OMD speak ahead of Southampton Summer Sessions appearance

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It's billed as the summer of hits - and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) have plenty to choose from.

The synth pop pioneers are playing Southampton Summer Sessions tonight (Friday June 19) among a run of outdoor summer shows across the UK and Ireland.

Known for their captivating live show, packed to the brim with hits like Enola Gay, If You Leave, Maid of Orleans and Electricity, the duo are supported by Peter Hook & The Light and Andrew Cushin.

OMD appear at Southampton Summer Sessions on Friday June 19 (Image: Southampton Summer Sessions)

READ MORE: 'A joyous, jubilant night of nostalgia' - Alex James' Britpop Classical at Southampton Summer Sessions reviewed

The night comes before a sold out show for The Modfather himself Paul Weller and straight after a hotly anticipated appearance on stage from California rockers The Beach Boys, a show OMD's Andy McCluskey is hoping to sneak into having once sung Good Vibrations with the band and a full orchestra on stage.

"They have even more hits than us," he laughs via Zoom from his home studio in The Wirral. "The Beach Boys are very cool. I'll be driving down in time for them!

"These summer shows are great fun. It's a very different vibe to playing indoors. I don't know how many times we've played The Guildhall and now we'll be opposite it looking right at it!

"I love the atmosphere of the outdoor shows. We've done Let's Rock in Southampton as well. I think it's because the sun is just going down and we can see all the way to the back. There seems to be a lot more energy, it's a summer festival party, very euphoric."

Last year, the band celebrated four decades since US breakthrough album Crush and Andy and Paul Humphreys are working on new material, an interesting project which Andy describes as 'gothic' and 'funereal'.

He adds: "Our career has been a nearly 40 year rolling accident! Definitely the most fun accident I've ever been involved in. We've known each other since we were seven when Paul arrived at my school and making music in his mum's back room since we were 16.

"Nobody ever wanted to play with us, but somehow it exploded. British synth music was the next big thing and we were pleasantly amazed at what happened next. I'm still suffering imposter syndrome to be honest!"

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