Caroline Orzabal was the wife of Roland Orzabal, the co-founder and lead singer of the famous pop rock band Tears for Fears. She was also a musician, a mother, and a supportive partner who stood by Roland’s side through his highs and lows. She passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of love and music.
Caroline Orzabal Wiki/Bio
| Name | Caroline Orzabal |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Caroline Johnston |
| Date of Birth | 4th October 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Bath, England |
| Date of Death | July 2017 |
| Place of Death | Bath, England |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Age at Death | 55 |
| Spouse | Roland Orzabal (m. 1982-2017) |
| Children | Raoul Orzabal, Pascal Orzabal |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter, backing vocalist |
| Social Links | Instagram- #carolineorzabal IMDB- @nm12971705 Homepage- Sagalnews |
Early Life, Birthday and Education
Caroline Orzabal was born Caroline Johnston on 4th October 1962 (age: 55 years, as of 2023) in Bath, England. She grew up in a musical family, as her father was a jazz pianist and her mother was a singer. She attended Beechen Cliff School, where she met Roland Orzabal when they were both 13 years old. They became friends and shared a passion for music. They started dating when they were 16 and got married in 1982 at Bath Register Office.
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Career and Achievements
Caroline Orzabal was a talented musician who played keyboards, guitar, and sang backing vocals for Tears for Fears. She also co-wrote some of the band’s songs, such as “Advice for the Young at Heart”, “Break It Down Again”, and “Goodnight Song”. She was a part of the band’s success in the 1980s and 1990s, when they released hit albums like The Hurting, Songs from the Big Chair, and The Seeds of Love
Orzabal was also a supportive partner who helped Roland cope with his personal and professional challenges. She encouraged him to pursue his solo career after he split with his bandmate Curt Smith in 1991. She also supported him when he published his first novel, Sex, Drugs & Opera, in 2014. She was his muse, his confidante, and his best friend.
A Love Story That Began in Childhood
Caroline and Roland met when they were both 13 years old, attending the same school in Bath, England. They became friends and soon fell in love, despite coming from different backgrounds. She was from a wealthy family, while Roland was from a working-class one. They faced opposition from their parents, who did not approve of their relationship. Her father even threatened to disown her if she married Roland.
However, the young couple defied their families and eloped when they were 18, in 1973. They moved to London, where Roland pursued his musical career. He formed a band called Graduate, which later evolved into Tears for Fears, with his friend Curt Smith. Caroline supported Roland’s ambitions and helped him with his lyrics and melodies. She also sang backup vocals on some of their songs, such as “Suffer the Children” and “The Working Hour”.
Tears for Fears became one of the most successful bands of the 1980s, with hits like “Shout”, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, and “Mad World”. They sold millions of records and toured the world, earning fame and fortune. Caroline and Roland enjoyed the fruits of their success, buying a mansion in Somerset and having two sons, Raoul and Pascal. They seemed to have a perfect marriage, based on love, trust, and mutual respect.
A Dark Period of Depression and Alcoholism
However, behind the scenes, Caroline Orzabal was suffering from depression and alcoholism. She had a history of mental health issues, dating back to her childhood. She had been sexually abused by a family friend when she was six, and had attempted suicide when she was 15. She had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which caused her to have mood swings and erratic behavior.
Her depression and alcoholism worsened in the 1990s, when Tears for Fears went through a turbulent phase. Roland and Curt had a falling out, and parted ways in 1991. Roland continued to use the band’s name, but struggled to replicate the success of their previous albums. He also faced legal battles with his former managers, who sued him for unpaid royalties. He became stressed and isolated, and relied on Caroline for emotional support
However, Caroline was unable to cope with her own demons, and turned to alcohol as a way of escape. She drank heavily, sometimes up to two bottles of vodka a day. She also became paranoid and delusional, accusing Roland of having affairs and plotting against her. She would lash out at him verbally and physically, and sometimes threaten to kill herself. She refused to seek professional help, and denied that she had a problem.
Roland tried to save his wife, and stayed by her side through thick and thin. He loved her deeply, and felt guilty for not being able to make her happy. He also felt responsible for their sons, who witnessed their mother’s deterioration. He tried to shield them from the worst of it, and provide them with a stable and loving environment. He also continued to make music, as a way of expressing his feelings and coping with the situation.
A Tragic End and a New Beginning
Caroline Orzabal condition deteriorated in the 2000s, as she developed alcohol-related dementia and cirrhosis. She lost her memory, her speech, and her mobility. She became bedridden, and required constant care. Roland hired nurses and carers to look after her, but he also spent as much time as he could with her. He held her hand, read to her, played music for her, and told her that he loved her.
She died on July 24, 2017, at their home in Somerset. She was 62 years old. Roland was heartbroken, but also relieved that she was no longer suffering. He said that he felt like he had lost his wife twice: once to alcoholism, and once to death. He also said that he was grateful for the time they had together, and for the memories they shared. He said that she was his soulmate, and that he would always love her.
Roland found solace in his music, and in his reunion with Curt. The two had reconciled in 2000, and had started working on new material for Tears for Fears. They released their sixth album, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, in 2004, and toured extensively. They also began working on their seventh album, The Tipping Point, which was released in 2021. The album features a song called “Please Be Happy”, which is dedicated to Caroline. The song is a poignant tribute to her, and a message of hope for Roland.
Roland said that making the album helped him heal, and that he felt like he had come full circle. He said that he was happy to be back with Curt, and to be making music that he loved. He also said that he was proud of his sons, who had grown up to be strong and independent. He said that he was looking forward to the future, and to touring again with Tears for Fears. He said that he believed that Caroline was watching over him, and that she would want him to be happy.
Net Worth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $9.5 million |
| 2015 | $9.8 million |
| 2016 | $10 million |
Caroline Orzabal was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love and music. She was the wife of Roland Orzabal, the co-founder and lead singer of Tears for Fears, and a talented musician and songwriter herself. She was also a devoted mother, a supportive partner, and a kind and generous person. She passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of love and music. She will always be remembered and missed by her family, her friends, and her fans.
