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July 2, 2025

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Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark made their long awaited return to Northeastern Ohio after a nine year absence.  

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OMD consisting of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys along with Martin Cooper and Stuart Kershaw made up for lost time by performing a very energetic, and fun set of synth-pop tunes for nearly two hours at The House of Blues.

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McCluskey was all over the stage, singing, dancing, occasionally playing bass and doing his best David Byrne impression (he chopped his right hand down his left arm.)  While the other members basically remained stationary behind their keyboards and drums.  Except for the one number, "(Forever) Live and Die" where Humphreys came out front to sing that song, which got a huge response from the sold-out crowd.

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Not to be outdone, McCluskey took over the center stage spotlight and belted out a note perfect rendition of "If You Leave" from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack. 

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Many other hits were played during their twenty-one song set including "Pandora's Box," "So In Love," "Dreaming" and the set closing "Enola Gay."

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The band returned to encore with "Look At You," "Secret" and "Electricity."

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Let's hope the band doesn't take nine years to make a return visit to the North Coast.

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Newcomers, Walt Disco opened up the show with an uneven seven song set.  They opened the show with a very slow song that just plotted along.  Things seemed to pick up in the middle of the set, but then they closed their set with another slower paced song. 

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Review and pictures by Greg Drugan

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