Tears for Fears experienced an acrimonious split in 1991 primarily due to significant tensions that arose within the band following the immense success of their third album, The Seeds of Love.
The Rift Following The Seeds of Love
The relationship between the band's core members, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, became increasingly strained during and after the creation of their album, The Seeds of Love. Despite the album achieving worldwide success, the internal pressures and creative differences became overwhelming, leading to a bitter breakup.
Key Factors Contributing to the Split:
- Mounting Tensions: Deep-seated creative and personal conflicts escalated between Orzabal and Smith, making it unsustainable for them to continue working together.
- Curt Smith's Departure: The desire to distance himself from the escalating disputes was so strong for Curt Smith that he ultimately decided to leave the band. He went as far as leaving the United Kingdom, relocating to the United States and choosing not to return.
- Acrimonious Breakup: The split in 1991 was notably bitter, resulting in a prolonged period where the two artists had no communication.
The Aftermath and Subsequent Reconciliation
Following Curt Smith's departure, Roland Orzabal continued to record and release music under the Tears for Fears name. The estrangement between the former bandmates was significant; they did not speak to each other for a period of nine years after the initial split. Eventually, Curt Smith, while permanently based in the US, initiated contact with Orzabal. This outreach paved the way for their eventual reconciliation and subsequent reunion, allowing them to work together again on future Tears for Fears projects.
