OMD live in Manila - Concert Review

What a intimate nostalgic night to party!
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark didn't fail to connect to their loyal fans here in Manila last March 12, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 
Attendees I saw were Buwi Meneses, and the rest of Parokya ni Edgar, Mon Castro of Pin up Girls, Gloc 9, Jay Manalo and Julia Clarete. Also the event served as a reunion party for High school and college mates from the 80s or early 90s. I also saw parents with their kids watching the show.
Opening for OMD were local rock electronica duo of Turbo Goth. I was not able to start their set but was able to watch their last two songs. They lived up my expectations being one of the new artists in Manila to watch out for. I already saw them almost 3 years ago and they were able to release new stuff recently. Vocalist Sarah Gaugler, was donning  angel wings vs her black dress.
OMD did the right mix for their set list, including obscure or new songs and of course their top 10 hits in an alternate manner. I was amused that Paul Humphreys can still hit the high notes and actively moves with his bizarre dances on their songs ala "Ian Curtis" style to the amazement of the local crowd. Andy McCluskey still has the smooth singing with him. Even if they are only four, the band was very tight and you can feel the grandness of their performance. Take note that they are touring with the old school line up of Malcolm Holmes (drums) and Martin Cooper (keyboard, sax).
Once they landed the stage, Andy McCluskey demanded for the audience to stand up from their chairs and also ask them not to be afraid to party all night. 
The crowd was of course very active specially when OMD played their top hits: "So In Love", "Forever Live and Die", "Enola Gay", "Tesla Girls", "Dreaming", etc.
Having visuals in their background also helped their performance notably when they performed "If You Leave" which they showed clippings of the movie "Pretty in Pink" with actress Molly Ringwald . Also they showed some cathedral windows for the song "Joan or Arc" and the WWII plane bomber for "Enola Gay". 
It was pure bliss to hear "Souvenir" live. It was the perfect dream pop song I  have ever heard and might have influenced My Bloody Valentine on their Loveless album.
Encore includes the songs "Walkig on the Milky Way (the Hey Hey song)", "Secret" (which they dedicated to a pinay who just gave birth 2 days ago and is not Paul's child) and the first/fastest song they composed,  Electricity.
The show was 1 and 45 minutes and it was worth it. I was expecting songs like Telegraph but anyway they said they will come back. They were apologizing that it kept them 33 years to come here in Manila.
I thought that I was only Dreaming but I was not: It was indeed a magical night for everyone who grew up with 80s music and for all new wavers at heart!
OMD History if Modern 2012 Manila Setlist: 
Dazzle Ships
New Babies, New Toys
Messages
Tesla Girls
Radio Waves
History of Modern, Pt. 1
Forever (Live and Die)
If You Leave
Souvenir
Joan Of Arc
Maid Of Orleans
Statues
Green
Talking Loud and Clear
So In Love
Sister Mary Says
Locomotion
Dreaming
Sailing On The Seven Seas
Enola Gay
Encore:
Walking On The Milky Way
Secret
Electricity
(Special Thanks to Sir Schizo of Happy Box Production for bringing OMD in Manila and for giving me the opportunity to cover the event! :D )

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