OMD ~ Documentary

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark ~ Souvenir...
A British new wave group formed in 1978, whose founding members, Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphrey's (keyboards, vocals), are originally from Wirral, England.
While steadily eschewing pop star status, the band cultivated a fan base in the United Kingdom from 1978-1980. They gained popularity throughout Europe with the hugely successful 1980 single "Enola Gay", and achieved broader recognition via seminal album Architecture & Morality (1981)[a] and its singles. OMD also garnered acclaim for their experimental recordings, consistently producing music of greater intellectual depth than that of their peers.
Although retrospectively lauded, the sonically challenging Dazzle Ships (1983) eroded European consumer interest during the mid 1980's; Junk Culture (1984) marked a shift toward more pop-oriented song-writing. Concurrently, OMD reached their peak in the United States and had a major hit with 1986's "If You Leave", written for the film Pretty in Pink. Humphrey's departed in 1989 with Martin Cooper (various instruments) and Malcolm Holmes (drums) to form The Listening Pool, leaving McCluskey to lead the outfit;
Sugar Tax (1991) and its initial singles were sizeable hits in Europe. By the mid 1990's, however, synthpop had become unfashionable amid the guitar oriented musical climate, and McCluskey dissolved the band in 1996, months after their last successful single, "Walking on the Milky Way". He founded pop group Atomic Kitten in 1998.
The band reformed in 2006 and began releasing new material in 2009. Their European fan base remained steadfast: History of Modern (2010) became the group's biggest hit on the German chart; English Electric (2013) their largest in the UK since Sugar Tax.
The group have sold over 40 million records. Despite limited mainstream support for their unconventional works, OMD have carved a unique legacy within popular music, being regarded by critics as the synthpop counterpart of The Beatles, and a pioneering and highly influential act.
The Quietus magazine editor John Doran once remarked: "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are not one of the best synth bands ever: they are one of the best bands ever.

[@jeff91266]

My favourite band since the age of 12 and I'm now 54. Musical geniuses.

[@statzuno]

Same here! Same age.

[@adamswitlak1242]

This is how the music documents should be made. Not a single bloody critic, pointles comments, crazy fans. Just lots of fascinating facts, places and moments presented by the band members.

[@liamophronnsias]

To put it another way, no Stuart Maconie or Paul Morley.

[@karendegenerous600]

Adam. 👍 and no camerapersons with obsessions of every camera angle possible. I totally agree - this is fabulous.

[@maskof]

So true. If VH1 produced it, it would have been a shitshow.

[@fluorosco]

Spot on

[@amulpatel]

completely agree.. band members honest and real

[@foxwilliamulder]

This is a beautiful documentary. There is nobody quite like OMD, they have a very, very special place in my heart.

[@statzuno]

Love them. Finally caught them 'live' in Atlanta last April. Along with The Church, XTC, and U2, one of 'my' favourite bands. My bands. Not me mum's, nor my dad's.

[@martyfuller2195]

“Secret” is a gem still today, a gorgeously melodic 80’s synth masterpiece

[@gwensciora8516]

One of my absolute favorites!!

[@margaretalexander2557]

I absolutely love love love OMD I'm starting my own campaign to have them elected into hall of fame!!! Yes they belong there so far ahead of there time, there music just keeps sounding better!!! Not to mention they are totally electricifying live!!!! You definitely get your money worth singing every song!!!!long life to all members to see themselves nominated!!!! I cannot wait.

[@dranderson6071]

OMD are legends yet still alive and relevant to millions

[@Александр-к2я5г]

Souvenir is an absolute masterpiece by Paul Humphreys👏

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

Though the credit on the disc label goes to Martin Cooper.

[@lungafilmz3214]

I'm not of their time, I discovered them this year and i cannot get enough, I love their sound

[@DavidBoura]

Try Camouflage

[@bebereyes5514]

If you can't get enough, see depeche mode

[@briandavis8939]

You missed out in some good Music

[@muesli4597]

Try Blancmange, happy families album. ;)

[@Spendarellaa]

My 1st concert was OMD 1982 Hammersmith Odeon

[@smakusdod]

Folks, this is how you make a documentary. Love the little bits on how the songs were actually crafted. So well done.

