Welcome to Your Life

Love, Death & Tears For Fears

By: Roland Orzabal

Narrated by: Roland Orzabal

**Read By The Author!**

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.

The digital audio edition of this book is read by Roland Orzabal himself.

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.

Inspiring

I’m not even a little bit into astrology, but I am very much into TFF and am grateful for the impact they have had on my life. Mr. Orzabal has lived an amazing and inspiring life, and I’m very pleased that he is sharing his message of hope and recovery. While astrology is certainly mentioned throughout the book, it’s not overwhelming. Roland seems to understand that many people either aren’t interested or well-schooled in it, and he treats the subject tactfully and respectfully. He does a great job at narrating this beautiful memoir. Grateful to be alive to experience it.

I loved it!

This was such a great accounting of the influences, life and path of TFF as well as a beautiful introduction to astrology and spirituality! Thank you for sharing your story ♥️

Roland’s Beautiful Soul

I have been a fan of TFF since their inception. I have seen them four times at different stages of their music. To hear Roland’s version of his life is amazing to me because I have admired him so much. Now I admire him even more. Hopefully, Curt is not far behind.

Great storytelling and insightful.

Hearing Roland’s voice was such a great personal touch. I felt like I was right beside him as his life progressed.

Stories behind the music

Orzabal’s autobiography proves why Tears For Fears were the most emotionally honest of the New Wave bands for my money. His personal stories explain why their songs were centered around deeper feelings and more complex themes in the human experience that other bands didn’t touch. While there is some astrology discussed, it doesn’t take away from the history of the band but adds context of how Orzabal resolved the difficulties he encountered in his life. Highly enjoyable for fans of the band overall and definitely recommended.