Live Gig Review
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Date - 22nd March 2024
Venue - Guildhall
Town - Portsmouth
OMD Victorious in Portsmouth
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are still very popular so disregard any misleading news feeds or headlines coming up with a poorly researched narrative. There were 2000 plus ardent fans packed into the Guildhall venue last night who would only use such news to eat their fish 'n' chips from (if that is still a thing?).
From start to finish OMD, with lead vocal talent being the multi flexible Andy McClusky, produced a trawl through a passage of constant successful singles and albums. Even the more shall I say minor hits were all greeted as old Electronic friends, to be freshly adored or greeted again with a knowing smile.
Andy's erstwhile sparring partner being Paul Humphreys, who takes lead on a couple of the songs including the gigantic anthem that is Souvenir. His backing vocals are an important part of the OMD mix, he juggled the vocals with the task of keyboard duties, always breaking from his concentration to have a glance to the crowd with a look that said: I am so glad to be up here tonight.
To my ears the trio of songs played about half way through the set taken from the 1980's masterpiece that is Architecture & Morality, hit the heights of perfection on the night. The aforementioned Souvenir, Joan of Arc and Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans) were followed by two minutes applause, these songs were created maybe at the peak of the band's powers and the audience were transported back to 1981 in a heartbeat.
It is a testament to the quality of the current album Bauhaus Staircase that 7 of the songs were played, sitting comfortably alongside the seasoned favourites. Though OMD have been with us off and on for some 40 plus years there is a consistency throughout their music which connects right back to Electricity, their final number last night.
Photographs by Dan Reddick
Review by Dan Reddick