Celebrating 1988 with O.M.D.

Andy McCluskey of O.M.D. performing at the Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

GREEK GATHERED SOLD OUT CROWD FOR BAND’S FINALE OF TOUR

Back in 2015, I listened to about five songs on repeat on my way to my dorm from my job at KFC. They were “Y Control” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Follow” by DIIV, and “"Electricity” by Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark. My parents taught me right, and along with hits like “Enola Gay” and “Tesla Girls,” I was addicted to OMD at a certain time in my life. Now in 2022, I was allowed to shoot them at the Greek and best of all, I got to attend with my dad.

The night started like any other at the Greek, except this was more sold out than anything I’ve ever seen. Having attended high profile shows like Clairo and Beach House just last month, I was completely in awe of all entrances with lines stretching fifty people deep EACH. Luckily I had about an hour before the band came on so I wasn’t really nervous. However, I tried entering through the non-press gate as I have many times before, but this time and only this time, the staff had an issue with it for some reason. Even though the press administrator was no more than ten feet away from where I was standing, the guards had me head all the way around to wait in the press line which also acts as a normal line that had about 30 people in it. At this point, I was lucky to have got in with 15 minutes to spare.

Andy McCluskey of O.M.D. performing at the Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

I received my photo pass and we headed into the pit, where thousands of fans awaited OMD. My dad was in the pit himself, so it was neat to make eye contact at times. I chatted with a fellow photographer, exchanging stories of past coverage and then the lights went out. The fans cried out as an LED screen revealed 1950s vintage Americana ads along with “Atomic Ranch” playing. The intro ceased and the band made their way on stage. Singer Andy McCluskey came all the way to the edge of the stage, demanding engagement. The fans delivered as he stated, “let’s celebrate like its the Rose Bowl in 1988.” Much of the audience may have very well been in attendance, as that reference was to the band’s opening slot for Depeche Mode. Before “Messages” was started, the band also said a few words about lost musician Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode who died this week. It was an endearing tribute one musician gives another, and if any band were to do it, this is the one that would carry the most weight.

There was a high level of energy, with keyboardist and second vocalist Paul Humphreys singing his track like “(Forever) Live and Die” which prompted McCluskey to jump on base and strut from side to side on stage. I was honestly blown away by the amusement and bravado OMD showcased; the crowd was insanely into every minute of the show. They played “So in Love” and ended with fan favorite “Enola Gay” before they said goodnight and thanked everyone.

Andy McCluskey of O.M.D. performing at the Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

Of course the night was far from over, but the curfew of 11 was fast approaching with the show having to end at 10:45PM sharp. OMD came back out to a standing ovation, and McCluskey yelled “FUCKING AMAZING!” He acknowledged how fantastic the crowd was, and the fact that he wanted everyone to come back with them to London along with the LA weather. It was after all the last show of their twice delayed 40th anniversary tour. Arguably the greatest pioneers of electronic music, the band ended strong with Pretty in Pink inclusive track “If You Leave” with stills of the Molly Ringwald flick playing on the screens. This moment made me think of the scene in the film where the song plays, something I watched several times with my late mother.

OMD spoke about how when they were starting their career, no radio station would play their songs, other than World Famous KROQ. They then went into “Secret” before killing it “Electricity” to which McCluskey back on base jumped in tandem with the intro beats. It was honestly a perfect rendition, with everyone asking the audience to maintain the same energy they brought the entire duration of the show until it closed. “Our one source of energy” sang McCluskey as the entire venue sang in correspondence. Afterwards, I met back up with my dad where he met Morrissey guitarist Alain Whyte who was also in the pit enjoying the concert. I’m glad I got to venture back to 1988 to a show my parents would appreciate. Check out the set list here!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!