Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
On a warm summer night on June 27th, Tears for Fears graced the stage at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY, delivering a memorable performance that showcased their timeless talent and musical mastery. As the crowd eagerly awaited their set to begin, Roland Orzabal, one half of the iconic duo, shared with the audience that CMAC marked their first outdoor show of the tour, setting the stage for an exciting evening ahead.
Both Orzabal and Curt Smith, the founding members of Tears for Fears, took a moment to express their pride in their new album, The Tipping Point. They spoke about the album before treating the audience to a live rendition of “Long Long Time,” a track from the record. The band continued to captivate the crowd with several other songs from their latest release, including “No Small Thing,” “The Tipping Point,” “Rivers of Mercy,” “Break the Man,” and “My Demons.”
“My Demons” emerged as a standout moment of the night, not only due to the band’s impeccable performance but also thanks to the mesmerizing visuals displayed on the background screen and the stunning lighting effects. The combination of the music and the captivating lighting truly left a lasting impression.
While Tears for Fears’ new album shines musically and lyrically, hearing the band perform these songs live elevates them to new heights. The energy and passion they brought to the stage breathed new life into their music, instilling a renewed appreciation for their craft.
Orzabal delighted the audience with a touch of humor, reminiscing about the band’s early days. He playfully mentioned that they had been together as a band since they were 14, jokingly acknowledging their transformation from “cuties” to older gentlemen. He also provided insight into their musical journey, sharing how they discovered their distinctive sound when they stumbled upon the synthesizer, which ultimately shaped their identity.
The concert took a unique turn when Orzabal and Smith graciously stepped back, allowing their backup singer, Lauren Evans, to take the spotlight for the song “Suffer the Children.” Evans showcased her extraordinary talent and powerful voice, leaving the crowd in awe of her abilities. The harmonies in “Woman in Chains,” which followed, were nothing short of outstanding, with Evans seamlessly filling the role originally performed by Oleta Adams.
Paying tribute to Evans’ versatility, Orzabal playfully commended her not only for her singing but also for her shaking skills, asking her to demonstrate her talent. With a shaker in hand, Evans joined the band in a spirited rendition of “Badmans Song,” further diversifying the evening’s sonic landscape.
The concert was a well-rounded affair, with Tears for Fears performing a range of hits from their extensive catalog. Songs like “Pale Shelter” and “Break it Down Again” demonstrated a more rock-oriented and layered sound, providing a refreshing variation compared to their iconic 80s hits. Of course, they didn’t disappoint the fans who came to relive the classics, as the band performed crowd-pleasers such as “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Head Over Heels.”
In a memorable encore, Tears for Fears returned to the stage, concluding the night with two more beloved tracks: “Change” and the anthemic “Shout.” The audience sang along, reveling in the timeless appeal of these enduring hits.
As a devoted fan expecting to relive the nostalgia of Tears for Fears’ classic hits, I was pleasantly surprised by how their new songs won me over. Witnessing their live performances breathed new energy into the tracks from their latest album, taking them to a higher and more captivating level than what the studio recordings offered. It was a testament to the band’s enduring talent and ability to evolve while retaining their signature sound.
Tears for Fears, despite having been around for a “long long time,” proved that they still possess the same magic that captivated audiences decades ago. Their show at CMAC was a testament to their longevity, showcasing their musical abilities, engaging stage presence, and a genuine connection with their fans. Tears for Fears’ performance was an unforgettable experience that left the audience spellbound and reaffirmed their status as one of the greatest bands of their generation.
Tears for Fears Gallery
Cold War Kids Gallery (opening act)
