OMD light up historic night in Rochdale with synth-pop classics

Posted by on 11 Aug 2026

Synth-pop icons Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) made history in Rochdale on Friday (7 August) bringing their acclaimed ‘Summer of Hits’ tour to town alongside post-punk legend Peter Hook with his band The Light, and Manchester’s post-punk/funk band, A Certain Ratio.

Despite recording their debut single Electricity in Rochdale in 1979, OMD had never played the town before. That was put right in style in front of a sold-out crowd of over 5,000 as the duo bounced onto stage and delivered an energetic 90-minute career spanning set featuring tracks from the majority of of their studio albums including Joan of Arc, Souvenir, Tesla Girls, Locomotion, Sailing on the Seven Seas and Enola Gay.  Appropriately, their encore ended with Electricity. With a career spanning more than four decades, over 40 million records sold worldwide and 18 top 40 hits, OMD remain one of Britain’s best-loved and influential pop groups.

Peter Hook & The Light, fronted by the Joy Division and New Order co-founder and bassist, also recorded at Cargo Studios, cementing Rochdale’s crucial role in the post-punk and electronic music scene. The band played a selection of iconic tracks from both Joy Division and New Order, opening with Transmission followed by classics including Regret, What do you want from me?, True Faith, Blue Monday and Love Will Tear Us Apart. 

Manchester’s post-punk/funk band A Certain Ratio were first to take to the stage at Rochdale Town Hall Square which was basked in sunshine for the majority of the evening. One of the north’s most spectacular heritage venues, the square was welcoming its biggest attendance since undergoing a multi-million-pound revamp. It was also the first time OMD, Peter Hook and A Certain Ratio had played together since 1979.

Inspiral Carpets’ keyboard player, vocalist and songwriter Clint Boon, DJ’d in between the bands and kept the huge crowd dancing during the historic show.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Friday’s concert was truly something special. Seeing such an unforgettable show was a proud moment for our borough. The atmosphere was incredible, with over five thousand of people coming together to enjoy a fantastic evening of live music. It was a wonderful showcase of Rochdale at its very best and an historic night that everyone who was there will remember for a long time to come.”

Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at organisers Rochdale Development Agency added:  “Seeing thousands of people come together from far and wide to Rochdale Town Hall Square to enjoy such an iconic evening of music was a fantastic celebration and another boost to our town’s ever-growing reputation as a destination for major cultural events. The atmosphere was incredible from start to finish, and we’re delighted that so many residents and visitors shared in such a special evening.”

Staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, the special show was part of ‘Rochdale Music Stories’ - a campaign launched last year as part of the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, to shine a spotlight on Rochdale’s longstanding influence on British music while promoting the next wave of talent.