[@soundmechanicssd]

This is one of the best band documentaries I've seen. Great insight from the band members on their history. Very enjoyable.

[@peternagy-im4be]

It's funny how bands always have big differences and arguments. Usually over money and royalties at the end of the day. The Smiths for example.

[@pierremartin9048]

Likely like many, and now in my mid 50’s, OMD have and always will be part of myself, musicality speaking. Those wonderful tunes forming lifelong memories, fond ones indeed.

[@myopenmind527]

They were original and their music has lasted the test of time. One of the unforgettable bands of my teenage years.

[@Satansclawps3]

But stole from Kraftwerk so not that original after all.

[@myopenmind527]

@@Satansclawps3 in the same way Gary Numan “stole” from John Fox get was totally original. Isn’t that how music continues to evolve over time. All artist have their influencers and yet go down their own path breaking new ground.

[@melbourneangels]

@@Satansclawps3 No, not the case. Ralph and Florian used to sit in the front row enjoying the music and scaring the shit out of Andy and Paul with their presence. Kraftwerk recognised fellow travellers.

[@quanchaipurananda8951]

Back in the day, I recorded Enola Gay on loop and would listen to it all night til I fell asleep...

[@madcircle1970]

What I love about this band is its connection and influence in early post punk. Most people laugh them off, but they INSPIRED Joy Division, Depeche Mode and so many more. OMD is ICONIC. And I will say, on a few occasions, saved my life through music.

[@mrjasondylan]

One of there first ever gigs was actually opening up for Joy Division who'd been out before them already.

[@BAztid]

OMD inspired New Order, rather than Joy Division. JD were actually quite influential on OMD's second album, 'Organisation' ("Statues" was partly written about Ian Curtis). That said, OMD were hugely influential from the 80s up to the present day. They're finally starting to get the credit they deserved decades ago.

[@del2000]

Grew up in listening to these guys in the 80s during high school, OMD and New Order will always be my favorite bands for all times :)

[@angiepanjie]

OMD was my first concert. Saw New Order too. Good taste you have!

[@scooter9240]

I was a 70’s and 80’s kid, but didn’t discover OMD until the 90’s in my early 20s. Their music evokes a whole different set of memories. In my 50’s and I’ve finally moved from playing piano to playing synths, and now I see how those classic synth sounds came together to form some really fantastic music. Thank you for this documentary. Much appreciated!

[@MrJlrocbar]

Strange, but that was my case as kid in a semi rural town in Mexico

[@0cer0]

"Dazzle Ships" was and is my favorite album by OMD. The irony that it was the beginning of the end…

[@ylimeasil]

I recently discovered this album & I love it

[@toddklempan105]

My favorite as well. I’ve been a fan since their first album. For me, their music between Dazzle Ships and Crush doesn’t measure up to the first four albums. This documentary has given me some insight as to why. Crush was definitely the best of their more popular sound after DS, from start to finish.

[@Columba_Kos]

I agree. Dazzle was a dark masterpiece. It haunted me at the time. Still does, actually. Czechs love it, by the way.

[@0cer0]

@@Columba_Kos Radio Prague

[@Columba_Kos]

@@0cer0 It was literally, music to wake up to. If you fell asleep listening to a radio station in Czechoslovakia, that was the music you would be woken up with, when the station came back on the air.

[@tmlodzik]

I was waiting to see them live on stage 37 years. The Most exciting moment in my live................

[@sarmodelhoscalesouthernafr2801]

The most memorable concert I ever went to was OMD on the beach at Plettenberg Bay, 30th December 1993. Open air, stage in front of us, sea behind us, sand between our toes; Magical.

[@jbfun2007]

I Love You OMD, thank you for your music.

