In a blaze of electrifying excitement, British synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) have set the stage ablaze with their latest announcement. These musical trailblazers are back in action, armed with a forthcoming studio album that promises to be a sonic revelation. Get ready to mark your calendars, folks, because OMD is hitting the road in February and March 2024, taking the UK and Ireland by storm.
With 22 electrifying dates on their tour itinerary, OMD is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience to fans across the UK and Ireland. And it’s not just any tour; it’s a triumphant return culminating in their grandest London headline show ever, slated for March 24th, 2024, at the iconic O2 Arena. Joining them in this mesmerizing journey will be none other than the legendary Howard Jones (for the London show only) and the sensational Walt Disco (for all other dates). Brace yourselves, music enthusiasts, for a live performance like no other.
“We are absolutely thrilled to hit the road once again, armed with a brand new album to showcase,” says the effervescent Andy McCluskey. “It’s been six long years since we last introduced fresh tracks into our live repertoire, and the songs from ‘Bauhaus Staircase’ are a perfect fit. The only challenge now is deciding which five tracks to feature, as we must, of course, treat our fans to the classics as well!”
But wait, there’s more! OMD is also gifting us ‘Slow Train,’ the second tantalizing glimpse into their upcoming album, ‘Bauhaus Staircase,’ set to drop on October 27th, courtesy of 100% Records. ‘Slow Train’ is a raucous, glam-infused explosion, showcasing the band’s versatility and innovation. This musical masterpiece was crafted with a little help from rock producer extraordinaire, David Watts, renowned for his work with Sheffield band The Reytons on their recent No 1 album, ‘What’s Rock And Roll?’ Watts injects a sharp, exhilarating new sound into the record. And if that’s not enough to get your pulses racing, the accompanying futuristic animated video, brought to life by Cine1080 Studio, is nothing short of mind-blowing.
“‘Slow Train’ is a wild ride of a song, and the video is a visually stunning journey into madness,” reflects Andy. “After 45 years of making music, it feels invigorating to challenge people’s expectations of the band.”
‘Bauhaus Staircase’ stands as OMD’s most explicitly political record, a testament to their unwavering commitment to both sonic experimentation and pop sensibility. Born from the creative spark ignited during the lockdown, this album is an expansive, electronic masterpiece that lyrically grapples with the uncertainties of the future. It was primarily the brainchild of both McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, the latter of whom has recently embraced fatherhood for the second time. This dynamic duo has truly outdone themselves.
With a staggering 25 million singles and 15 million albums sold, OMD has secured their place in history as electronic synthesizer pioneers and one of Britain’s most cherished pop groups. Their discography includes timeless classics like ‘Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark’ (1980), ‘Organisation’ (1980), ‘Architecture & Morality’ (1981), and ‘Dazzle Ships’ (1983).
One might expect OMD to be basking in semi-retirement, revisiting the classics at nostalgia festivals like their peers. Yet, instead of resting on their laurels, they have crafted a monumental album that stands proudly alongside their finest work. ‘Bauhaus Staircase’ is an unmistakable testament to the enduring synergy of a duo who, 45 years after their legendary debut at Liverpool’s iconic club Eric’s, remain perfectly in sync.
Prepare for a musical journey like no other, as OMD graces the following UK cities in February and March 2024:
February 2024
- Tue 27th Belfast, Ulster Hall
- Wed 28th Dublin, Olympia Theatre
March
- Fri 1st Manchester, O2 Apollo
- Sun 3rd Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
- Tue 5th Leeds, First Direct Arena
- Wed 6th Edinburgh, Usher Hall
- Fri 8th Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
- Sat 9th Newcastle, O2 City Hall
- Sun 10th Sheffield, City Hall
- Tue 12th Leicester, De Montfort Hall
- Wed 13th Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
- Fri 15th Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
- Sat 16th Swansea, Arena
- Sun 17th Southend-On-Sea, Cliffs Pavilion
- Tue 19th Bristol, Beacon
- Wed 20th Oxford, New Theatre
- Fri 22nd Portsmouth, Guildhall
- Sat 23rd Ipswich, Regent
- Sun 24th London, The O2*
- Tue 26th Brighton, Dome
- Wed 27th Eastbourne, Winter Gardens
This is your chance to witness music history in the making as OMD unleashes their sonic revolution upon the stage once more. Don’t miss out!
Photo Credit: Ed Miles