Tears for Fears Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Rock New Wave Alternative rock Synthpop Dance-pop Pop rock Pop music Soft rock Britpop Psychedelic rock Hard rock Post-punk Glam rock Psychedelic pop Sophisti-pop Art pop New romantic permanent wave dance rock new wave pop

Members

Select a Tears for Fears band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Pino Palladino

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Nine Inch Nails The Who The RH Factor Spinal Tap John Mayer Trio Soulquarians The House Band (2) Boogie Box High The Soulquarians The Soultronics Man Doki Soulmates Jools Holland and His Millionaires The Vanguard The Gaddabouts Chris Dave and The Drumhedz

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Roland Orzabal

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Groups:

Graduate Neon Mancrab

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Curt Smith

Roles:

Singer Bassist Keyboardist

Groups:

Graduate Neon

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Gail Ann Dorsey

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Groups:

Gang of Four David Bowie (band) Tao Jones Index

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Ian Stanley

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer Audio Engineer

Groups:

Mancrab

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Chris Hughes

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer

Groups:

Adam and The Ants The Electric Soft Parade

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Andy Cresswell-Davis

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Groups:

Goldfrapp John Lennon Stackridge

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Will Gregory

Roles:

Music Producer

Groups:

Goldfrapp

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Jamie Wollam

Roles:

Drummer

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Mel Collins

Roles:

Keyboardist Saxophonist

Groups:

King Crimson Dire Straits Bad Company The Alan Parsons Project Camel The Secret Police 21st Century Schizoid Band Snape The Bleeding Heart Band Dire Straits Legacy Kokomo Climax Blues

Needs more gear

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Manny Elias

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer

Groups:

The Colourfield The Veils Shriekback I Am Kloot Graduate Neon

No gear added

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Oleta Adams

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist

No gear added

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About

Tears for Fears is a British musical group formed in Bath, England, in 1981, renowned for their influential sound that spans genres like rock, new wave, synthpop, and pop rock. The core members, Roland Orzabal (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Curt Smith (vocals, bass guitar), have crafted an enduring partnership that has left a lasting impact on the music world. Known for their emotionally charged lyrics and innovative soundscapes, Tears for Fears emerged from the post-punk era with a unique blend of pop sensibility and introspective depth.

How to Sound Like Tears for Fears

Tears for Fears’ sound is characterized by its rich, melodic layers and emotionally resonant vocals, creating an atmospheric and immersive listening experience. The band's use of synthesizers and lush guitar tones is pivotal in crafting their distinctive style, which is both expansive and intimate. Roland Orzabal's choice of guitars, such as the Fender Walnut "The Stratocaster", contributes to their clean yet powerful sound. The production often incorporates ambient effects and dynamic arrangements, lending a cinematic quality to their tracks. Curt Smith's bass lines, often captured with precision through equipment like the Neumann TLM 170, provide a smooth, grounding presence that complements the intricate, layered compositions.

Discography

The Hurting

1983

Songs From The Big Chair

1985

The Seeds Of Love

1989

Elemental

1993

Raoul and The Kings of Spain

1995

Everybody Loves a Happy Ending

2004

Songs For A Nervous Planet

2024

Shout

2025

Get the Tears for Fears Sound

Want to sound like Tears for Fears? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.