[@Pfukr]

Did they die?

[@MilesThorne]

Fabulous documentary. This band were fantastic in 1980 and still are now.

[@donalmahon]

Such fantastic nostalgia, the music of my early teens and the songs you remember best for the rest of your life. Amazing!

[@KC_Bender]

That was the best documentary I’ve ever seen. I love the ending with what Andy said. Thank you both for being any important part of my life. The 80’s and the bands in them were the soundtrack of my young life. Thank you for the music.. I will never stop dancing to OMD.. I’m 52 now and I’m proud to be an 80’s kid. Xo

[@aspecttv1315]

Thank you! It brings me great pleasure to see that fans are enjoying my documentary after all these years. I have wondered many times whether I should get KZbin to tear down this bootleg of my film but, when I see comments like yours, I decide to leave it be for month or so, maybe! x Rob

[@Mystapitt]

@@aspecttv1315why not put it up officially? It’s amazing. Heck, see if a streaming service wants to host it too

[@karendegenerous600]

This video is beyond brilliant - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is my favourite band of the 🤔 EVER!! Maid of Orleans is my favourite song, it's an absolute dreeeeeam.

[@Rjhs001]

What a lovely, modest couple of guys who made great music at a time when the greatest music was being made...suppose every generation says that!

[@geraldwalsh6489]

Well,i am a late sixties child when music was fab but most eighties music was fab too

[@167Biene]

Souvenir, my fave song of OMD. Loved them.

[@PerAnkh418]

I watched this some years back. Had to watch again. What Andy says at the very end is touching, so true. Absolutely wonderful days, music. Thank you 0MD x

[@brenda0823_]

I am 62 and the 80s are my favorite. Yet I just discovered this band from a movie. Cant wait to hear more!!

[@jamesmason9925]

This documentary is simply fantastic, moving, human and totally enjoyable! :)

[@DavoInMelbourne]

Superb music documentary. What struck me the most was what a lovely sweet guy Paul Humphreys is.

[@katerowe9970]

He is.

[@jamster8173]

love this. so down to earth. honest,appreciative. this is how a band should be. i loved OMD before. im obsessed now. love it 1981 ❤👌

[@johnfalconer5778]

Great music, reminds me of the early 80s and being very young

[@haydoncooper3744]

Great band great documentary.

[@lygiabranco2451]

I grew up listening OMD and never get enough. Love the music, love the voices. Good old days

[@jjimmyrjagger]

Your music and song's helped me through to the 80's and 90's , loved you lot and created so many time slots in my life from been 19 years old and onwards, good or bad , I go back to you boy's, from the last song hearing from you while my bro had cancer helping me and understanding life , thank you so very much.👍

[@joogar]

Absolutely down to earth, hardworking blokes you can totally relate to as a musician, while at the same time being pioneers and inovators of their art, and complete legends in their own time. My hat is off to you both, an inspiration to all that will last into eternity🤗

[@karaoke256]

I just love how down to earth, self critical and funny Andy and Paul are!

[@antebellum45]

What a well done, low key, real life, real human documentary! Give the artists the time and the place to talk, and watch a human connection being made! Thank you!

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

Just saw that they're coming to my neck of the woods in August 2022. I will be there!!

[@esiv]

They are SO good live. You won't regret it! Their energy is infectious and palpable!

[@davidthompson2591]

Saw them at Leeds on Saturday night just gone, at Leeds First Direct Arena ...absolutely amazing, it's still ringing in my ears now 👏 👏👏

[@WarrenCromartie2]

The first album I ever brought with my pocket money, aged 12, was Architecture & Morality, when it came out in 81. Haunted by the single Souvenir, I've been hooked on that album ever since. I also love Organization. Enola Gay was the first OMD song I heard, at the school disco! Forever a classic.

[@wallacelovecraft8942]

Very good documentary. Thanks.

