YES 1986

Review of OMD at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 1st November 1986

Well, here it is; the morning after the concert before. I left last night’s performance physically drained but mentally and spiritually high. Can OMD get any better? It is a question which must be posed. After being a fan for 6 years, even I was amazed by the stunning success of their latest visit to Nottingham. There was a balance to their set which would leave many bands standing – the big hits, near misses, old favourites, new offerings, foot tappers and slow burners all played with enthusiasm and conviction. The capacity audience clearly thought OMD could do no wrong; indeed by the beginning of the second number everyone was on their feet and dancing. The atmosphere built and built until it got to a stage where they could have played The Birdie Song and still have brought the house down!

So, what of the songs that moved more feet in one night than Adidas trainers do in a year (well, it felt that way!)? The outstanding highlight of the night just had to be Maid of Orleans, which was greeted by rapturous applause when the strains of the opening chords were heard. After a rousing version of what must be one of their best ever songs, during which Malcolm Holmes proved his worth as a drummer, the applause went on for several minutes. Andy McCluskey, who had claimed to be knackered after just 3 songs, sank to the floor and waited for silence before proceeding to cries of “Joan of Arc!” The sacred lady failed to appear but no matter – in the event she wasn’t missed. Several songs from new album The Pacific Age were aired including Shame, We Love You, Stay and (Forever) Live and Die with vocals by Paul Humphreys. They were all very well received and it’s likely the latter will become a live favourite in years to come.

After being let down by the friend who should have accompanied me last night I was a little apprehensive of attending alone. I needn’t have worried as the music was a better companion than my erstwhile friend could ever have been! OMD’s music lifted me up and filled me with a sense of joy and all I can say is “Thank you and here’s to the next time!”

Shelley Jackson