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Stops by for Two Nights
at House of Blues Anaheim
November 12th, 2025 Review by Traci Turner
Synthpop pioneers – and two of the most fantastic personalities on Earth – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) made a brief stop in Anaheim this week, spending two nights at the House of Blues. Earlier this year they gave the US a lot of attention, thanks to Cruel World and their Bauhaus Staircase North American tour. But just before heading off to Mexico to play a couple of shows, they decided to visit the OC.
Even after more than 40 years as a band, the English duo of Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys put on a show that would tire out artists who are decades younger. Their incredible catalogue, paired with the witty banter – mostly McCluskey’s charismatic humor directed at Humphreys’ calm demeanor – OMD never disappoints in their live shows. McCluskey and Humphreys, joined by Martin Cooper and Stuart Kershaw, gave us the classic hits, some deep cuts, and a few tracks from their latest album, 2023’s “Bauhaus Staircase.”
To warm up the crowd was local outfit, Midway. “Outfit” is actually a perfect term for them as they were one of the most fashionable bands I have seen in a while. I mean, one guy had on a top hat and the frontman tossed roses out to the audience! But the debonair singer had more to offer than just flowers and a dapper suit. Daniel Valoff was an engaging personality, and his vocals delivered a Morrissey quality that worked perfectly with the band’s Depeche-Cure-synth sound.
David Johnson (guitar), Bradley Johnson (upright bass and wearer of said top hat), Elizabeth Bird (keyboardist and owner of cutest tights ever), and Jason Wise (drums) were a wonderful compliment to Valoff.
After introducing a song with, “We have another song that goes 100% like this,” Valoff launched into a track that made me think, “He sounds like Morrissey!” Afterward, someone said to me, “He sounds like Morrissey!” Oddly enough, they then played “This Charming Man” from The Smiths, so I guess they know what’s up. Their delightful set also included Valoff jumping off stage and spending time in the audience during their song “Losing Control.”
Once it was time for the headliners, the crowd’s anticipation escalated. As each member of the band walked onto the stage, the applause began, growing into thunderous applause for Humphreys and then McCluskey. Then the dancing began.
After kicking off with “Isotype,” McCluskey blew a kiss to the crowd, signed someone’s OMD record, cracking jokes about its value with or without Humphreys’ signature, then grabbed his bass. He greeted us with, “It is great to be back in Orange County. Hope you brought your dancing shoes!”
“Messages” was followed by “Tesla Girls,” and the crowd went ballistic. It became a loud singalong, ending with thunderous applause. Introducing “Kleptocracy,” McCluskey said they were not going to get political tonight, but “Google the lyrics” for this one.
Introducing “History of Modern (Part I),” McCluskey instructed us, “If you have seen us before, you know what you have to do – you have to jump.” The sold-old crowd was happy to oblige and the HOB floor was shaking along with the music.
Continuing to tease his bandmate, McCluskey introduced Humphreys to sing “(Forever) Live and Die” with his angelic voice, then took back over for the next song (“a song from a movie”), “If You Leave.” To be perfectly honest, many singers cannot perform some songs as well as they did in their youth, but McCluskey is not one of them; he held that note at the end beautifully.
After “She’s Leaving,” McCluskey stated, “We don’t play that for you very often.” He smiled and joked, “It’s Stuart’s favorite song, but the rest of the band is not fond of it.”
Humphreys was up front once again for “Souvenir,” then it was time for McCluskey to show off his signature dance moves – chest slapping, arm thumping – during the pair of Joan songs (“Joan of Arc” and “Joan of Arc/Maid of Orleans”). The two songs were definite crowd pleasers and received hearty applause and whistles.
All four band members came to the front of the stage for the performance of “Veruschka,” after which McCluskey declared, “Friday was the best day; it was OMD day in Los Angeles.” Indeed, on November 7th, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez presented the band with the honor. She stated, “They are the band that helped shape a generation… OMD’s music has truly stood the test of time and continues to have a lasting influence on fans and artists alike.” Accurate.
But back to the stage, McCluskey continued on with the show and said, “We don’t play this often, do we?” as the intro to “Talking Loud and Clear.” The song’s synthy intro was the perfect pace for the audience’s overhead arm waving that McCluskey encouraged.
While the crowd was into every song – especially the dude behind me who screamed “O! M! D!” at every possible moment – the next few truly had the party going. “So in Love” once again the floor shaking thanks to the jumping audience.
Martin Cooper’s sax skills were a highlight on this one, and I also wondered just how many calories McCluskey burns each performance as he never stands still. He showcased his dance moves again on “Dreaming,” then ribbed Humphreys some more before “Locomotion” and “Sailing on the Seven Seas.” Stuart Kershaw was able to show off his drum skills during “Seas” and it was another loud singalong.
A show highlight was “Enola Gay” as it is impossible to be in a foul mood during this song. While so many of OMD’s lyrics comment on politics and delve into deep subjects, the bounciness of the melody can make listeners forget all the ugliness in the world for a bit. And really, that’s what this night was – a wonderful party of music lovers, dancing and singing together, forgetting the real world for a bit.
The end of “Enola Gay” had thunderous applause of course, and the gents made a big show of saying goodbye and hugging each other, but they returned for an encore with “Look at You Now,” “Secret” sung by Humphreys, and the perfect closer, “Electricity.” Alas, it was time to say goodbye for real.
Having seen the band in Atlanta and Anaheim this year, I can confirm they always put on a phenomenal show. But… this Anaheim show was something extra special. Southern California loves OMD like no other area, and the guys seem to feel that.
OCMN spoke with Humphreys before the show about their connection to SoCal and their future. We will bring that interview to you very soon. For now, I must get back to dancing.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
TO FOLLOW
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK
SID 251112 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR
