Big-hearted pop star Curt Smith, ex frontman of '80s legends Tears
For Fears, has come good for
the residents of Bath - and may even be back in the
city soon. Anna Burdett reports he may live in Los Angeles, but a Bath
born pop star who rocketed to world-wide fame in the 1980s has not
forgotten his roots. His new single will help a city carnival. Former Tears
For Fears singer Curt Smith recorded Snowhill for his solo album
last year, but the track was never released in Britain. Now, because
the organisers
of London Road Carnival are so short of money, the singer is releasing
the
single on a limited run and it will only be on sale in Bath.
The song is all about the Curt's coming of age in Snowhill where he grew up and all proceeds from sales will go towards the carnival to be held on July 9. Curt's brother Sean, who still lives in London Road, worked with Tears For Fears during their heyday in the 1980s when they had hits like Everybody Wants To Rule The World and Sowing The Seeds Of Love. He is organising the release of the single, which was recorded last summer, on behalf of Curt, who now lives in Los Angeles.
Mr Smith said: "Curt met Roland in Snowhill, that is where Tears For Fears began. "He wanted this track because he likes it and it is all about the area. "This will be a special limited edition release for the festival only. Anyone who wants this single will have to come to Bath to get it, it will only be available here."
Tears For Fears split in 1990, but the band has a cult following with many internet sites devoted to the duo's past recordings and latest releases... And to whet the appetite of fans further it is possible that Curt, who attended Beechen Cliff School, will make a personal appearance at the carnival. The parade will see floats and a procession of pedestrians in the bus lane of London Road and later there will be music and fireworks in Kensington Meadows. Sean said: "Curt is due over here this year so he might be able to make it over to the carnival. "We are hoping to produce 1,000 CDs at first and sell them for around 3 each."