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Welcome to Your Life: Love, Death and Tears for Fears; The instant Sunday Times Bestseller
Welcome to Your Life is the captivating and deeply personal memoir from Roland Orzabal, founding member and primary songwriter of the iconic English band Tears for Fears.
Known for their smash hits including "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", "Shout", "Head Over Heels" and "Mad World", Tears for Fears and their unforgettable songs have been part of the fabric of rock and roll for over forty years.
Orzabal shares the story of his band and also his life. It's a journey marked by massive fame, mental health struggles, a career that's navigated a hugely changed political and musical landscape, the creative and personal breakdown of Roland's relationship with Curt Smith, the devastating loss of his wife and the road back to fulfilment as a man, father and musician.
As he reflects on love, loss, faith and recovery, Orzabal shows how the power of music can heal even the deepest wounds.
Known for their smash hits including "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", "Shout", "Head Over Heels" and "Mad World", Tears for Fears and their unforgettable songs have been part of the fabric of rock and roll for over forty years.
Orzabal shares the story of his band and also his life. It's a journey marked by massive fame, mental health struggles, a career that's navigated a hugely changed political and musical landscape, the creative and personal breakdown of Roland's relationship with Curt Smith, the devastating loss of his wife and the road back to fulfilment as a man, father and musician.
As he reflects on love, loss, faith and recovery, Orzabal shows how the power of music can heal even the deepest wounds.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 16, 2026
A Fascinating Read
I’d like to say that, as with many autobiographies, this one made me like the author more than I already did. It did not.
It’s an excellent read. A telling of one side of the TFF story, and one side of his first marriage, of course. There’s an awful lot of astrology too; something I’m not averse to, but wasn’t expecting. I learnt a lot about both the author, and about astrology, which were both welcome.
But it did nothing to make me like him. In fact, I’d venture to say that I actively disliked him at many points in the book. And conversely really liked Curt very much. That man has put up with a great deal from his some time band mate and some others in the industry. I’d love to read his side of the story! (Go on, Curt… ).
But I’ll give him his due, Mr Orzabal does know that he’s challenging; self-obsessed; selfish; bullish; bullying even at points. So he has a level of self-awareness at least. And age has probably helped with that. He’s had it tough too, though no more than many people I know, and often through his own actions. I hope the book has helped him to grow as a person.
I’d definitely recommend the book, though, if not the man.
I’d like to say that, as with many autobiographies, this one made me like the author more than I already did. It did not.
It’s an excellent read. A telling of one side of the TFF story, and one side of his first marriage, of course. There’s an awful lot of astrology too; something I’m not averse to, but wasn’t expecting. I learnt a lot about both the author, and about astrology, which were both welcome.
But it did nothing to make me like him. In fact, I’d venture to say that I actively disliked him at many points in the book. And conversely really liked Curt very much. That man has put up with a great deal from his some time band mate and some others in the industry. I’d love to read his side of the story! (Go on, Curt… ).
But I’ll give him his due, Mr Orzabal does know that he’s challenging; self-obsessed; selfish; bullish; bullying even at points. So he has a level of self-awareness at least. And age has probably helped with that. He’s had it tough too, though no more than many people I know, and often through his own actions. I hope the book has helped him to grow as a person.
I’d definitely recommend the book, though, if not the man.
August 7, 2026
A lot of back and forth between the time lines. Well written. I was probably one of the old fans he wrote about after the Red Rock concert. Typical Roland.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews