About: Angelo Marchini

On Saturday night, Pitbull arrived at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage with his 2022 “I Feel Good” tour, along with Australian rap artist Iggy Azalea. A sold out venue greeted him with excitement and relief to see him here after so many cancellations due to the pandemic.

English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and co-founder of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, performed a sold out show at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

No matter how much time moves on, the 80s refuse to die.

As I arrived for ABC’s concert at El Mocambo, the last time they visited Toronto was in 2009 when they played Pride, I saw two punk twentysomethings hanging out on the corner of College and Spadina. Siouxsie and the Banshees aren’t on the bill, I wanted to tell them. I should have just embraced them for looking so 80s.

Last night, Toronto was thrilled by the return of veteran 80s synth pop acts Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). OMD are Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, and they are one of the original pioneers of 80’s synth pop, alongside bands like Depeche Mode, Human League and Kraftwerk. After signing to Richard Branson’s label Virgin in the early 80s, the group racked up 13 Top 40 hits and sold over 40m records. They are now celebrating their 40th birthday with this tour.

The concert last night had a strange yet familiar aura of excitement to it. It reminded me of the 2018 gig at the Danforth Music Hall. The venue was packed as the concert was sold out. You knew you were going to get a great live show. We were in for a treat.

As the house music stopped the groundbreaking song “Atomic Ranch” announced OMD’s arrival on stage. With a cold war reminiscent movie playing in the background the band took to their instruments and started what would be an amazing night of music and memories. It didn’t take McCluskey long to get his legendary moves on and by the start of “Stanlow” he was dancing all over the stage. McCluskey performed his signature arm grasping, almost ballet like dance techniques.

The vigour of McCluskey and the band astounded me. Lets not forget that these chaps are all on their 60’s. Without missing a beat, the band demonstrated why their music is still filling concert halls after more than 40 years. The crowd was dancing, applauding, singing along with the songs, and having an amazing time. OMD rocked History (The venue) and made history by making everyone feel part of an unforgettable evening. “Souvenir”, “Joan of Arc”, “Maid of New Orleans”, “Tesla Girls”, “Almost”, “Dreaming”, “So in Love”, “Locomotion” were highlights of the night. Obviously an OMD concert could not be without a rendition of “Enola Gay”. Always a crowd favourite.

The band wrapped up the main performance with “Enola Gay”. Obviously an OMD concert couldn’t be without a rendition of “Enola Gay”. Always a crowd favourite.  History erupted into a maelstrom of clapping, cheering, and stamping as the lights went down once “Enola Gay “ was over and the band departed the stage. The crowd started  asking for more and after a few minutes that felt like an eternity, the band came out to deliver. They treat us to a three-tune finale: “If you Leave”, made famous in the 1986 film Pretty in Pink, “Secret” and the immortal pop diamond that is “Electricity”. They managed to cram in a total of 22 songs in I don’t remember how many minutes.

It’s awesome that, over forty years on, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark can be so lively, captivating and fun. Once again I came away from an OMD concert smiling and having loved the stage show and music. See them perform live if possible.

A special thanks to Live Nation Ontario for the accreditation.

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto

Mika brought his The Right to Spring tour to a sold out History night club in Toronto on Wednesday evening, the first of 4 Canadian stops.

There is no question that Blue Rodeo is one of those quintessentially Canadian bands whose hits are known far and wide across this great country. When you then add a venue like Massey Hall you have the perfect maelstrom for an unforgettable evening.

Kendra Kay, Manitoba’s rising country star, came to the legendary The El Mocambo in Toronto, ON, this past Thursday March 10th to show why she has several MCMA Awards to her name as well as being a two-time Manitoba Country Music Award Winner.

Montreal’s Béatrice Martin, better known by her artistic name “Cœur de Pirate” delighted an eager crowd gasping for music last night at the Danforth Music Hall. After what seemed an eternity it was a breath of fresh air to be able to bask in the sound of her voice. A heavily pregnant Beatrice took in all the love she received from her Toronto audience at the almost sold-out show.

Hamilton rockers, Monster Truck, hit the newest entertainment venue, CityView Drive-In, located opposite Rebel nightclub, last Friday, July 16th as Toronto celebrated its first drive-in concert since COVID19 and the subsequent lock down that hit Canada last March.

American stand-up comedian and YouTube comedy sensation Victor DiBitetto, recently visited Toronto to the delight of fans who packed the Danforth Music Hall for his only, and sold out, Canadian show.