Lead vocalist and co-founder of Tears for Fears, known for hits like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World".
Curt Smith, a British-American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, is best known as the co-lead vocalist, bassist, and co-founding member of the renowned pop-rock band Tears for Fears, alongside his childhood friend Roland Orzabal. With his distinctive vocal style and bass-playing skills, he has co-written several of the band's iconic hits, including "Mad World," "Pale Shelter," "Change," and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
Born on June 24, 1961, in Bath, Somerset, England, Smith grew up on the Snow Hill council estate and attended Beechen Cliff School. His interest in music began during his teenage years, when he formed a band with Roland Orzabal. Smith taught himself to play the bass guitar, and the duo went on to form the ska-influenced band Graduate in the late 1970s.
With Graduate, Smith released the band's sole studio album in 1980, achieving moderate success in Europe. During this period, Smith and Orzabal also worked as session musicians for the band Neon, alongside fellow band members Pete Byrne and Rob Fisher, who would later form the duo Naked Eyes.
After Graduate and Neon disbanded, Smith and Orzabal founded Tears for Fears in 1981. The band's debut studio album, The Hurting (1983), reached number one in the UK and spawned three international hit singles, including "Mad World," "Change," and "Pale Shelter," all featuring Smith on lead vocals.
Their second studio album, Songs from the Big Chair (1985), catapulted the band to global success, topping the charts in the United States and achieving multi-platinum status. The album included hits like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," "Shout," and "Head Over Heels," solidifying Tears for Fears' position as a pioneering force in the music industry.
After departing from Tears for Fears in 1991, Smith pursued a solo career, releasing his debut studio album, Soul on Board, in 1993. He went on to release four more studio albums and one EP, showcasing his versatility as a singer-songwriter. In 2000, Smith rejoined Tears for Fears, reuniting with Orzabal to continue creating music that would captivate audiences worldwide.
Curt Smith's contributions to Tears for Fears have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His distinctive vocal style, lyrical depth, and bass-playing skills have inspired countless artists and fans alike. With Tears for Fears, he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including three Brit Awards and two Grammy nominations.
Smith's impact extends beyond his music, as he has also dabbled in acting, appearing in various television shows and films. His philanthropic efforts have supported organizations such as the Prince's Trust and the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity.
With a career spanning over four decades, Curt Smith continues to create music that resonates with fans across generations, cementing his status as a music legend and an integral part of Tears for Fears' enduring legacy.
As a testament to his lasting impact, Curt Smith's music remains an integral part of pop-rock history, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.
64 Years Old
Lead vocalist and co-founder of Tears for Fears, creating iconic 80s hits like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World".
42 Years Old
Co-founder of Facebook, a pioneering social media platform that revolutionized online connectivity and transformed the way people interact. He's also a successful entrepreneur and publisher, shaping the digital landscape.