[@MrSchmolko]

who gave the 18 thumbs down? these guys are so incredibly down to earth and i'm so happy for their success. they werent musicians but artists, punks, cause that's what punk is about and andy's melancholic voice is just otherworldly.

[@jasongoodacre]

Through it all these guys stayed good mates. They clearly enjoy preforming together and having fun.

[@janethayes5941]

I can hardly watch great docs like this. It makes me miss the 80's way too much.

[@ogdjjohnnyflashback]

This is a very epic documentary thanks for the share

[@stevefricker7005]

It is watching this that has reminded me just how good this band was.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

This is at least my third re-visit to this, I find Andy McLusky so engaging and funny ...and LOVE OMD.

[@kristhompson8112]

Oh when you look around the room, there is so much more gray hair showing , and life experience oozing out of all that where there. So glad OMD makes up the fabric of my life story as I was there and it is a part of who I was and are today. Kris frm NZ

[@hankman1023]

Very nicely done documentary. This two are really nice and down to earth kind of artists-love them!

[@joanofarcxxi]

Omg, Souvenir *is* Paul. He sings it beautifully as well, it's perfect. I loved it at the very first note, I love the softness of his voice and the emotion in the melody. OMD were a huge part of the soundtrack of my girlhood. They were so different as a band, but also as persons, yet they complement each other phenomenally music wise. Good documentary, thank you for uploading.

[@sashazxtt]

what a fantastic bloke Paul is! I could listen to him for hours :)

[@katerowe9970]

I could as well.

[@NapFloridian]

OMD, one of the best bands of all times. These guys marked my 80s for me, together with Kraftwerk, Joy Division.... Thank you guys

[@jackins2000]

I know OMD all My life only from 3 singles. In 2023 I'm discovering the band completly and this documentary, the reunion, is the best way to incorporate it in the discovery of Bunker soldiers. ;)

[@sonicyouth33]

Saw OMD and Thompson Twins in Hamilton, Ontario at Copps Colliseum in December 1986. My first concert ever. Incredible times.

[@javigomez1697]

I saw both of them in Las Vegas in 1986 too, though I can't remember the month

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Great band and very down to earth. One of Britain's finest electro bands that wrote perfect pop songs that will live on and on. Great to see them rehearsing at around 45:00, and Paul playing a Korg M1. I have one of those synths and it still looks and sounds great for a 1988 keyboard.

[@PoohBearsReasonChannel]

It was Korg T3.

[@georgetempest9627]

Synth or keyboard? Make your mind up please...

[@ToyotaNutjob]

Opposite of down to earth

[@hawkeyefire6208]

I watched them at Eric’s, also the first time they played the Royal Court in Liverpool or was it the Empire. Many many years later I did a job for a friend and he thanked me with a ticket for OMD at the arena in the Albert Dock area. This band blew me away from start to finish. Absolutely wonderful to watch. I think I shed a tear when they played Messages. Brilliant documentary. All the best chaps.

[@richardcoffeygeneral]

I love Souvenir to bits : it gets me really emotional 😊

[@KarlPlesz]

Perhaps it's ironic that I was introduced to OMD by Brit Army Signallers while I, a Canadian Army Signaller was visiting a Brit camp in Verden, Germany in 1982. The lads played for me, among other electronic acts I had not yet heard of, OMD's latest album Architecture & Morality and I was hooked. I took that inspiration back home and showed them off to all my friends. I loved them then and I still love them today.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

Watching them play at 45:00 and seeing how easily they got back into the grove of playing like riding a bike. They sounded awesome and dare I say they have improveď nicely live. God bless the band...my high school years Sountracks were JOURNEY, RUSH, DEPECH MODE, OMD, THE CURE, SMITHS...i hear various songs and BAM Im back there. OMDs pretty in pink music especially good memories.

[@limerent72]

I love this documentary. I love OMD's songs. And now I know and love their story. I'm happy they performed together again...

