Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Archives

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