Written by Mark Playle
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark or OMD first hit the UK charts back in 1980 with their track “Enola Gay” which was a top ten hit. This tune really struck a chord with me the very first time I heard it and it’s a real piece of pioneering electronic music.
Back then the chart was littered with amazing artists and 1980 was a very very good year for top songs that were lyrically sound and indeed have totally stood the test of time. There were iconic tunes literally filling the top ten slot from January 1980 until December 1980 and we were gifted by the likes of Bowie, ABBA, Madness, Blondie, Diana Ross, Pink Floyd, John Lennon, The Jam, The Detroit Spinners, Status Que, Pretenders, Police, Stevie Wonder, the list just goes on and on and on, an absolute moment in time.
Fast forward to November 2017 my mate Mark Jones suggested we could both go and see OMD at the Round House in Camden, I just thought wow. I remember hearing “Enola Gay” in Freddie’s at Pikes hotel back in 2016. The dance floor was already rocking and when the OMD tune mixed in there was a real buzz in the room.
We arrived into Camden early as we wanted to eat. We parked the the silver dream machine opposite the Round House and headed for our favourite Thai. We hadn’t long been seated when the door opened and Paul Humphreys from OMD walked in with his lady and ordered their supper, I knew then it was going to be an amazing evening.
The Round House is a fantastic venue in the heart of Camden, North London. It is easy to get to and in a great location surrounded by many quirky bars and places to eat. “The Punishment Of Luxury”, OMD’s latest album blended perfectly with the rest of their classic tracks.
Check OMD’s website for more info
OMD came on stage and it just felt right. The air was full of positive vibes and the whole moment felt completely meant to be. The performance was spot on as was the sound and the visuals. The energy of the performance was fantastic as it was with the audience and between the band. The whole show was totally connected
Check out my you tube link to my favourite OMD number