In their heyday they were hardly out of the charts. Songs like Enola Gay, Messages and Joan of Arc ensured Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark were Top of the Pops regulars. But by the end of the 1980s the core pairing of Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys had fractured. McCluskey carried on by himself but the popularity of synthesiser groups had waned. Coupled with the fact he'd also become a father, McCluskey knocked OMD on the head. Back together again
 | | OMD in 2007 |
Now, partly because of his children, the original band is back together. It all came about two years ago when he was asked to perform as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark on German television. He 'phoned Paul who agreed to do the show. They had such a good time they decided to re-form. "My kids have been the most vocal supporters of me going back on the road," says Andy McCluskey. "We did a tour in Germany and they saw us play in front of 10,000 people. It was great seeing the delight on their faces as they said 'that's my dad up there'." Respect
 | | OMD on Top of the Pops in 1980 |
There's been a change in the music climate and electronic groups are now being accepted again. Andy says it's pleasing to be held up as being role-models. "It's nice that over the years your career gets reassessed and I'm aware of a lot of people who say we've influenced them." Future plans As well as going on tour OMD are re-releasing their Architecture and Morality album with lots of extras, including bonus tracks and a live DVD.
 | | Architecture and Morality |
In 2008 they've bold plans to work with artist Peter Savile and create a music / video installation in Liverpool called The Energy Suite. They hope to tour this new composition with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the autumn. Back in Nottingham OMD play the Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 21 June 2007. "We've always enjoyed great concerts there," says Andy. "It's a really nice venue and we just can't wait. When we get to Nottingham the show will be predominantly a greatest hits show." | 
