Tears For Fears’ Curt Smith Puts Hand Up For English Soccer Club

Not everybody wants to rule the world.

Curt Smith would be happy with a stake in his beloved soccer team, Bath City FC.

The singer, songwriter and co-founder of Tears For Fears has contributed to a 50-strong investor group that is angling to buy the team, which currently plays in the Southern League Premier Division South.

The club’s board and supporters’ society have recommended the sale for about £6 million ($8.1 million), which should plug much-needed investment into the club.

Smith is now based in the United States but grew up in Bath, an historic town in Somerset, England, known for its Roman-built baths and for its short distance to several British icons, including Stonehenge, and the Eavis’ Worthy Farm in Pilton, the site of Glastonbury Festival.

“Here in Twerton, where I spent most of my youth, it is slightly under-served,” Smith tells the BBC .

“For me it’s exciting we can do something for the community around here,” he continued.

The investor group is led by Andrew Stalbow, co-founder and CEO of a mobile entertainment company.

Should the deal be approved and completed , Stalbow would become the club’s chairman.

“If I can lend my name and make people a bit more comfortable in investing and coming to the club, then I’ll do that,” Smith added.

“At times you have to give back and this time I’m giving back to my home town.” Smith, should the deal progress, would join a long list of musicians with British soccer connections.

Elton John served as chairman and director of Watford FC, reporting pumping millions into the club from 1976 until 2002.

John’s “Merry Christmas” collaborator Ed Sheeran bought a 1% stake in his hometown team, Ipswich Town, and sponsors the club’s men’s and women’s team shirt jerseys.

Snoop Dogg is an investor and minority shareholder in Welsh team Swansea City, while fellow hip-hop artist Stormzy is a part owner in AFC Croydon Athletic.