OMD should need no introduction, but if you’ve somehow been living in an alternative musical universe, here’s a quick catch-up. Formed on Merseyside in 1978, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys aren’t just highly respected figures in synth-pop… they’re pioneers. Across nearly five decades they’ve helped shape electronic music, producing timeless songs that have become part of Britain’s musical DNA.
Like many bands with such longevity, the line-up has evolved over the years, but McCluskey and Humphreys have remained the almost constant heartbeat of OMD. Joining them this evening were long-time collaborators Martin Cooper and Stuart Kershaw, completing a quartet that continues to prove why OMD remain one of the finest live acts around.
Fourteen studio albums, countless hit singles and what feels like a gazillion live performances later, they’re still touring with an energy that would embarrass musicians half their age. Tonight marked the first of two sold-out evenings at Glasgow’s stunning Kelvingrove Bandstand.
Opening proceedings was Newcastle singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin. With an audience already counting down the minutes until OMD appeared, he had the unenviable task of winning over a crowd whose minds were elsewhere. Fortunately, he was more than up for the challenge.
Bounding onto the sun-soaked stage with confidence to spare, Cushin and his band immediately set about making an impression. Having steadily built a loyal following through sheer hard work on the UK circuit, it wasn’t surprising to spot plenty of supporters gathered at the front, several proudly sporting Newcastle United shirts.
Musically, there were unmistakable echoes of Oasis and Paul Weller, but Cushin’s own personality shone through. The amphitheatre was already impressively full for the support act, and this usually a promising sign; the Glasgow audience responded warmly as the opening trio of songs rattled by.
He then stripped things back for a short solo section. Often, this is the point where crowds suddenly remember they need another drink or a trip to the toilets, but not tonight. Instead, the audience stayed engaged, hanging on every word before welcoming his band back for a strong finish. By the end of his set, Cushin had earned a hearty singalong and, more importantly, plenty of new admirers. Keep an eye on him… his journey looks to be heading in only one direction.
As 9pm approached, anticipation reached boiling point. The familiar pre-show buzz became a roar as the stage burst into life with ‘Atomic Ranch’, accompanied by a dazzling display of lights and visuals. OMD have always embraced colour, both musically and visually, and tonight was no exception.
As tradition dictates, Andy McCluskey entered last, immediately soaking up the adoration of the Glasgow crowd. Striding across the front of the stage with fists pumping and trademark enthusiasm, he looked like a man delighted to be exactly where he was. The reception alone felt like a victory before a note had even been played.
An opening pairing of ‘Isotype’ and ‘Messages’ ensured the evening got off to the perfect start. McCluskey has always enjoyed a special relationship with Glasgow, both personally and professionally, and it shows every time OMD performs in the city.
Kelvingrove Bandstand once again demonstrated why it has become one of Scotland’s finest outdoor venues. The sound was crystal clear, with every instrument perfectly balanced, while the lighting complemented rather than overwhelmed the performance. Sometimes quality really does trump sheer volume.
If anyone still needed convincing, ‘Tesla Girls’ quickly removed any lingering doubts. The majority of the audience were on their feet, enthusiastically attempting their own interpretations of Andy McCluskey’s wonderfully unique dance moves. Describing them is almost impossible… angular arms, energetic shuffles and movements that somehow shouldn’t work but absolutely do. One thing’s for certain: every OMD fan should attempt them at least once during the evening, even if only for a laugh.
As the set gathered momentum, hit after hit continued to arrive. McCluskey’s energy remained astonishing throughout, bouncing endlessly across the stage, while Paul Humphreys quietly delivered the musical precision fans have come to expect. Vocally, both remain in excellent form. McCluskey wisely drops the occasional melody down his register rather than stretching for notes that time naturally makes harder to reach, and the songs lose absolutely none of their impact as a result.
The first half of the set was packed with classics that even casual music fans would instantly recognise. Closing this part of the show with the magnificent pairing of ‘Joan of Arc’ and ‘Maid of Orleans’ was nothing short of inspired. These are songs that have transcended generations—epic, emotional and utterly timeless. Even those who couldn’t remember every lyric happily sang along regardless.
A brief pause allowed the crew to rearrange the stage as all four musicians lined up across the front for the beautifully understated ‘Veruschka.’ It offered both the audience and band a welcome moment to catch their breath after the relentless energy of the set so far.
It wasn’t long before the tempo rose once more. The dancing resumed, Andy’s flying limbs returned in full force, and some in the crowd attempted every move with varying degrees of success and dignity.
Via ‘Sailing on the Seven Seas’, ‘So in Love’ and more fan favourites, the band steered effortlessly towards the inevitable arrival of ‘Enola Gay’. Conducted by McCluskey like a maestro leading a choir, the enormous singalong perfectly captured the bond between OMD and their audience. It was one of those spine-tingling moments that simply can’t be manufactured.
Sixteen songs had flown by in what felt like half the time, but there was still enough energy left for one final flourish. Closing with ‘Secret’, ‘Pandora’s Box’ and the electrifying ‘Electricity’ was about as perfect an ending as anyone could have wished for. The final song’s title summed up the charged atmosphere that had steadily built throughout the night before exploding into one glorious finale.
Exhausted but clearly delighted, the band took a thoroughly deserved standing ovation before leaving the stage with the promise of doing it all again the following evening. The crowd lingered for as long as possible, reluctant to accept that it was really over before eventually drifting out into the Glasgow night.
This wasn’t simply another nostalgia trip. It was a reminder of why OMD remains one of Britain’s most enduring and influential bands. The songs still sparkle, the performances remain captivating, and Andy McCluskey continues to be one of the most entertaining frontmen in music.
Perfect synth-driven pop, delivered with heart, humour and boundless energy.
Andy, Paul, Martin and Stuart… thank you.
Review & Photographs by John Brown Photography
