Roland Orzabal And His Wife’s Death

Roland Orzabal, from the band Tears for Fears married his first wife Caroline in the early 80’s.  She stayed by his side throughout his stardom and career with numerous hit songs and maniacal fans. Beginning in the 80’s no one could get enough of the English band, Tears for Fears.  They toured everywhere and it was quite a sensation for Roland and his co-founder, Curt Smith, who grew up in Bath, England. 

Roland Orzabal was known for being aloof during his young rock star years.  He didn’t care for attention and prying photographers. In fact, one photographer kept trying to take his picture but he kept moving his head so she couldn’t take a picture. She then slipped him a note.  It read “How can someone who makes such warm music be so cold?” He then wrote a song called “Cold.” The first 2 verses of the song, “Cold” describe the interaction.  Today, however, Roland Orzabal talks freely about his life and the devastating death of his longtime wife Caroline.

Caroline Orzabal died of alcoholism.  Roland describes it as a very dark period where he was the main caretaker for his wife for quite a few years.  Caroline Orzabal died in July 2017 at 62 years old.  She suffered from alcoholism-related dementia and cirrhosis.  Roland stayed by her side and cared for her.  

Today, the band Tears for Fears is back on tour. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith are the best of friends and support each other. They put out a poignant album recently called “The Tipping Point.”  In a tribute to Roland’s former wife he wrote the following lyrics:

So who’s that ghost knocking at my door?

You know that I can’t love you more

What’s that shape climbing over my wall?

You know that I can’t love you more

For help with grieving after the death of a spouse visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/mourning-death-spouse