OMD Electrify Liverpool with a Nostalgic and Innovative Performance on the Bauhaus Staircase Tour

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) delivered a spellbinding performance at the M&S Bank Arena, weaving together the past and the future of synth-pop in a show that was both a homage to their roots and a bold step forward. The Bauhaus Staircase tour, named after their latest album, saw the band return to their hometown with a set that spanned their entire career, from their early experimental beginnings to their latest innovative creations.

Dressed in their signature black, against a backdrop that merged psychedelic visuals with cutting-edge technology, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys captivated the audience from the moment they took the stage. The anticipation in the arena was palpable, fuelled by the six-year wait since their last album, The Punishment of Luxury. The opening pre-recorded track, Evolution of Species, set a thematic tone for the evening, seamlessly leading into Anthropocene from the new album, a performance that showcased McCluskey’s iconic, frenetic stage presence.

The setlist was a masterclass in balancing new material with classic hits. The transition from the new track Anthropocene to the 1980s hit Messages highlighted OMD’s enduring ability to blend the fresh with the familiar, a testament to their timeless appeal. This juxtaposition served as a reminder that while their classic hits remain beloved anthems, OMD continues to innovate and expand their sonic landscape.

The night was punctuated by moments that underscored the band’s versatility and the depth of their catalogue. The protest song Kleptocracy from Bauhaus Staircase contrasted with the upbeat Tesla Girls, showcasing the band’s range from political commentary to pop sensibility. Paul Humphreys’ move to the forefront for (Forever) Live And Die highlighted his integral role in the duo’s sound, proving that OMD’s magic lies in the synergy between its members.

A highlight of the evening was the trio of songs from the 1981 album Architecture & Morality. Souvenir, Joan of Arc, and Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans) were performed with an ambient and ethereal quality that was almost transcendental, with McCluskey’s vocals shining through with emotive clarity.

The performance of Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans) was particularly striking, an artistic high point of the show that melded music, visuals, and atmosphere into an unforgettable experience. The stagecraft, combined with the band’s performance, created a moment that felt larger than life, a testament to OMD’s enduring ability to captivate and move audiences.

Look at You Now from Bauhaus Staircase proved to be a unifying moment, drawing the entire audience into a collective experience of movement and song, especially coming after the iconic Enola Gay, which had the crowd erupting in a display of spirited dance reminiscent of McCluskey’s own unique style.

Closing with Electricity, their debut single, was a nod to their beginnings and the journey since. This choice reaffirmed OMD’s status as pioneers of synth-pop, a band that has continuously evolved while staying true to their core.

The evening was not just a concert but a celebration of OMD’s legacy and their ongoing evolution. With a performance that spanned the breadth of their career, OMD proved once again that they are not just a band that belongs to the past but one that continues to push boundaries and remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of music.

Supporting act Walt Disco, with their electro/guitar-driven indie pop, provided the perfect preamble to the night, echoing the early ’80s vibe with a modern twist and setting the stage for OMD’s electrifying performance.

OMD’s Bauhaus Staircase tour is a journey through the evolution of synth-pop, a testament to the band’s innovative spirit and their connection with fans across generations. It’s a powerful reminder of the band’s influence on music and culture, and their concert at the M&S Bank Arena was a memorable chapter in their remarkable story.