Synth-Pop Pioneers OMD Announce Landmark Homecoming Show at Rochdale Town Hall Square
ROCHDALE – In a poetic return to their musical roots, synth-pop legends Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) have announced a massive headline show at Rochdale Town Hall Square for next summer. Scheduled for Friday, 7 August 2026, the concert marks a historic homecoming for a band whose journey began in the very heart of the town.
A Full-Circle Moment
Before they were global icons with 40 million records sold, OMD were a pioneering duo recording their debut single, "Electricity," at Rochdale’s famed Cargo Studios in 1979. Now, forty-seven years later, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys bring their acclaimed ‘Summer of Hits’ tour back to the town that helped shape the electronic landscape of the 1980s.
The event is set against the backdrop of the recently restored Rochdale Town Hall Square, a spectacular heritage venue that has undergone a multi-million-pound revamp.
A Powerhouse Lineup
The evening promises a masterclass in post-punk and electronic history. Joining OMD are Peter Hook & The Light, fronted by the Joy Division and New Order co-founder. Like OMD, Hook recorded seminal tracks at Cargo Studios, cementing the town's crucial role in British music history. Opening the night will be A Certain Ratio, the Factory Records alumni and "punk-funk" innovators who also share deep ties to Rochdale’s recording legacy.
Celebrating Rochdale’s Musical DNA
Staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, the concert is a cornerstone of the ‘Rochdale Music Stories’ campaign. This initiative, launched during the town’s tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, celebrates Rochdale’s influence on the national music scene while inspiring new talent.
“We’re so excited to welcome these trailblazing bands,” said Councillor Sue Smith. “Our beautifully restored town hall square is a fabulous location, and this concert will be a wonderful showcase for the town.”
With a setlist expected to include timeless hits like Enola Gay, Souvenir, and Maid of Orleans, the night promises a high-energy celebration of synth-driven brilliance.
Buy tickets for OMD at Dreamland below.