[@Hvitserk67]

Fantastic. I love these early synth bands and tunes whether it's Kraftwerk, Ultravox, OMD, Human League etc. They were nerds, innovators and genuinely interested in what they were doing. It was a different time in most areas (and especially technological), but human warmth still shines through despite the otherwise basically synthetic and relatively cold music. I think the context and focus was different at the time and that this makes a big difference when listening to these bands today. The Cold War was imminent and defined the mindset and everything imagined. Hopelessness became an opportunity and this was shown in, among other things, romantic synth music.

[@carolinehoward180]

I felt really emotional through most of this. Brought back loads of memories of how much I loved and was influenced by OMD - especially as a fellow scouser. I remember taping Souvenir from the top 40 when it came into the charts. I’m so pleased this massive collaboration happened for them and this got uploaded. 🖤

[@PaulButtrill]

An excellent documentary. It's amazing that all the great bands and songwriters started with nothing and taught themselves.... look at the history of it all.

[@zochbuppet448]

+Paul Buttrill The influence of punk and the amount and different genres it influenced and created...its mind blowing and still unaccounted for. The amount of people who never made music but just picked up instruments, and just experimented or made stuff up and ended up on the charts, created never existed genres/new music and becoming stars/or became note worthy is staggering

[@johnhattersley2138]

We love you........ Thank you boys, for some great memories! Your honesty is incredible, your talent is immeasurable, your talent is gratefully accepted! You are immense!!!

[@amulpatel]

this video is a treasure for those of us that grew up with these sounds

[@mariaesthersaldanamartinez9236]

Thank’s to this music, I made the peace with my past.💖

[@Reelin_In_The_Years]

Was lucky enough to be one of the "100" at that Birmingham rehearsal gig. (Also one of the people interviewed, which was cracking !). Never imagined, another 15 years later, that the gigs would still be coming. Great band and every bit as affable as they appear in this doc. Thanks Andy, Paul, Mal, Mart.

[@JuergenGDB]

Souvenir and If you leave are my two favorites. So many more but they both bring back so many memories.

[@ElinT13]

OMD always have been one of my favorite bands - thanks for this great documentary! Love it!

[@And242]

One of the best bands ever! Great documentary!

[@jenniferfaiz5393]

Looking forward to seeing OMD for the first time Live in November of this year. They were a part of the soundtrack of my 20s during the mid-1980s. It will be great to see them out here in California

[@Pablovo66]

I’d love to meet these guys. I’ve loved Omd since the start.

[@danzesociety]

Many moons ago. OMD had a recording studio called The Gramophone Suite. It was across the way from the famous record shop 'Probe Records'. I was about 16 and wanted to get into the music business on the tech side. Andy McCluskey invited me to their studio one Sunday. Still have the letter off him. Memories 😊 They talk about The Gramophone Suite control room. If I remember they had a cheque in a frame on the wall.

[@herbweichmann803]

An incredible influential band that still to this day I listen to daily.

[@kimgrey9454]

God, I miss OMD! Great documentary!

[@user-wf4sy1wb5t]

I grew up with their Sound. I really Made my world. Still Love it

[@AprilFoolsRock]

Great spirit, great guys, great music! Thanks OMD.

[@LordoftheBadgers]

there's the moment near the end, when the crowd are going crazy; and i thought, yeah that's it. that's what it's really all about. Miss it as a performer myself; found myself living vicariously through them... made me think of all the great things about being in a band, the friendship, the creativity, the gigs. Then it mixed with all the memories as a kid of the A&M period.... being in a hotel/pub in St Germans in Cornwall when A&M was out first; on a dukebox asking me dad if I could get a play of Souvenir... him thinking it was a real orchestra by the band name... easy sell.. all that combined to thinking about what OMD went through realising what they mean to people. Room went everso dusty at that point ❤️

[@kpc5]

I have just gone sixty this year and OMD was a very big part of my Yoof music and now in my later years, i have a jukebox in my living room with the orignal 45's that i bought in the 80's of OMD and a lot of electronic bands from the 80's, it's amazing that i am old now but i am still 20 in the head sometimes, lol.

