new wave band Tears for Fears, released on 7 March 1983. The album peaked at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart in its second week of release, and was certified Gold by the BPI within three weeks o ...
'' (1983), reached number one on the
UK Albums Chart
The Official Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales and (from March 2015) audio streaming in the United Kingdom. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the Official Charts ...
. Their second album, ''
Songs from the Big Chair
''Songs from the Big Chair'' is the second studio album by English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records. The album peaked at number two in the UK and at number one in the US, becoming a multi-platinum s ...
'' (1985), reached number one on the
US ''Billboard'' 200, achieving multi-platinum status in both the UK and the US.
''Songs from the Big Chair'' included two
''Billboard'' Hot 100 number one hits: "
Shout" and "
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is a song by English pop rock band Tears for Fears. It was written by Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley, and Chris Hughes and produced by Hughes. The song was first released on 22 March 1985 by Phonogram, Mercury ...
".
After the release of their third album, ''
The Seeds of Love
''The Seeds of Love'' is the third studio album by British pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 September 1989 by Fontana Records. It retained the band's epic sound while incorporating influences ranging from jazz and soul to Beatlesque ...
'' (1989), Smith and Orzabal split in 1991.
Orzabal continued recording under the Tears for Fears name, releasing the albums ''
Elemental
An elemental is a mythic being that is described in occult and alchemical works from around the time of the European Renaissance, and particularly elaborated in the 16th century works of Paracelsus. According to Paracelsus and his subsequent fo ...
'' (1993) and ''
Raoul and the Kings of Spain
''Raoul and the Kings of Spain'' is the fifth studio album by British pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 10 October 1995 by Epic Records. Like the band's previous album, ''Elemental'' (1993), it is essentially a solo effort by Roland Or ...
'' (1995). As Tears for Fears, Orzabal and Smith released ''
Everybody Loves a Happy Ending
''Everybody Loves a Happy Ending'' is the sixth studio album by English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 14 September 2004 in the United States and on 7 March 2005 in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The album marked Tears for Fears' c ...
'' in 2004.
[ After almost a decade in development, the band's seventh album, '']The Tipping Point
''The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference'' is the debut book by Malcolm Gladwell, first published by Little, Brown in 2000. Gladwell defines a tipping point as "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling po ...
'', was released in February 2022.
Solo work
In 2001, Orzabal released his first solo album, ''Tomcats Screaming Outside
''Tomcats Screaming Outside'' is the only solo studio album by British musician Roland Orzabal from the band Tears for Fears, and was released on 2 April 2001. Although Orzabal had made two albums solely with Tears for Fears moniker in the 1990s ...
'', under his own name.
Work as a producer/songwriter
As a songwriter, Orzabal is a three-time Ivor Novello Award
The Ivor Novello Awards, named after the entertainer Ivor Novello, are awards for songwriting and composing. They have been presented annually in London by the Ivors Academy (formerly the BASCA) since 1956, and over 1,000 statuettes have been ...
winner. His first award was in 1986 for "Songwriter of the Year" following the release of Tears for Fears' second album ''Songs from the Big Chair
''Songs from the Big Chair'' is the second studio album by English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records. The album peaked at number two in the UK and at number one in the US, becoming a multi-platinum s ...
''.
Orzabal and Smith were responsible for discovering pianist/vocalist Oleta Adams
Oleta Adams (born May 4, 1953) is an American singer and pianist. She found limited success during the early 1980s, before gaining fame via her contributions to Tears for Fears's international chart-topping album '' The Seeds of Love'' (1989). He ...
, whom they invited to collaborate on their 1989 album ''The Seeds of Love
''The Seeds of Love'' is the third studio album by British pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 September 1989 by Fontana Records. It retained the band's epic sound while incorporating influences ranging from jazz and soul to Beatlesque ...
''. Adams appeared on several tracks on the album, most notably the hit single "Woman in Chains
"Woman in Chains" is a song by English band Tears for Fears, released as the second single from their third studio album, ''The Seeds of Love'' (1989). It has been described as a "feminist anthem". It was an international success, reaching the t ...
