The band Tears for Fears originated in Bath, England, in 1981. It was formed by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. The name "Tears for Fears" was inspired by primal therapy, a psychological therapy developed by American psychologist Arthur Janov, which gained publicity after John Lennon became his patient. Orzabal and Smith were influenced by Janov's concepts of confronting repressed childhood trauma, which also influenced the themes in their music. They initially formed the band after their previous band, Graduate, dissolved. Their music blends synth-pop with emotional and psychological themes, reflecting their early influences and therapy concepts.