Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 17th, 2013

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Who: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark in the Gobi tent.
In 3 or Fewer Words: When I stayed.
Memorable Because: “And the moral of the story is, do not be afraid of middle-aged men playing synthesizers,” Andy McCluskey said, and you can believe it. There’s nothing more ’80s than hearing  “If You Leave” – the song from the “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack – being played live and watching lead singer-guitarist McCluskey throw down those very ’80s dance moves. Despite playing opposite Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Wu-Tang Clan and the Faint, OMD packed in a great crowd full of fans of all ages. Watching three young skimpy-dressed girls sitting on their beaus’ shoulders during songs like “Enola Gay” and “Messages” says something: These veterans can still show everyone a fun time. In fact, their new 7 1/2-minute single “Metroland” sounded like it could have been released 1986, yet it still sounded better than half the synth-pop bands who were born yesterday.
What I’d Tell My Friends Who Were at the Faint: My new wave band still does new wave better than your band.
– S.L. (Photo by Bronson)