", which she performed as a duet with Orzabal. Orzabal then co-produced Adams' album ''Circle of One
''Circle of One'' is the third album by American vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Oleta Adams and was released in 1990. ''Circle of One'' was Adams' first album to receive wide distribution; her two earlier albums (an untitled album in 1982 an ...
'' (1990). The album reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 20 in the US, and featured her transatlantic top ten hit " Get Here". Orzabal also co-wrote the lead track "Rhythm of Life" for the album, which was originally intended for ''The Seeds of Love
''The Seeds of Love'' is the third studio album by British pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 September 1989 by Fontana Records. It retained the band's epic sound while incorporating influences ranging from jazz and soul to Beatlesque ...
''. As well as playing guitar and singing backing vocals on the track, he also appeared in the song's accompanying promo video.
In 1999, Orzabal co-produced Icelandic singer-songwriter Emiliana Torrini
Emiliana is a feminine name of Italian origin. It can refer to:
As a given name
* Emiliana of Trasilla and Emiliana, Catholic saints
* Emilíana Torrini
Emilíana Torrini (born 16 May 1977) is an Icelandic singer and songwriter. She is bes ...
's album '' Love in the Time of Science'', along with Tears for Fears associate Alan Griffiths. The pair also wrote two tracks for the album.
Orzabal wrote the song "Mad World
"Mad World" is a 1982 song by British band Tears for Fears. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith, it was the band's third single release and first chart hit, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart in November 1982. Bo ...
", recorded by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules
Gary Jules Aguirre Jr. (born March 19, 1969) is an American singer-songwriter, known primarily for his cover version of the Tears for Fears song "Mad World", which he recorded with his friend Michael Andrews for the film ''Donnie Darko''. It ...
for the film soundtrack ''Donnie Darko
''Donnie Darko'' is a 2001 American science fiction psychological thriller film written and directed by Richard Kelly and produced by Flower Films. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, ...
'' in 2001. Their version was released as a single in 2003 and became the Christmas number one single in the UK that year, ultimately becoming the year's biggest-selling single. The song was originally composed by Orzabal and was Tears for Fears' first hit single in 1982. In 2004, the song won Orzabal his second Ivor Novello Award
The Ivor Novello Awards, named after the entertainer Ivor Novello, are awards for songwriting and composing. They have been presented annually in London by the Ivors Academy (formerly the BASCA) since 1956, and over 1,000 statuettes have been ...
; he was awarded as the songwriter of the Best Selling UK Single of 2003. In September 2021, Orzabal was awarded his third Ivor Novello Award along with Curt Smith
Curt Smith (born 24 June 1961) is a British singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and co-founding member of the pop rock band Tears for Fears along with childhood friend Roland Orzabal. Smith plays bass guitar, has co-written seve ...
for the Outstanding Song Collection by Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath, England, in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, Tears for Fears were associated with the new ...
.[
]
Novel
Orzabal wrote a novel, a romantic comedy entitled ''Sex, Drugs & Opera'', published in 2014. It tells the story of a middle-aged pop star, Solomon Capri, who is semi-retired but is approached to take part in the reality show ''Popstar to Operastar
''Popstar to Operastar'' is a British television programme in which pop stars were trained to sing opera. The show began airing on ITV on 15 January 2010 at 9pm. The show was repeated on TV3 Ireland on Saturday evening. The programme was produc ...
''. Capri sees the show as a way to rejuvenate his career and his waning marriage. The story was inspired by Orzabal's own experience; he was approached by the ITV show himself, though did not take part.
Personal life
Relationships
In 1982, Orzabal married Caroline Johnston, whom he had been dating since his teenage years. Caroline sang the child vocal on the Tears for Fears song " Suffer the Children" from the band's debut album ''The Hurting
''The Hurting'' is the debut studio album by British new wave band Tears for Fears, released on 7 March 1983. The album peaked at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart in its second week of release, and was certified Gold by the BPI within three weeks o ...
'', and also drew the hands cover artwork for the 1983 re-release of "Pale Shelter
"Pale Shelter" is a song by the British band Tears for Fears. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith, it was originally the band's second single release in early 1982. The original version of the song, entitled "Pale Shelter ( ...