[@MissPerriwinkle]

fab tunes they had......love !!!!! omg enola gay gives me chills of JOY

[@dagmarpeuckert6579]

Ich Liebe OMD über alles thank you for all yours songs😍😍😍😍😍😜😜😜😜

[@ritahorvath8207]

Such a joy to watch long takes, listen to longer statements etc. Not this unbearable cut cut cut bullshit we have to usually watch these days. ❤

[@40ny]

I was never a true fan as such, as I never bought their albums , but they were part of the soundtrack of my life in the early 80s and I liked their singles always. In particular, I thought "Electricity" was magnificent, both the song itself and the video...so evocative of Kraftwerk, of course, and a fitting tribute. This was a superb documentary and I learned a lot and gained a new appreciation for what they achieved and what was going on in the background. And though they used to be described as a bit pompous at times, the self-deprecating sense of humour they display was lovely to see. It's a documentary I'll certainly watch again. And to all those OMD fans, a big thumbs up to you all. You have good taste in music and in people!

[@Ncfc1970]

Just finished watching this and really enjoyed it immensely. Grew up listening to them as my Sister was a massive fan and got me listening also. Sadly she died last year and this year (hopefully) going to see them in Hull as my tribute to her.

[@nevermore3928]

I love so much that you danced so much, all of your music always felt so amazing emotionally, really made you want to move in some form or another. I love your early experimental works. Thank you OMD.

[@gimmietheprize]

Thank so much for uploading this as the full documentary! Great viewing!!

[@awahl5099]

Late to the show in seeing this, but all I can say (similar to my experiences in seeing them live) is this was a phenomenal documentary. I had the opportunity to see them in a small venue in 18, only in hindsight to realize how lucky I was! The insights from this piece definitely provide a lovely layer of backstory that adds to their continued legitimacy as artists, albeit catering to us forward thinking, but now graying fans 😆

[@80sfreak42]

Thank you for this gem....made my friday night...the history of OMD is something I've always appreciated..and always will....

[@starman2841]

The band that were playing the night Keith Moon died were The Specials (Too Much Too Young) Elvis Costello later produced their first album.

[@richardrickford3028]

Still really known for souvenir and their Joan of Arc songs. But if you take their recent album the punishment of luxury "As we open so we close" and "Ghost Star" still prove they can write songs that make you want to burst into tears. I think McClusky has one of the most emotional voices in the business and it works really really well.

[@robertscargill268]

Utterly brilliant! A whole new insight into the early lives of Paul and Andy, and those great songs. A top, top documentary.

[@davidhoogendyke2774]

Still just a couple of kids at heart....wonderful doc, I learned so much about the evolution of the technology and the music. Thanks for sharing this and bringing back so many memories of some of the music that shaped me. A tastefully done, thoughtful film.

[@seanpkelly1]

BEAUTIFUL. THE SOUND BROUGHT ME BACK TO MY YOUTH AND GOT ME DANCING.

[@debraodonnell3439]

Adore OMD especially live and let die

[@sergrod1]

Beautiful

[@tajtandoori9076]

Paul has a lovely smile he seems very nice

[@LFOVCF]

OMG OMD You have answered a conundrum I have puzzled over for for over 30 years. So you twisted the octave dial one the Korg to get that sequence 40:06 There's me trying to synchronise playing the keys, with the repeat function, and wondering how I could never keep it in sync, no matter how hard I tried!! BEST OMD DOCUMENTARY EVER! Loved hearing the soloed tracks!

[@sammckelvey1881]

I’ve loved OMD ever since an X Boyfriend introduced them into my life way way back in Hammersmith when they 1st started. Paul and Andy - thank you ❤

[@steveyoung5920]

Absolute brilliant, two guys....not knowing what the future of life would hold....it held amazing things for them, I will keep playing my keyboard and hoping for the best...., OMD are my Kraftwerk!!!