". Roland and Caroline Orzabal had two sons. Caroline Orzabal died in July 2017 aged 54 after suffering from alcoholism-related dementia
Dementia is a disorder which manifests as a set of related symptoms, which usually surfaces when the brain is damaged by injury or disease. The symptoms involve progressive impairments in memory, thinking, and behavior, which negatively affe ...
and cirrhosis
Cirrhosis, also known as liver cirrhosis or hepatic cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease, is the impaired liver function caused by the formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis due to damage caused by liver disease. Damage causes tissue rep ...
, which came about after her menopause
Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time in women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently, and they are no longer able to bear children. Menopause usually occurs between the age of 47 and 54. Medical professionals often ...
led to depression. Her death led the band to cancel its remaining tour dates that year.
In April 2022, Orzabal married Emily Rath, a photographer and writer.[
]
Politics
After the election of Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher (; 13 October 19258 April 2013) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. She was the first female British prime ...
in June 1987, Orzabal took interest in socialism
Socialism is a left-wing Economic ideology, economic philosophy and Political movement, movement encompassing a range of economic systems characterized by the dominance of social ownership of the means of production as opposed to Private prop ...
. He then wrote the lyrics "Politician granny with your high ideals, have you no idea how the majority feels?" in the song " Sowing the Seeds of Love".
Residences
Orzabal has a house in the Hollywood Hills
The Hollywood Hills are a residential neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California.
Geography
The Hollywood Hills straddle the Cahuenga Pass within the Santa Monica Mountains.
The neighborhood touches Studio City, Univer ...
, about 3 miles from bandmate Curt Smith.[ He also has a house in England.
]
Discography
Solo albums
*''Tomcats Screaming Outside
''Tomcats Screaming Outside'' is the only solo studio album by British musician Roland Orzabal from the band Tears for Fears, and was released on 2 April 2001. Although Orzabal had made two albums solely with Tears for Fears moniker in the 1990s ...
'' (2001)
with Graduate
*'' Acting My Age'' (1980)
with Tears for Fears
*''The Hurting
''The Hurting'' is the debut studio album by British new wave band Tears for Fears, released on 7 March 1983. The album peaked at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart in its second week of release, and was certified Gold by the BPI within three weeks o ...
'' (1983)
*''Songs from the Big Chair
''Songs from the Big Chair'' is the second studio album by English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records. The album peaked at number two in the UK and at number one in the US, becoming a multi-platinum s ...
'' (1985)
*''The Seeds of Love
''The Seeds of Love'' is the third studio album by British pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 September 1989 by Fontana Records. It retained the band's epic sound while incorporating influences ranging from jazz and soul to Beatlesque ...
'' (1989)
*''Elemental
An elemental is a mythic being that is described in occult and alchemical works from around the time of the European Renaissance, and particularly elaborated in the 16th century works of Paracelsus. According to Paracelsus and his subsequent fo ...
'' (1993)
*''Raoul and the Kings of Spain
''Raoul and the Kings of Spain'' is the fifth studio album by British pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 10 October 1995 by Epic Records. Like the band's previous album, ''Elemental'' (1993), it is essentially a solo effort by Roland Or ...
'' (1995)
*''Everybody Loves a Happy Ending
''Everybody Loves a Happy Ending'' is the sixth studio album by English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 14 September 2004 in the United States and on 7 March 2005 in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The album marked Tears for Fears' c ...
'' (2004)
*''The Tipping Point
''The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference'' is the debut book by Malcolm Gladwell, first published by Little, Brown in 2000. Gladwell defines a tipping point as "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling po ...
'' (2022)
with Mancrab
*" Fish for Life" (1986)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Orzabal, Roland
1961 births
Living people
20th-century English singers
21st-century English singers
APRA Award winners
English male singers
English new wave musicians
English record producers
English rock singers
English socialists
English songwriters
Ivor Novello Award winners
Male new wave singers
Musicians from Portsmouth
Neon (British band) members
People from Havant
Tears for Fears members
English people of Argentine descent
English people of French descent
English people of Spanish descent
Graduate (band) members